What Does the Great Commission Actually Say? A Greek, Syriac, and Hebrew Study of Matthew 28:18–20
What Does the Great Commission Actually Say? A Greek, Syriac, and Hebrew Study of Matthew 28:18–20 Previously, we the discussed the ten commandment (The Heart of the Ten Commandments: Bearing the Name of the LORD) and the third commendment(Is the Third Commandment Really Only About “Taking God’s Name in Vain”?) , now let's discuss the great commission. The final three verses of Matthew are commonly called “the Great Commission.” The familiar English translation reads approximately: “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.” This passage is commonly summarized as a command to evangelize. Yet the original-language texts present a much richer picture. They speak of: The authority entrusted to the Messiah The turning of the nations toward Israel’s God The formation of disciples Immersion and identification with the Name Learning and observing the Messiah’s commandments The continuing presence of Y...