The Great Commission

c. AD 30 Traditional dating

On a mountain in Galilee, the risen Jesus commissions his disciples to make disciples of all nations, promising his abiding presence "to the end of the age."

The event

Matthew closes his Gospel with Jesus meeting his eleven remaining disciples on a mountain in Galilee that he had designated beforehand — the same region where so much of his earthly ministry had unfolded. Matthew notes candidly that some worshiped while others doubted, a small honest detail that lends the account credibility rather than polish.

Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, and on that authority commissions his followers to "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." He closes with a promise that has anchored the church's mission ever since: "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." What began with a handful of Galilean fishermen is here handed a global, world-spanning scope.

Dating

Occurs sometime within the forty days between resurrection and ascension, c. AD 30.

Scripture references

Matthew 28:16-20

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