Christ commissions witnesses
The risen Jesus sends his disciples. Christian accounts of apostolic succession begin with this commission, while distinguishing Christ's unique authority from every later ministry.
Scripture
- Matthew 28:16-20 — The eleven are commissioned to make disciples and baptize.
- John 20:19-23 — The risen Christ sends the disciples and breathes the Holy Spirit on them.
Primary sources
The risen Jesus commands:
Matthew records the risen Christ commissioning the eleven to make disciples and baptize.
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Passage context and translation
The risen Jesus addresses the eleven in Galilee. The next clause commands teaching, and the passage closes with the promise of his abiding presence.
Before the excerpt
All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
After the excerpt
teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you