Featured “As you go” or “Go”

In each case, the actual imperative follows the participle. The indication is that the action of the participle has already commenced. Thus, with the aorist participle, "Having gone, make disciples" (which basically implies that you have at least begun to go, thus the reason why some might want to render it "As you go).

I would prefer to retain the more literal participial nature of the word, which is why I prefer" Having gone".

 

Ben Merkle dedicates an entire chapter to this issue in his book on "exegetical gems". His conclusion is that πορευθέντες is to maintain imperative force ( though it is not an imperative) just like the vast majority of English translations have done.

I am of the mind set that we may be giving too much attention to πορευθέντες here. Matthew/Jesus are emphasizing disciple making. "All nations" certainly suggests a global outreach and Acts 1:8 supports this as well. Acts 1:8 as supports "local missions" well. Whatever your vocation in life is....make disciples. We are all going somewhere....the church needs to go everywhere....if we are of an evangelistic mind set, the "Go" will not be an issue, whether it is "as we go" or if it is to "go".

But if push comes to shove and I have to choose....Merkle's argument and the points above seem too hard to overcome to translate πορευθέντες as "as you go".

I will take a screen shot of Merkle's arguments tomorrow.


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If we are to take a "time" significance from the Aorist, it need only be that the "Go" must happen before making disciples. It no way demands the "go" has already begun.(In fact they are told not "go" yet until the Holy Spirit arrives in Acts 1:4) If it was present tense or imperfect, than "as you go" would make more sense.

Regardless participles should been given aspect priority(perfective), and the focus would be on after you "go", make disciples. The action "go" would be viewed as having been completed before one makes disciples.

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18 And having come near, Jesus spake to them, saying, `Given to me was all authority in heaven and on earth;
19 having gone, then, disciple all the nations, (baptizing them -- to the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all, whatever I did command you,) and lo, I am with you all the days -- till the full end of the age.` Mt 28 YLT

 

Chapter 22 of Benjamin Merkle's "Exegextical Gems from Biblical Greek" deals with the issue. The chapter is a summary of an earlier essay he wrote. Instead of taking pics of the chapter....which might violate a copy write, I have decided to post his full essay, which he has made public for all to download. View attachment STR+Issue+9.2_Merkle.pdf

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Referring to the OP, yes I have heard sermons where "as you go" you need to engage in ministry. Now whether the grammar of this verse is better translated with one of the options presented I will leave that to others, but the truth (perhaps or perhaps not presented in our verse) seems well supported in scripture. As we live our lives, we are to make use of every opportunity to present God's truth.

 

Typical Merkle style. He trys to present the best of the opposing argument in a positive light. His style often reminds me of Grudem.

He does also quote Wallace later..... “There is no good grammatical ground for giving the participle a mere temporal idea. To turn
[πορευθέντες] into an adverbial [temporal] participle is to turn the Great
Commission into the Great Suggestion!”

*You are welcome for the Essay. This is a good topic and thread as been very productive and cordial on both sides so far.

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Interesting. Looking back at it, do you feel that "ethnicity" is too localized for the verse? It could be taken as just all ethnic groups in the area.

Would you still translate the phrase the same way?

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Sorry to be a wet blanket, but "Go" is actually from πορευομαι, which is a deponent, and therefore cannot be passive. At any rate, unless you are a '60's hippy ("That's real gone, man."), you can't in a passive sense "be gone by somebody."

 

When the main verb is imperative (as in "make disciples," μαθητευσατε), the accompanying participle (πορευθεντς) should be taken as having imperatival force. At least that's my view and I'm sticking to it.

 

Got it. I guess I think more grammatically than most, which can be boring.

 

Like man, I'm down with that. It's cool. All is peace and love. ✌️