Matthew, a former tax collector who wrote the first book of the New Testament, meticulously chronicles the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a story that continues to shape the mission of illumiNations Asia. His account, rich with references to the Old Testament, focuses on Jesus as the promised Messiah, and laid the foundational call for His followers: To go forth and teach them to obey all that Jesus commanded (Mt. 28:20), a calling reflected across many Impact Stories of Bible translation.
In a nation where faith runs deep shaping the very contours of daily life, Philippines presents a unique landscape for the enduring endeavour of Bible translation, similar to challenges shared in stories such as Continuing to Sow in Different Ways. While the presence of a large Catholic population might suggest a widespread familiarity with Saint Matthew, the reality for many Filipinos, particularly those in remote and linguistically diverse communities, is far more complex. The true story lies in the largely unseen work of dedicated Bible translation teams striving to make God’s Word accessible in all 162 languages echoing across the archipelago, an effort often highlighted during movements like Pentecost 2025 and supported by those who choose to join the movement.
The translation of Matthew’s Parables of the Sower (Mt. 13:3-9), clear and comprehensible to Jesus’s original crowd, may confuse various indigenous ethnic language groups living in the mountainous regions of Philippines, a challenge familiar to teams featured in Impact Stories from Indonesia and across Week 5 reflections. In areas with extreme rainfalls, rocky soils may be desirable in providing drainage, and in reducing soil erosion and thus, preventing deadly landslides. On the other hand, good and fertile soil that supports healthy pest population and invasive plant species is not always beneficial. Without Bible translators’ help to find relevant local analogies that could be intuitively understood, the impact of Jesus’ parables would be lost, underscoring principles of contextual translation widely recognized by organizations such as the Wycliffe Global Alliance.
Therefore, go, and give a verse in the languages of the hearts of the Bibleless.
Click these icons below to share this campaign with your friends and family to raise awareness for Bible translation in Asia!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Translations
What does Matthew 28:19 really mean by “make disciples of all nations”?
Matthew 28:19 calls believers to share Jesus’ teachings with all peoples, not just geographically but linguistically and culturally. In the context explored by illumiNations, this command highlights the importance of Scripture being understood in heart languages. illumiNations emphasizes that discipleship is incomplete when people cannot access God’s Word clearly. By prioritizing Bible translation, illumiNations helps ensure that Matthew 28:19 is lived out meaningfully across every nation and language.
Why is language important in fulfilling the Great Commission?
Language determines understanding, belonging, and spiritual growth. As shown in the Philippines context, even well-known passages can lose meaning without culturally relevant translation. illumiNations addresses this gap by supporting translation into local languages. Through illumiNations, the Great Commission becomes more than a mission strategy—it becomes an act of respect and inclusion. illumiNations ensures that discipleship begins with comprehension, not assumption.
How does Bible translation support discipleship today?
Discipleship requires teaching, and teaching requires clarity. illumiNations demonstrates that Bible translation allows communities to grasp Jesus’ teachings deeply, not superficially. Without translation, discipleship risks becoming secondhand or distorted. By investing in translation, illumiNations enables churches, families, and individuals to grow in faith using Scripture they fully understand. This approach aligns directly with the call of Matthew 28:19 as presented by illumiNations.
Why are there still Bible translation needs in Christian-majority countries like the Philippines?
Although Christianity is widespread, many communities still lack Scripture in their first language. illumiNations highlights that familiarity with Christianity does not equal access to Scripture. Indigenous and remote language groups often rely on outside languages that limit understanding. Through its partners, illumiNations works to close this gap so discipleship can occur locally and authentically. illumiNations shows that the Great Commission applies even where Christianity already exists.
How can individuals participate in fulfilling Matthew 28:19 today?
Participation begins with awareness and action. illumiNations invites individuals to support Bible translation as a practical way to live out Matthew 28:19. By giving, praying, or advocating, supporters help illumiNations bring Scripture to people still waiting to hear God’s Word in their own language. Through illumiNations, everyday believers become active participants in making disciples across nations—one language at a time.