The commission and its promises
Matthew 28:18–20 records the command commonly called the Great Commission. Jesus begins by declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. On that basis, he sends his followers to make disciples of all nations; the assignment has a worldwide scope. [1]
The command includes distinct actions: baptizing people in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). Teaching therefore concerns how disciples live and obey, as well as what they learn.
Matthew's account ends with Jesus promising to remain with his followers always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Christians understand this as his assurance of continuing presence as they carry out the commission. [1]
Acts 1:6–8 records a different question: when would Jesus restore the kingdom to Israel? Jesus tells the disciples that the Father's times are not theirs to know. He instead promises power when the Holy Spirit comes, and names their task: witnessing in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. [2]
Luke records Jesus blessing his disciples as he is taken into heaven. They worship him and return to Jerusalem with great joy (Luke 24:50–53).
