The Great Commission
Matthew 28:8-10, 16-20
In Matthew 10, Jesus told his disciples to preach to the house of Israel that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” After his resurrection, however, Jesus told his disciples to “teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you.” This command is called the Great Commission and is the primary basis for Christian missionary activity, from Paul in Asia Minor, to the Apostle Thomas in India, to the Benedictine monk Augustine in Britain, to modern missionaries throughout the world.
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And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. . . .
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. |