The Great Commission and the New Testament : An Exegesis of Matthew 28 : 16 - 20 Hal Freeman

Introduction The seal of the Baptist university where I teach has the Greek text of a portion of Matthew 28:19, which translates into English as, “Make disciples of all nations.” The founders of the school, like many of our spiritual ancestors, wanted to emphasize that this commission is essential to the Christian faith. The importance many believers attach to this passage is consistent with the prominent place it occupies in Matthew’s gospel. That the commission provides the climactic conclusion of Matthew’s account of the ministry and message of Jesus indicates that this is a charge he wanted the reader to remember. Not only does the position of the commission indicate its significance, but scholars have frequently noted that this passage summarizes the major themes of Matthew. As Donald Hagner says, “For these words, perhaps more than any others, distill the outlook and various emphases of the Gospel.”1 This exegetical study focuses on what is perhaps the most important teaching of our Lord concerning the mission of his people.