THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE
BUILDING OF THE CHURCH
(The Church - God’s Masterpiece - Pt. 3)
by Pastor-teacher Dennis Rokser
As a pastor-teacher of a Gospel-preaching, bible-teaching assembly of believers, I am keenly interested in the beginning, development and function of the local church from both a historical and practical perspective. In our last article we examined the definition and usage of the word "church" in the New Testament, along with considering the content of Jesus Christ’s prediction in Matthew 16:18,
That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
But what do the Scriptures teach regarding Christ’s plan, proclamation, and power to build His church?
WHAT IS CHRIST’S PLAN TO BUILD HIS CHURCH?
After Jesus Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice for our sins upon the cross and bodily resurrection from the grave, He declared to the eleven disciples His plan for building His church.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
This passage is referred to in the Scofield Reference Bible and by many others as "The Great Commission." For the purposes of our study, let’s first of all recognize ...
The MANDATE of Jesus Christ... "to disciple all nations."
The English word "teach" (mathyteusate) is the main verb and singular command of Christ’s commission and literally means "to disciple." The word "disciple" is used generically in Christ's early ministry to refer to believers and unbelievers alike who were willing to learn from Him. However, it developed into a more technical term for a believer who chose to faithfully follow Jesus Christ and His teaching.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me… (Luke 9:23)
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple… So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27, 33)
Thus, Biblical discipleship involves more than a sinner being saved by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. Discipleship also includes the on-going hearing and heeding of God's Word.
This distinction is clearly demonstrated in John 8:30-32, where our Lord specifically directs His teaching to genuine believers in Christ. The reality of His hearer's faith in Christ is underscored twice so that no one should miss this!
As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. (John 8:30-31)
According to numerous verses in the book of John preceding this passage, the person who trusts in Jesus Christ alone has eternal life (John 3:15-18, 36; 5:24; 6:35-40, 47; 8:24). Furthermore, the exact Greek phrase translated "believed on Him" (8:30) is used of genuine believers six other times in John’s gospel.
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11)
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. (John 4:39)
And many believed on him there. (Jn. 10:42)
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. (John 11:45)
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. (John 12:42)
How can individuals debate that these were not true believers except with theologically shaded spectacles blurring their exegetical vision! When the Word of God says that they "believed on Him", how dare we question or tamper with the words of Scripture! Thus to these new believers in Christ, the Lord Jesus proclaimed,
If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. (John 8:31b)
The word "if" is a third class condition conjunction (ean + subjunctive) meaning "they might or they might not." In other words, though they had decided to place their trust in Jesus Christ resulting in eternal life, they would need to decide whether to "continue in My (Christ’s) Word" to be His true "disciples." To these genuine believers and potential disciples Jesus then teaches ...
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
Therefore, while all true disciples are believers, not all true believers are automatically disciples. This distinction between a believer in Christ and a disciple of Christ is further highlighted in John 15 in the tremendous metaphor of the Vine and the branches. The Lord Jesus Christ is directing His teaching to eleven genuine believers (Judas had already departed to betray him ¾ 13:20-30) regarding the importance of "abiding in Christ" if they were to bear "fruit" (15:2), "more fruit" (15:2), or "much fruit" (15:5). He states in verses 7 & 8...
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:7-8)
Just like the condition for discipleship in John 8:31 involved continuing in Christ’s Word, "abiding in Christ" involves post-salvation choices by the believer. Only through this means would the much fruit-bearing believer glorify the Father and indicate that he is a "disciple."
Thus, the Great Commission (Mt. 28:18-20) mandates more than simply sinners coming by faith to Christ for salvation. Our Lord’s desire is that those who are born-again would become faithful followers of Him in obedience to God’s will.
The METHOD of Jesus Christ ... "going," "baptizing," "teaching."
Three participles in Matthew 28:18-20 communicate exactly our Lord's "how" of fulfilling this Commission to "disciple all nations." The first participle of attendant circumstance translated "go ye" (28:19) would be necessary for evangelism to occur. They were not to wait around for the unsaved to come to them; nor were they to invite the unregenerate to "come to church." Unlike the church growth movement of today, these disciples were instructed to pursue the lost with the Gospel wherever and whenever they were "going." Sometimes God would even use extreme measures to get them "going." (Acts 8:1-4)
The second participle (which is one of means), "baptizing" (28:19), would then serve to publicly identify those who believe the Gospel. It would act as a testimony of a person’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. While water baptism is not necessary for salvation (Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9), it serves as a means of publicly identifying believers in Christ.1
The third participle (which is also one of means) in fulfilling the Great Commission involves "teaching" (28:19) believers who desire to follow Christ. The nourishing milk and meat of God’s Word would cause them to spiritually grow and be equipped as a disciple. This again relates to Christ’s teaching in John 8:30-32. Furthermore, with progressive revelation and "mystery" truth forth coming, the teaching of sound, grace-oriented doctrine would prove essential. Acting like bookends to this mandate is the authority of Jesus Christ, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth;" (28:18) along with the promised presence of our Lord, "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (age)." (28:20)
Interacting With The Controversy Surrounding the Great Commission
Sometimes well-meaning dispensationalists and hyper-dispensationalists have rejected this "Great Commission" of Matthew 28 as being applicable for the church, teaching it to be a "Kingdom Commission." I am a classic dispensationalist in the traditional Scofield/Chafer camp. It is my studied conviction that this commission is appropriate for the church age due to three reasons:
1. The TIMING of Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 28, along with its parallel passages (Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1) were all spoken by Jesus Christ to His disciples after His death and resurrection and before His ascension. With Pentecost (the birthday of the Church) looming just a few days away, why would Christ give His disciples a "Kingdom Commission"?
2. The SCOPE of Matthew 28:18-20
When our Lord previously gave His disciples the Kingdom Commission in Matthew 10, He clearly declared;
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 10:5-7)
After Christ’s finished work on the cross, He now commands His disciples;
Go ye therefore, and teach ALL NATIONS ...
Clearly the scope of this later Commission differs greatly from His previous Kingdom Commission. And for those who would object due to the phrase "teaching all nations" (ta ethny), this mandate is not teaching some theonomic, Christian reconstructionism that endeavors to bring federal governments into subjection to the law of God. "Ta ethny" (nations) is used throughout the New Testament to refer to gentile people groups (Mt. 6:32, 25:32; Luke 21:24; Acts 10:45, 11:1, 13:46,48; Rom. 15:16). Why even have a "Kingdom Commission" to Gentiles who have never been officially promised a kingdom on earth? Ironically, some who reject the commission in Matthew’s account embrace it in Luke 24 where the Lord Jesus Christ also proclaimed ...
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46)
3. The CLARIFICATION of Matthew 28:18-20
Others reject this Commission due to the statement, "teaching them to observe ALL things whatsoever I have commanded you." They correctly reason that Christ’s earthly teaching was primarily Messianic and Kingdom in orientation as He offered Himself the rightful heir to David's throne as "King of the Jews." Therefore, all that Christ taught would not be appropriate today. While this is true, it is necessary for the statement "teaching them to observe ALL things..." to be viewed and qualified in light of Christ’s Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17). This discourse was given in anticipation of His death and resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. When this is taken into account, much confusion is resolved.
Still others object; "But Matthew emphasizes a Jewish, Messianic, Kingdom Gospel. How could the commission for the church be found there?" While the first statement is true, remember that the only two references to the "church" in the Gospel narratives are both found in Matthew’s account (Mt. 16:18, 18:17). So why couldn't the Commission for the church be found there also?
Some dispensationalists reject the Great Commission in Matthew, but embrace our Lord’s mandate either in Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, or Acts 1. But did Christ give different commissions to the same disciples during the same time period? This would be very confusing.
On the other hand, hyper-dispensationalists, who sense the contradiction and confusion of various dispensational bible teachers over this issue, ask us to reject all together this Commission for the church; relegating it either to some pre-church commission or to some future Tribulational role. However, when a person studies the book of Acts without theologically-biased glasses, he cannot help but observe the ingredients of this commission in both Peter’s ministry (Acts 2:38-42, 4:10-12, 5:28, 6:4, 10:43-48) and Paul’s ministry (Acts 13:38-39, 14:7, 14:20-22, 15:35, 16:15, 30-34; 18:8, 11; 19:3-5; 28:31). This is seen throughout the book of Acts to both Jew and Gentile alike!
Lastly, some pragmatists object to the Great Commission (or omission) due to some parachurch's misuse of "discipling" others. While I find myself nauseated with the attitude or actions of some (I'm here to disciple you!), let's not "throw out the baby with the bath water."
Thus the mandate and method which Christ outlined in Matthew 28:18-20 is His plan for the building of His Church as substantiated and evidenced by the book of Acts. The Great Commission incorporates personal evangelism (going), public identification with Christ (baptizing), and perpetual learning (teaching all things) in order for believers in Christ to become faithful followers (disciples) of Christ.
WHAT IS CHRIST'S PROCLAMATION TO BUILD HIS CHURCH?
Since Jesus Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18) and we have examined His plan to do it (Matthew 28:18-20), let us consider the proclamation Jesus Christ uses to accomplish this by observing a parallel passage to Matthew 28.
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:14-15)
The MESSENGERS are believers… "ye."
Notice the KJV plural "ye," as the task of world-wide discipleship is not a one-man assignment. Furthermore, the "ye" of verse 15 refers back to those whom Christ has just "chewed-out" in verse 14 for their unbelief and hardness of heart. This underscores for us the grace of God in using any of us as Christ's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). Remember that it is imperfect people that God uses to proclaim the Gospel, not rocks or buildings. And while evangelism/ discipleship is best accomplished by believers who are filled by the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8, 31), if you are waiting for all areas of your life to get straightened out before you witness for Christ, YOU WILL NEVER BEGIN! So learn a lesson from one of the greatest evangelists of all time ¾ Jonah! "Go ye" means you.
The MISSION is to "go" and "preach" in "all the world."
The extent of this mission reveals the heart-throb of God's love and grace for the entire world.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
The MESSAGE to be preached is "the Gospel."
The proclamation that the world needs to hear is the good news of Jesus Christ. This command to preach the Gospel centers in a specific person (Jesus Christ), a specific work (His death and resurrection), and specific accomplishment via His cross-work (for our sins) according to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But why should we preach the Gospel?
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Rom. 1:16-17)
In case there is a question of which Gospel that Jesus Christ is referring to in Mark 16 (the Gospel of the Kingdom or the Gospel of God's grace), the nearest reference to the "Gospel" mentioned here is found in Mark 14:9 where Mary of Bethany is anointing Jesus in preparation for His death.
What is Christ's proclamation to build His church? God uses the clear and simple preaching of the Gospel of grace by weak and insufficient believers to build Christ's church. Isn't that encouraging! Believer, will you let God use you to do this?
WHAT IS CHRIST'S POWER TO BUILD HIS CHURCH?
As we observe another parallel passage to Matthew 28 and Mark 16, there is emphasized additional information in this Great Commission.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:44-49)
The POWER to accomplish this is the Holy Spirit.
Christ's disciples were to wait in Jerusalem until the promised Holy Spirit would come upon them and endue them with power. The Christian walk is a supernatural way of life demanding a supernatural means of execution in all aspects. Someone of yesteryear has wisely asked, "If the Holy Spirit were to leave the earth today, would the average Christian or church even know that He was gone?"
The PURPOSE is to be witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Luke, who also wrote the book of Acts, expanded on the purpose for this "power from on high" when he wrote;
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:4-8)
It is not programs, worldly gimmicks, or fleshly busyness that God uses and is needed for the building of Christ's church today. What is essential is a clear presentation of the Gospel, preached by Spirit-enabled believers who are penetrating their communities and beyond for Jesus Christ.
As a sidelight, compare the content of the Great Commission to the message the apostle Paul preached before King Agrippa ¾ amazing similarity!
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:22-23)
HOW DID CHRIST ESTABLISH HIS CHURCH?
While a student of Scripture is wise not to build his doctrine from the book of Acts due to its transitional nature, it nevertheless affords to us a divinely-inspired account of the early church. So let us go on to examine how Christ established His church. Did the disciples follow the Great Commission?
Did the disciples "GO" and "PREACH THE GOSPEL?"
The answer is an emphatic "yes!" Consider carefully Peter's Gospel ministry to the Jews (Acts 2 & 4) and to the Gentiles (Acts 10). And if you think that the Great Commission was limited to the eleven or twelve disciples, examine Phillip's ministry (Acts 8) or Paul's missionary journeys (Acts 13:38-39, 14:7, 16:30-31, 17:1-4, 17:30-31, 20:21, 24).
Did the disciples "BAPTIZE" believers?
Again, the scriptural account records an outstanding "yes", even commanding them to do so! (Acts 10:48) This was true of Jewish believers (Acts 2:41), Samaritan believers (Acts 8:12), and Gentile believers (Acts 10:48, 18:8) in the ministries of Peter, Phillip and Paul. Interestingly, you will not find even one believer in Christ during the book of Acts (except Acts 13:14) who was not baptized in public testimony of their faith in Jesus Christ ¾ a blessed privilege and integral part of Christ's command in the Great Commission. Dr. Charles Ryrie writes, "The early church never conceived of a believer remaining unbaptized" (Basic Theology, p. 422).
Did the disciples "TEACH" believers?
Once again the answer is "yes" in fulfillment of the Great Commission of our Lord (Acts 2:42, 5:42, 11:26, 14:21, 18:26, 20:7-9, 20). No wonder these being-taught believers were called "disciples" throughout the book of Acts (6:1, 2, 7; 9:1, 19, 25; 11:26,29; 13:52; 14:20, 22, 28; 15:10; 18:23, 27; 19:9, 30; 20:1, 7; 21:4, 16).
As a result of this Lord-directed, Spirit-enabled ministry, we observe from the book of Acts that…
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26-27)
Some years ago in England a condemned assassin, Charles Peace, was being led to the scaffold to die. At his side walked a pastor who began speaking to him of the finished work of Christ. After some time, Charles Peace suddenly demanded, "Do you really believe what you have just been telling me?"
"Certainly, I do," replied the pastor, a bit shaken by the vehemence of the question.
"No you don't," declared Peace with a hard tone. "If I believed what you say you believe, I would crawl across England on my hands and knees over fields strewn with broken glass to tell men and women about it. You don't believe it yourself!"
Could men point their finger at you or me and say, "you don't believe it yourself"? Let us have the attitude, "Here am I, Lord; send me," as we pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers for Christ into the Gospel fields. ¢
1 See the March / April 1999 footnotes in the article, “The Beginning and Birthday of the Church” for further clarification on this matter.
In the next article in this series, we will consider the beginning of the church on the Day of Pentecost.
Dennis Rokser has been involved with the Duluth Bible Church for the last 17 years, serving as pastor-teacher for the last thirteen years.