The Great Commission is one of the most pivotal mandates given by Jesus Christ to His disciples, instructing them to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. This directive, found in the New Testament, is central to the mission and identity of the Christian Church. The Great Commission has shaped the Church’s understanding of its purpose in the world and continues to be a driving force behind Christian evangelism, missions, and discipleship efforts globally.
Biblical Basis of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is most explicitly articulated in the Gospel of Matthew:
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV):
“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 everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
This passage is widely regarded as the foundational text for understanding the mission of the Church. It encapsulates Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. The key elements of the Great Commission include the authority of Jesus, the command to make disciples, the practice of baptism, the teaching of obedience to Christ’s commands, and the promise of Christ’s presence with His followers.
Other Biblical References
The Great Commission is echoed in other parts of the New Testament, emphasizing its importance in the early Church:
Mark 16:15 (NIV):
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”
This verse underscores the global scope of the Great Commission, extending the mission to “all creation.”
Luke 24:46-47 (NIV):
“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'”
Luke’s account highlights the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness as central to the mission.
Acts 1:8 (NIV):
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
In Acts, the Great Commission is connected to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, enabling the disciples to fulfill their mission.
Historical Context and Development
Early Church and the Spread of the Gospel
The early Christian Church took the Great Commission seriously, leading to the rapid spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. The apostles, particularly Paul, played a significant role in planting churches and spreading the message of Christ across diverse cultural and geographical contexts.
The Book of Acts records the missionary journeys of the apostles, highlighting their efforts to preach the Gospel, establish Christian communities, and disciple new believers. The early Church’s commitment to the Great Commission is evident in its willingness to endure persecution and hardship for the sake of spreading the Gospel.
The Great Commission in Church History
Throughout church history, the Great Commission has inspired various missionary movements and the establishment of mission societies. In the medieval period, missionaries like St. Patrick, St. Boniface, and St. Augustine of Canterbury spread Christianity across Europe, often facing significant challenges in converting pagan peoples.
The Protestant Reformation, while primarily focused on reforming church doctrine and practice, also led to renewed interest in missions. The Moravian Church, in particular, became known for its missionary zeal, sending missionaries to remote and unreached areas.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the modern missionary movement emerged, with figures like William Carey, Adoniram Judson, and Hudson Taylor leading efforts to evangelize in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This period saw the founding of numerous missionary societies and the translation of the Bible into many languages, making the Scriptures accessible to people around the world.
The Great Commission in the Modern Era
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Great Commission continues to be a central focus of the global Church. The rise of evangelicalism and Pentecostalism has further fueled missionary endeavors, with a strong emphasis on evangelism, church planting, and discipleship.
Modern technology, including radio, television, and the internet, has expanded the ways in which the Great Commission can be fulfilled, allowing the Gospel to reach places that were previously inaccessible. Globalization and increased mobility have also contributed to the spread of Christianity, as believers from different cultures and backgrounds come into contact with one another.
The Great Commission has also inspired various ecumenical and interdenominational efforts to collaborate in missions, recognizing that the task of reaching the world with the Gospel requires unity and cooperation among Christians.
Theological Perspectives
Authority of Christ
The Great Commission begins with a declaration of Christ’s authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This authority is central to the Christian understanding of the mission. Because Christ has been given all authority, His followers are empowered and obligated to carry out His command to make disciples.
This authority also reassures believers that their mission is backed by the sovereign power of Christ, who governs all things. The Church’s mission is not based on human effort alone but is rooted in the divine authority of Jesus.
Mission to All Nations
The command to “make disciples of all nations” reflects the universal scope of the Great Commission. The Greek word for “nations” is ethne, which refers to ethnic groups or peoples, indicating that the Gospel is to be preached to every cultural and linguistic group in the world.
This aspect of the Great Commission underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which is not limited to a specific people or region but is intended for all humanity. It also highlights the Church’s responsibility to engage in cross-cultural missions, reaching out to those who have not yet heard the message of Christ.
Baptism and Discipleship
Baptism is mentioned in the Great Commission as the initiatory rite for new disciples: “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism signifies a person’s entry into the Christian community and their identification with the death and resurrection of Christ.
Discipleship, which involves teaching new believers “to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20), is also a central component of the Great Commission. This teaching goes beyond mere instruction; it involves guiding new believers to live according to the teachings of Christ and to grow in their faith. Discipleship is a lifelong process that includes spiritual formation, moral development, and the cultivation of a Christ-centered life.
The Presence of Christ
The Great Commission concludes with the promise of Christ’s presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This assurance is vital for the Church’s mission, providing comfort and encouragement to believers as they carry out their task.
The promise of Christ’s presence also signifies that the mission is not carried out in human strength alone. Christ’s presence empowers, guides, and sustains His followers as they engage in the work of evangelism and discipleship. This presence is mediated through the Holy Spirit, who equips believers for ministry and enables them to fulfill the Great Commission.
Practical Implications
Evangelism and Missions
The Great Commission has practical implications for the Church’s approach to evangelism and missions. It calls Christians to be actively involved in sharing the Gospel with others, whether in their local communities or in distant parts of the world. This evangelistic mandate has led to the establishment of missionary organizations, church planting movements, and various forms of outreach.
Church Planting
Church planting is a direct response to the Great Commission’s call to make disciples of all nations. New churches are established to reach people who may not have access to a Christian community, providing a place for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Church planting efforts often focus on unreached people groups, urban centers, and areas with little Christian presence.
Discipleship and Christian Education
Discipleship is an ongoing process that involves nurturing new believers in their faith. This includes teaching them the doctrines of the faith, helping them develop a personal relationship with Christ, and guiding them in their spiritual growth. Christian education, whether through Sunday schools, Bible studies, or theological training programs, is an essential component of fulfilling the Great Commission.
Global and Local Outreach
The Great Commission’s call to reach “all nations” has led to a global perspective in Christian missions. However, this global focus does not negate the importance of local outreach. The mission field includes both distant lands and one’s immediate surroundings. Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond.
Broader Biblical Themes
The Kingdom of God
The Great Commission is closely connected to the theme of the Kingdom of God. The proclamation of the Gospel and the making of disciples are central to the expansion of God’s Kingdom on earth. As people come to faith in Christ and submit to His lordship, the Kingdom of God is manifested in their lives and communities.
Matthew 24:14 (NIV):
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
This verse links the preaching of the Gospel to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the coming of the end times.
The Mission of the Church
The Great Commission defines the mission of the Church. It is not merely a social institution or a place for religious observance; it is a community on mission, called to make Christ known and to disciple the nations. The Church’s identity and purpose are rooted in its commitment to the Great Commission.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The Great Commission is carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit, who equips believers for witness and ministry. The promise of the Spirit’s empowerment is essential for fulfilling the mission, as seen in the Book of Acts.
Acts 1:8 (NIV):
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to carry out the Great Commission.
Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine
Impact on Mission Theology
The Great Commission has had a profound impact on the development of mission theology. It has shaped the Church’s understanding of its role in the world and has provided the theological foundation for global missions. The command to make disciples of all nations has driven the Church’s efforts to evangelize, translate the Bible, and engage in cross-cultural ministry.
Modern Theological Discussions
In modern theological discussions, the Great Commission continues to be a central theme, particularly in conversations about the Church’s mission, the nature of discipleship, and the role of the Church in society. Debates often focus on how to balance the Church’s evangelistic mandate with its call to social justice and community transformation.
In conclusion, the Great Commission is a foundational mandate for the Christian Church, defining its mission to make disciples of all nations. Rooted in the authority of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Great Commission calls believers to evangelize, baptize, and teach obedience to Christ’s commands. This mission has shaped the history of the Church and continues to inspire and guide its efforts to spread the Gospel and build the Kingdom of God.