What Is the Great Commission?

The Great Commission is Jesus' command to his followers to spread the gospel to the whole world — to "go and make disciples of all nations." It is recorded most fully in Matthew 28:18–20, where the risen Christ sends his disciples to baptize and teach every people group, promising to be with them always.

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.”

Where the Great Commission Appears in Scripture

Jesus repeats this sending in several places at the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. Together they show one consistent mission:

Matthew 28:19–20

“Go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Mark 16:15

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”

Acts 1:8

“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.”

What the Great Commission Asks of Believers

The heart of the command is to make disciples — not simply to gain decisions, but to help people become followers of Jesus who are baptized, taught, and growing in obedience to him. It is worldwide in scope ("all nations"), grounded in Christ's authority, and carried out in the confidence of his abiding presence.

How Ordinary Christians Take Part

The Great Commission is not only for missionaries. Every believer participates in one or more of three ways:

• Pray — ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers, and lift up those already on the field.
• Give — support the workers God has called so they can stay on the field and keep going.
• Go — some are called to cross cultures and carry the gospel themselves.

Most Christians live out the Great Commission by sending rather than going — standing behind a missionary in prayer and support so the gospel reaches people they may never meet. Both the sender and the sent share in the reward.