What is the Great Commission — In Biblical Context
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.
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 Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 28:19-20, sits inside Matthew 28. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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