The Great Commission refers to the instructions Jesus Christ gave to His disciples after His resurrection, commanding them to spread His teachings, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them. It is seen as the foundation for Christian evangelism and mission work.
The most commonly cited passage for the Great Commission is found in **Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV):**
> “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.'”
Other scriptures echo similar themes of spreading the gospel:
1. **Mark 16:15-16 (NIV):**
> “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'”
2. **Luke 24:46-48 (NIV):**
> “He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’”
3. **John 20:21 (NIV):**
> “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'”
4. **Acts 1:8 (NIV):**
> “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.”
Collectively, these passages emphasize the responsibility of followers of Christ to share the gospel, make disciples, and expand the reach of Christianity throughout the world.