The Great Commission in Every New Testament Book

When we think about the Great Commission, we tend to think of the five obvious instances in the Gospels and Acts. In each, Jesus commands His followers to preach the gospel. We are to go to every creature and make disciples of all nations. We are to teach them to observe Jesus’ commands. He sends us, and we must go.

But the Great Commission emphasis does not end with these five passages. No, every epistle refers to this command at least once, and many multiple times. The entire New Testament rings with the mission that Jesus Christ gave His church after His resurrection.

The Great Commission in the Gospels & Acts

• Matthew 28:18–20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”
• Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
• Luke 24:47–48 – “…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations…”
• John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
• Acts 1:8 – “…you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Great Commission in Paul’s Epistles

• Romans 10:14–15 – “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
• 1 Corinthians 1:23 – “But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ…we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
• Galatians 1:16 – “…to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…”
• Ephesians 6:19–20 – “…that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel… that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
• Philippians 1:5, 12 – “your fellowship in the gospel . . . the furtherance of the gospel.”
• Colossians 4:3 – “…praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ…”
• 1 Thessalonians 1:8 – “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth…”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:1 – “…pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified…”
• 1 Timothy 2:3–4 – “…God our Savior… desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
• 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
• Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”
• Philemon 1:6 – “…that the sharing of your faith may become effective…”

The Great Commission in the General Epistles

• Hebrews 2:3 – “…how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”
• James 5:20 – “…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death…”
• 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
• 2 Peter 3:9 – “…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
• 1 John 4:14 – “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.”
• 2 John 1:4 – “I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received a commandment from the Father.”
• 3 John 1:8 – “We therefore ought to receive such [traveling missionaries], that we may become fellow workers for the truth.”
• Jude 1:22–23 – “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire…”

The Great Commission in Revelation

• Revelation 14:6 – “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.”

Conclusion

The Great Commission is central to the message of the New Testament. Every book has its own theme, but each one also echoes the mission of the church. We must go, share the gospel, make disciples, teach them to observe Jesus’ commands, plant churches, and train leaders.

The New Testament begins and ends with the Great Commission. Matthew 1:21 tells of Jesus who “will save His people from their sins.” Revelation 22:17 concludes with a gospel invitation to all: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” There are many good things we could be doing, but there is one central mandate that each believer must being doing.

What is your part in the Great Commission today?¹

1. Read more about the Great Commission and how God leads believers into missions and other ministries in my new missions devotional, Daring Decision: A 31-Day Journey with those who Followed God’s Leading. ↩︎

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