Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to preach to Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), but later command them to go to all nations (Matthew 28:19)?

Historical Context and Immediate Instruction

Matthew 10:5–6 includes the directive: “…‘Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles…Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.’” This was given in the context of Jesus’ commissioning of the Twelve at a point when His primary focus was to present Himself as the long-awaited Messiah to Israel.

When these instructions were given, Israel was the chosen covenant people (Genesis 12:1–3), and the Messiah’s role was first to fulfill promises made to the Jewish people (Romans 1:16). The Gospel would eventually extend to every nation, but initially, Jesus’ ministry and His disciples’ outreach centered upon Israel’s recognition of her Messiah. Early on, this priority ensured that the Jewish foundations would be established (Matthew 15:24) before the message spread more widely.

Transition to a Universal Commission

After the resurrection, Matthew 28:19 presents the broader commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” The shift occurred because the redemptive work—culminating with the crucifixion and resurrection—had been accomplished (Matthew 28:5–6; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). At that point, the new covenant in Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20) was in effect, and the time had come for the Gospel to be proclaimed universally.

The resurrection validated Jesus’ identity as the Son of God (cf. Romans 1:4). Consequently, His commission extended beyond the covenant community of Israel to encompass all peoples, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies that “all nations will be blessed” (Genesis 22:18) through the promised seed.

Prophetic Foundations in the Old Testament

Although the Messiah initially ministered to Israel, the Old Testament frequently alludes to the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles. Isaiah 49:6 speaks of the Servant being made “a light for the nations.” Other passages, such as Isaiah 42:6 and Psalm 86:9, also anticipate Gentiles coming to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

These Old Testament texts show that the universal scope of salvation was always in God’s plan. Jesus’ initial restriction to Israel did not negate God’s desire for all humanity; rather, it was a step-by-step progression—first Israel, then the nations (cf. Acts 1:8).

Progressive Revelation and Salvation History

The principle of progressive revelation underscores that God discloses His redemptive plan progressively. In the Gospels, Jesus’ ministry transitions from focusing on the Jews to including Gentiles, revealed most explicitly after His resurrection. The apostle Paul clarifies this trajectory in Ephesians 3:6, explaining that Gentiles are “fellow heirs” in Christ.

God’s covenant with Israel was the starting point (Romans 9:4–5). Jesus’ earthly ministry honored that covenant by initially directing the Good News primarily to Israel so that they might recognize and respond to Him (John 1:11). Afterward, through the cross and empty tomb, the doors opened wide for everyone (Galatians 3:26–29).

Consistency in Mission and Message

There is no contradiction between Matthew 10:5–6 and Matthew 28:19; they represent different phases of Jesus’ ministry. The first was a specific and temporal restriction aimed at demonstrating Jesus’ Messianic identity to Israel. The second is the lasting, universal mandate post-resurrection.

Even during Jesus’ public ministry, there were glimpses of Gentile inclusion (e.g., healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter, Matthew 15:21–28). However, the fully realized phase of worldwide evangelism took place after Christ’s atoning work was complete. This continuity reaffirms that Scripture is internally consistent: the earlier assignment focused on Israel in fulfillment of prophecy; the later Great Commission encompassed the entire world.

Apostolic Fulfillment and Early Church Growth

The book of Acts shows the apostles carrying out Jesus’ command to preach to all nations. Acts 10 highlights Peter taking the Gospel to the Gentile centurion Cornelius, we see Paul’s missionary journeys to Asia Minor and Europe (Acts 13–28), and we see converts from various backgrounds forming unified congregations (Galatians 3:28).

Archaeological digs (e.g., evidence of first-century house churches in regions like Capernaum and Corinth) support the rapid growth of early Christian communities among both Jewish and Gentile populations. Writings from early church leaders such as Ignatius (early 2nd century) also confirm that the message had already spread significantly beyond Jewish borders.

Harmonizing with Old and New Covenants

God’s plan has always been a covenant with humanity, unfolding in stages. Under the old covenant, the law, temple, and prophecies pointed to the coming Messiah (Luke 24:44). Jesus fulfilled these prophecies (Matthew 5:17), culminating in the establishment of a new covenant that included Gentiles as equal recipients of grace.

An analogy can be observed in the progression of other redemptive events—such as the initial focus on Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, followed by a broader mission to bless the world. This consistent pattern of “Israel first, then the nations,” reflects God’s design to use Israel as a conduit of blessing without excluding others in the grand narrative (Exodus 19:5–6; Romans 11:17–18).

Timeliness of the Restriction

Jesus’ directive in Matthew 10:5–6 was never meant to be permanent. It was tailored for a particular juncture in the disciples’ training, enabling them to test and validate the Messianic claims among those familiar with the prophetic expectations. This paved the way for a stronger, more credible witness when they eventually introduced the Messiah’s message to a broader audience.

Once Jesus rose from the dead and revealed the fullness of His purpose—including His sovereign authority over all creation (Matthew 28:18)—the temporary restriction no longer applied. The mission expanded in accordance with God’s redemptive timeline, confirmed by the Holy Spirit’s descent at Pentecost (Acts 2).

Conclusion

Matthew 10:5–6 and Matthew 28:19 describe complementary stages of Jesus’ mission. Initially, He instructed His disciples to focus on Israel, reflecting God’s original covenant and prophecies time-bound for the critical demonstration of Jesus’ Messiahship. Later, with His atoning work completed and the resurrection accomplished, Jesus broadened the directive to every nation.

This progression underlines God’s faithfulness to His promises and His overarching plan to bring salvation to all, “first to the Jew, then to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Far from contradictory, these passages epitomize how the significance of Christ’s mission uniquely unfolds, culminating in the call for universal evangelism. The redemptive message that began in Israel was always intended to be shared with the entire world, thus fulfilling the prophecies of old and aligning perfectly with God’s eternal purpose.