What Command Did Jesus Give to the Apostles?
The commands Jesus gave to his apostles form the foundation of Christian mission, doctrine, and community life. These instructions, often referred to as the “Great Commission,” are not isolated directives but are deeply rooted in the Old Testament’s anticipation of God’s redemptive plan and are fulfilled in the New Testament’s revelation of Jesus as the Messiah. This article explores the specific commands Jesus gave to the apostles, the theological significance of these commands, and their enduring relevance for the church today.
The Old Testament Background: God’s Mission to the Nations
To understand Jesus’ commands to the apostles, it is essential to recognize the Old Testament’s vision of God’s salvation extending to all nations. From the call of Abraham, God’s intention was that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). The prophets repeatedly foretold a time when God’s salvation would reach the ends of the earth: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).
This universal scope is echoed in the Psalms: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (Psalm 96:3). The Old Testament thus anticipates a day when God’s people would be commissioned to proclaim his glory and salvation to all humanity.
Jesus’ Ministry and the Formation of the Apostles
Jesus’ public ministry was marked by the calling and training of the apostles. He appointed twelve “so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:14-15). The term “apostle” itself means “one who is sent,” indicating that their role was inherently missional.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus gave the apostles various commands, both general and specific. He called them to follow him (Matthew 4:19), to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34), to proclaim the kingdom of God (Luke 9:2), and to heal the sick and cast out demons (Matthew 10:7-8). These commands were not merely ethical instructions but were rooted in Jesus’ own authority and mission as the Son of God.
The Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20
The most explicit and comprehensive command Jesus gave to the apostles is found in Matthew 28:18-20, commonly known as the Great Commission:
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
This passage encapsulates several key elements:
The Basis of the Command: Jesus’ Authority
Jesus begins by declaring, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This echoes Old Testament themes of the Messiah’s universal dominion (see, Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 2:8). The apostles are not sent on their own initiative or authority but as representatives of the risen Lord, who possesses all authority.
The Scope of the Command: All Nations
The command is to “make disciples of all nations.” This fulfills the Old Testament expectation that God’s salvation would reach the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6; Psalm 96:3). The apostles are to cross cultural, ethnic, and geographical boundaries, proclaiming the gospel to every people group.
The Content of the Command: Making Disciples
The central imperative is to “make disciples.” This involves more than mere conversion; it is a call to bring people into a transformative relationship with Jesus, marked by faith, obedience, and lifelong learning.
The Means of the Command: Baptizing and Teaching
Jesus specifies two primary means by which disciples are made: “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” and “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Baptism signifies entry into the new covenant community, while teaching ensures that disciples grow in obedience and maturity.
The Promise of the Command: Jesus’ Presence
Finally, Jesus assures the apostles of his ongoing presence: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This promise echoes God’s assurance to Moses and Joshua (Exodus 3:12; Joshua 1:9) and guarantees that the mission will be accomplished not by human strength but by the abiding presence of the risen Lord.
Other Post-Resurrection Commands
The Great Commission is echoed and expanded in other post-resurrection appearances. In Mark 16:15, Jesus says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” In Luke 24:46-48, he instructs the apostles that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” In John 20:21, Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
In Acts 1:8, Jesus summarizes the mission in terms of the Spirit’s empowerment: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This verse highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit for the fulfillment of Jesus’ command and the global scope of the mission.
The Apostolic Response and the Early Church
The apostles took Jesus’ command seriously. The book of Acts records their obedience as they proclaimed the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond (Acts 2:41-47; Acts 8:4-8; Acts 13:1-3). Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) and Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 13-28) exemplify the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
The apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, understood his mission in light of Jesus’ command: “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Paul’s gospel was not his own invention but was received “through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12), and he saw himself as set apart “for the gospel of God…concerning his Son” (Romans 1:1-3).
Theological Significance and Contemporary Application
Jesus’ command to the apostles is not merely a historical directive but is foundational for the church’s identity and mission. The church is a “sent” community, called to bear witness to the risen Christ in word and deed. As Ephesians 4:11-13 teaches, Christ “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” The apostolic mission continues as the church proclaims the gospel, baptizes new believers, and teaches obedience to all that Jesus commanded.
It is important to note that the command to make disciples is not limited to the apostles but extends to all believers. The early church understood itself as a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Conclusion - What Command Did Jesus Give to the Apostles?
The commands Jesus gave to the apostles, especially as summarized in Matthew 28:18-20, are the culmination of God’s redemptive plan revealed in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These commands call the church to a global mission, grounded in the authority of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sustained by the promise of Jesus’ abiding presence. As the church continues to make disciples, baptize, and teach, it participates in the ongoing fulfillment of God’s purpose to bless all nations through the gospel of Jesus Christ.