The Great Commission is one of the most significant moments in Christianity, marking Jesus Christ's final instructions to His disciples before His ascension to heaven. This directive serves as the foundational mission for Christians to spread the gospel across the world. However, the interpretation and application of the Great Commission have also led to various understandings of Jesus’ message, contributing to the development of different gospels, including the canonical (accepted) Gospels and the Gnostic Gospels.
In this article, we will explore the Great Commission as recorded in the Bible, analyze its significance, discuss the differences between the disciples, and examine how these differences may have influenced the formation of the Gnostic and canonical Gospels. We will conclude by identifying the true gospel according to Christian teachings.
The Great Commission in the Bible
The Great Commission is most famously recorded in the Gospel of Matthew:
"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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." — Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Similar instructions are also recorded in other Gospels:
- Mark 16:15-16: "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
- Luke 24:46-47: "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."
- John 20:21-22: "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."
These verses emphasize Jesus' command to spread His message of salvation, baptize believers, and teach them to follow His teachings.
The Role of the Disciples in Spreading the Gospel
The twelve disciples, later known as apostles, played a crucial role in fulfilling the Great Commission. Each disciple had a unique personality, background, and mission, contributing to the diversity of early Christian teaching.
- Peter: Known for his bold leadership, Peter became a key figure in the early church, particularly among Jewish Christians. His sermons in Acts (Acts 2:14-41) demonstrate his commitment to proclaiming the resurrection of Christ.
- John: John, the "beloved disciple," emphasized the divinity and love of Christ. His writings, including the Gospel of John and Revelation, focused on spiritual truths and the eternal nature of Christ.
- Matthew: As a tax collector, Matthew brought a unique perspective on Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. His Gospel highlights Jesus as the Messiah.
- Thomas: Often remembered for his doubt, Thomas's eventual belief led him to proclaim Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). He is believed to have carried the gospel to India.
- Paul: Although not one of the original twelve, Paul’s dramatic conversion and missionary journeys expanded the gospel to Gentile communities. His epistles form a significant portion of the New Testament.
These apostles established Christian communities, wrote letters of instruction, and defended the gospel message, solidifying the foundation of the Christian faith.
The Emergence of the Gnostic Gospels
While the accepted Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) were widely embraced by the early church, alternative writings, known as Gnostic Gospels, emerged during the second and third centuries. Gnosticism was a religious movement that believed in secret knowledge (gnosis) for salvation, often presenting a different view of Jesus and His teachings.
Key Differences Between the Gnostic and Canonical Gospels
| Aspect | Canonical Gospels (Bible) | Gnostic Gospels |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus' Nature | Fully God and fully human | Often portrayed as purely divine without true humanity |
| Salvation | Through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection | Through secret knowledge and spiritual enlightenment |
| Purpose of Jesus | To save humanity from sin | To reveal hidden truths about the divine realm |
| Authority | Written by eyewitnesses or their close associates | Attributed to figures like Thomas, Mary Magdalene, etc., often without historical backing |
| View of Creation | Creation is good, though fallen | Material world is inherently evil and a prison for the soul |
Some prominent Gnostic texts include the Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, and Gospel of Judas. These writings often challenge traditional Christian beliefs, suggesting that salvation comes through self-realization rather than faith in Christ's atonement.
Why the Canonical Gospels Are Considered the True Gospel
The early church fathers, including Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Athanasius, recognized the canonical Gospels as authentic, divinely inspired accounts of Jesus' life and teachings. Several factors contribute to their acceptance:
- Eyewitness Testimony: The canonical Gospels were written by disciples or close companions of the disciples, providing firsthand or reliable accounts of Jesus’ ministry.
- Consistency: These Gospels are internally consistent and aligned with Old Testament prophecies, affirming Jesus as the Messiah.
- Historical Validation: Archaeological evidence and early Christian writings confirm the accuracy of the canonical Gospels.
- Universal Acceptance: The early church universally acknowledged these four Gospels as authoritative, forming the foundation of the New Testament.
In contrast, the Gnostic Gospels were often rejected due to their late authorship, lack of apostolic connection, and teachings that contradicted the established Christian faith.
Conclusion: The True Gospel of Christ
The true gospel, as presented in the canonical Gospels, proclaims that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of humanity, and rose again on the third day. Salvation is offered to all who believe in Him, accept His grace, and follow His teachings.
The Great Commission remains a powerful reminder of this truth, calling Christians to share the good news with the world. Unlike the Gnostic Gospels, which promote secret knowledge and spiritual elitism, the true gospel is inclusive, offering salvation to everyone, regardless of status or background.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16 (ESV)
As believers continue to follow the Great Commission, they stand as witnesses of the true gospel — the message of hope, redemption, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
