Apprenticing the Nations: A Call to Shalom-Making
When reflecting on familiar biblical passages like Matthew 28:19 or Acts 14:21, I've long wrestled with subtle yet profound implications of translation choices. In particular, I've been considering the Greek verb μαθητεύω (matheteuo), often translated into English as "make disciples."
Common English translations such as "make disciples of all nations" shift the focus onto measurable outcomes—how many disciples have been successfully "made." This interpretation, however, places the evaluation of faithfulness and obedience on the actions and decisions of others, which are ultimately beyond our control. Success, then, becomes dependent on external results.
In Greek, μαθητεύω is a transitive verb, meaning it directly takes an object—someone or something is discipled or apprenticed. In English, transitive verbs also require a direct object (e.g., "I teach students" rather than simply "I teach"). However, we rarely use "disciple" or "apprentice" transitively in English. Thus, translators insert "make" to accommodate English grammar, unintentionally altering the original emphasis. A more accurate and literal rendering like "apprentice all nations" emphasizes intentional, faithful action rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Consider two translations:
"Make apprentices of all nations."
"Apprentice all nations."
The first translation suggests success or faithful obedience is measured by the number of apprentices created—an outcome ultimately beyond our control. It subtly carries connotations of colonialism or imperialism, implying success occurs only when others become like us. The second translation emphasizes faithful, relational, and holistic actions—something ethically preferable and fully within our control.
This shift aligns closely with moving from traditional "missions" to "shalom-making." Shalom, a Hebrew term often translated as "peace," carries deeper meanings of harmony, justice, wholeness, and holistic flourishing. Participating in the missio Dei becomes less about numerical conversions and more about embodying the comprehensive peace, justice, and reconciliation demonstrated by Jesus himself. Jesus apprenticed the nations through everyday interactions: engaging the woman at the well, teaching in the temple and in synagogues, sharing truths through parables, healing the sick, restoring sight, and revealing God's Kingdom as a present reality—on earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus notably prioritized faithful presence, genuine relationship, and tangible expressions of shalom over measurable outcomes. He often shared challenging teachings precisely when crowds were largest, unafraid of inevitable departures.
This understanding also carries political implications. Authentic apprenticeship in the way of Jesus—rooted in shalom—cannot coexist with support for policies or actions that demonize, marginalize, or harm others. To apprentice nations holistically means advocating peace, justice, and human flourishing. Some critics may argue that shifting away from measurable results weakens accountability or practical clarity. Yet, it's precisely our commitment to authenticity and ethical consistency that grounds our engagement deeply in Jesus's example. Ultimately, we must ask ourselves: Do we care more about modern business practices emphasizing numerical success or faithfully following Jesus even when it defies contemporary practicality?
Thus, apprenticing nations fundamentally means faithfully participating in God's holistic work of shalom-making, reflecting Jesus’s ministry of peace, restoration, and transformative relationships. Success, in this paradigm, is measured not by counting converts but by our committed and authentic engagement in nurturing God's shalom in the world.
Disclaimer: While the ideas and reflections shared here are my own, I utilized AI to help articulate them clearly and coherently.
This blog was originally posted at https://substack.com/home/post/p-159463620
Michael “Dougle” McDougle and his wife Lucy are from the United States but live in Lithuania, where he teaches Conflict Studies and English courses. Dougle is a certified conflict mediator and is interested in the intersection of peace studies, theology, and culture. Learn more about Dougle here.
