What is the Great Commission in Christian missions?

Definition and Origin

The Great Commission refers to the specific mandate given by Jesus Christ to His disciples to go forth into all the world, proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and teach obedience to His commands. The term “Great Commission” is rooted primarily in Matthew 28:18–20, where Jesus says, “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, even to the end of the age.” This commission is echoed in Mark 16:15–16, Luke 24:47–49, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8, underscoring its central place in Christian missions across the centuries.

Biblical Passages and Context

1. Matthew 28:18–20

Jesus’ post-resurrection command unfolds with a declaration of His supreme authority (“All authority in heaven and on earth”). As a result, the disciples are told to “go and make disciples of all nations,” to baptize, and to teach the commands Christ gave. This passage parallels other final instructions in the Gospels, providing a comprehensive picture of the missionary task.

2. Mark 16:15–16

Jesus instructs His followers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” This emphasizes the scope of the mission: there is no boundary of culture or geography exempt from the call to share the message of the resurrection and forgiveness of sins.

3. Luke 24:47–49

This portion highlights key aspects of Jesus’ last instructions, stating that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” must be “proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.” The disciples must wait in the city until they are “clothed with power from on high,” referring to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

4. John 20:21

Jesus says, “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” This implies that the disciples’ mission mirrors the mission of Jesus Himself: to reveal God’s truth, reflect His character, and bring the message of salvation.

5. Acts 1:8

Jesus declares, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This expands the geographic and cultural scope, underlining the global mission and the necessity of divine empowerment.

Historical Background and Early Church Implementation

- Immediate Spread: According to the book of Acts, the disciples began preaching in Jerusalem, experiencing dramatic growth (Acts 2; Acts 4–5). When persecution arose, believers scattered into Judea and Samaria, fulfilling Jesus’ instructions (Acts 8:1–4).

- Archaeological and Textual Evidence: Manuscript discoveries, including portions of the Gospels in collections like the Chester Beatty Papyri and the Codex Sinaiticus, confirm the early existence and consistency of the texts containing the Great Commission. Early Church Fathers—such as Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp—refer to the apostolic zeal to take the message to the far reaches of the known world. Their writings support the notion that the primitive community fully embraced the mandate soon after the resurrection.

- Growth of the Early Christian Community: Historians and sociologists, referring to sources like Eusebius’ “Ecclesiastical History,” document the rapid expansion of Christianity despite political oppression. This historical trajectory reflects the driving force of the Great Commission in shaping the early church.

The Missionary Mandate

1. Disciple-Making

The Great Commission emphasizes “making disciples,” meaning that conversion is not the end but the beginning. Disciples are learners and followers committed to lifelong growth, worship, and service. This has practical implications in mission work: teaching and mentorship are core elements.

2. Baptism

Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit symbolizes both entry into the community of believers and identification with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5). The act of baptism, as instructed in the Great Commission, highlights the public declaration of faith.

3. Teaching and Obedience

Beyond proclamation, Jesus specifically instructs that believers be taught “to obey all that I have commanded you.” This instruction creates a framework for nurturing new believers in biblical truth and fostering spiritual growth through measurable fruit in character and conduct (John 15:5–8).

4. Dependence on Divine Empowerment

The Great Commission is inseparable from the promise of the Holy Spirit: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). This underscores the belief that the success of the mission resides not in human capability alone but in divine strength.

Continued Relevance and Application

- Global Mission Efforts: The Great Commission continues to drive Christian missionary efforts worldwide, including Bible translation projects reaching remote tribes (such as Wycliffe Bible Translators’ work in thousands of language groups), humanitarian outreach bringing medical aid alongside evangelistic campaigns, and local congregations establishing community development initiatives.

- Transformation of Culture and Society: Historically, Christian missions founded hospitals, universities, and relief organizations in alignment with the command to demonstrate God’s love and truth. These endeavors have roots in the biblical injunction to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) and to teach all that Christ commanded.

- Every Believer’s Role: While formal missionary work is carried out by trained individuals, the command extends to all believers. According to New Testament teaching, each member of the Body of Christ serves a unique function (1 Corinthians 12:4–31), whether through prayer, financial support, friendship evangelism, or cross-cultural endeavors.

Practical Strategies in Fulfilling the Commission

1. Prayer and Intercession: Numerous accounts testify that prayer fuels missionary endeavors. Early church gatherings focused on prayer (Acts 2:42), and modern movements attribute breakthrough moments to concentrated prayer efforts.

2. Cultural Understanding and Sensitivity: Paul modeled a culturally sensitive approach (1 Corinthians 9:19–23), illustrating how understanding a people’s language and customs can open doors to effective gospel communication.

3. Local Church Involvement: In many regions, partnerships with indigenous churches reinforce training, discipleship, and resources. This model encourages self-sustainability and multiplication among local believers.

4. Integration of Compassion Ministries: Supportive works like education, medical care, and community development often relieve practical needs, reflecting the holistic nature of Christ’s ministry (Matthew 14:13–21).

Spiritual Significance

At its core, the Great Commission is not simply a religious directive; it reflects the heart of God who desires humanity’s redemption. Believers find motivation in the resurrection of Christ—if Christ truly rose from the dead, then His charge takes on eternal significance. The Great Commission, therefore, stands not just as a command but as an invitation to participate in God’s plan of restoration and hope for people made in His image.

Summary

The Great Commission is the enduring command that calls followers of Jesus to share the message of His life, death, and resurrection, make disciples, baptize them in the name of the triune God, and teach them to live according to His commandments. Scriptural accounts, manuscript evidence, early church testimony, and modern missionary endeavors collectively attest that it is an integral part of the Christian faith. By spreading the gospel to every corner of the earth and nurturing believers, Christians echo the call Jesus gave: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), fully persuaded of His authority and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

This remains the bedrock of Christian missions, capturing the vastly important nature of the disciple-making mission—to bring hope to all nations and to glorify God through faithful obedience to Christ’s instructions.