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    Theology & Doctrine

    What is the Great Commission?

    What is the Great Commission? The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.

    Key verse: Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)

    The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.

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    Quick Answer

    The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.

    "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." — Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission is Jesus' final instruction to His disciples after His resurrection. He declared that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to Him, then sent them to make disciples of all nations. This command established the missionary mandate of the church and has driven Christian evangelism for two thousand years. The commission includes three components: going, baptizing, and teaching. Jesus concluded with the promise that He would be with them always, even to the end of the age.

    Key Scripture References

    "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."
    "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
    "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What is the Great Commission?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission is Jesus' final instruction to His disciples after His resurrection. He declared that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to Him, then sent them to make disciples of all nations. This command established the missionary mandate of the church and has driven Christian evangelism for two thousand years. The commission includes three components: going, baptizing, and teaching. Jesus concluded with the promise that He would be with them always, even to the end of the age.

    The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.

    Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.