I feel like I'm obliged to set the record straight regarding Matthew 28: 19, 20. The so-called "Great commission". I continually hear Christians getting this wrong
1. This commission was explicitly given to the Eleven apostles (who added Matthias) prior to Pentecost (cf. Matthew 28:16). There's no basis for reading anyone else into the commission.
2. Jesus told those apostles to "observe ALL that I commanded you". This would include full observance of the Law of Moses per what Jesus commanded them earlier (Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 23:1-3).
3. Jesus told the apostles he would be "with you until the end of the age." This refers to carrying out their commission. This is no longer possible once the apostles are all dead. The "age" Jesus was referring to was the "this age" of the generation of the apostles themselves (cf. Matthew 12:32; Matthew 23:36).
4. The "nations" in Matthew 28:19-20 are most likely referring to the "every nation under heaven" from which "devout Jews" were taught about Jesus by those apostles (Acts 2:5-11).
5. Keep in mind, Peter and the Eleven were filled with the holy spirit and still didn't know that any uncircumcised people could be saved (Acts 10). Thus, they certainly did not understand Matthew 28:19-20 as a gentiles mission and agreed NOT to go to the gentiles later (Galatians 2:7-11).
Of course, this does not mean that we're not supposed to be preaching the good news. Jesus and especially Paul strongly imply it. It's just that Jesus in this particular text specifically gives it to the Jews towards other Jews of every nation at that time. Including the mosaic law. Not us!
1. This commission was explicitly given to the Eleven apostles (who added Matthias) prior to Pentecost (cf. Matthew 28:16). There's no basis for reading anyone else into the commission.
2. Jesus told those apostles to "observe ALL that I commanded you". This would include full observance of the Law of Moses per what Jesus commanded them earlier (Matthew 5:17-20; Matthew 23:1-3).
3. Jesus told the apostles he would be "with you until the end of the age." This refers to carrying out their commission. This is no longer possible once the apostles are all dead. The "age" Jesus was referring to was the "this age" of the generation of the apostles themselves (cf. Matthew 12:32; Matthew 23:36).
4. The "nations" in Matthew 28:19-20 are most likely referring to the "every nation under heaven" from which "devout Jews" were taught about Jesus by those apostles (Acts 2:5-11).
5. Keep in mind, Peter and the Eleven were filled with the holy spirit and still didn't know that any uncircumcised people could be saved (Acts 10). Thus, they certainly did not understand Matthew 28:19-20 as a gentiles mission and agreed NOT to go to the gentiles later (Galatians 2:7-11).
Of course, this does not mean that we're not supposed to be preaching the good news. Jesus and especially Paul strongly imply it. It's just that Jesus in this particular text specifically gives it to the Jews towards other Jews of every nation at that time. Including the mosaic law. Not us!
