The Great Commission refers to the instructions given by Jesus Christ to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. This pivotal mandate is recorded in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of Matthew, and serves as a foundational directive for Christian evangelism and discipleship.

Biblical Account

The most comprehensive account of the Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20 : "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

This passage highlights several key elements of the Great Commission:

1. Authority of Christ: Jesus begins by asserting His divine authority, which underpins the entire commission. His authority is both universal and absolute, encompassing all of heaven and earth.

2. Mandate to Make Disciples: The primary task given to the disciples is to make disciples of all nations. This involves not only evangelism but also the nurturing and teaching of new believers to follow Christ's teachings.

3. Baptism: Baptism is presented as an essential step in the discipleship process, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is to be performed in the triune name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reflecting the Trinitarian nature of God.

4. Teaching Obedience: The commission includes the instruction to teach new disciples to obey all that Jesus commanded. This underscores the importance of adherence to Christ's teachings as a mark of true discipleship.

5. Promise of Christ's Presence: Jesus concludes with a promise of His continual presence with His followers, providing assurance and encouragement as they carry out His mission.

Theological Significance

The Great Commission is central to the mission and identity of the Church. It underscores the universal scope of the gospel, calling believers to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries in their evangelistic efforts. The commission also emphasizes the importance of teaching and discipleship, ensuring that converts grow in their faith and understanding of Christ's commands.

Historical Impact

Throughout history, the Great Commission has been a driving force behind Christian missionary movements. From the early church's expansion across the Roman Empire to modern global missions, this mandate has inspired countless individuals and organizations to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Practical Application

For contemporary Christians, the Great Commission remains a call to active participation in God's redemptive work. It challenges believers to engage in personal evangelism, support missionary endeavors, and invest in the spiritual growth of others. The promise of Christ's presence provides comfort and strength as they fulfill this divine mandate.

Related Scriptures

Other passages that echo the themes of the Great Commission include Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49, John 20:21-23, and Acts 1:8. Each of these accounts contributes to a fuller understanding of the mission entrusted to the followers of Christ.Matthew 28:1-20
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.
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Matthew 28:19
Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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Mark 16:15
And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
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Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.
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Matthew 26:1-75
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples,
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The Great Commission
... Lesson 3 The Great Commission. ... All who believe are to be gathered into one church.
The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ's kingdom. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 3 the great commission.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... CHAPTER XXXVII. THE GREAT CONFESSION - THE GREAT COMMISSION - THE GREAT
INSTRUCTION - THE GREAT TEMPTATION - THE GREAT DECISION. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

The Great Commission Given.
... Part Eighth. Our Lord's Resurrection, Appearances and Ascension. Jud??a and Galilee.
(Time, Forty Days. Spring ad 30.) CXLII. The Great Commission Given. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxlii the great commission given.htm

Import of the Great Commission.
... CHAPTER VII. IMPORT OF THE GREAT COMMISSION. The Founder of the church was
a missionary. The church is a missionary band, professedly ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vii import of the.htm

On the Mountain
... This great utterance of our Lord's falls into three parts: a great claim, a great
commission, a great promise. I. There is a Great Claim. ... The Great Commission. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/on the mountain.htm

The Apostles' Commission; Or, the Gospel Attested by Miracles ...
... 2["[I'll make your great commission known, "And ye shall prove my gospel true "By
all the works that I have done, "By all the wonders ye shall do. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 130555556 the apostles commission.htm

God's Messenger.
... messenger mission. The great commission given by Jesus as He was leaving
is the Church's commission for its great life-work. It was ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks with world winners/gods messenger.htm

The New Leaders Commission
... THE BOOK OF JOSHUA THE NEW LEADERS COMMISSION. ... I given unto you, as I said unto
Moses.4. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new leaders commission.htm

The Lord Seen by the Apostles.
... This is the first development of the Great Commission, more fully developed
in Galilee a little later, and finally completed on Mt. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lord seen by the.htm

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... For Study and Discussion. (1) The Great Commission, ch.1. (2) Peter's sermon
on the day of Pentecost. (3) Stephen's address of defense. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm

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