The Great Commission is a phrase coined to describe Matthew 28:18-20. The commission of Jesus to His disciples was not only recorded by Matthew, but it is also recorded by Mark, Luke, and John.

Here are some definitions of the word “commission“:

Commission charge direction (noun) a formal statement of a command or injunction to do something. (Definitions.net)
The act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty. (The Free Dictionary)
A formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties
(Merriam Webster)

In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus revealed that He is God in flesh when He forgave the sins of a man sick of the palsy. Certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth, for Jesus forgave sins, which only God can do. To reveal that He is God in a human body with the authority to forgive sins, Jesus healed the sick man and the man arose and walked. Jesus here also revealed that He was giving power to men to forgive sins.

"And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men." - Matthew 9:2-8 KJV

Later in Matthew, chapter 28, Jesus formally granted the power to His disciples to forgive sins. The power to forgive sins is accomplished in water baptism through His NAME. Jesus made it clear, He has all power, and granted His power to His disciples, saying to them, GO YE THEREFORE, and teach all nations, BAPTIZING them in the NAME. What is the NAME of the Father? JESUS. What is the NAME and of the Son (the body the Father dwelt in)? JESUS. What is the NAME of His Spirit, which is Holy? JESUS. Jesus is God’s NAME which is above every name, and by which we are saved.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

"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 KJV

Jesus’ disciples obeyed Jesus’ command and went everywhere, preaching the gospel and baptizing all nations in JESUS name, God filling them with His Spirit.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:38, 41 KJV

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. ... But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:5, 12 KJV

"And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ... And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:45, 48 KJV

"Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 19:4-5 KJV

To be continued…