The Great Commission

Jesus gave His great commission to His disciples before ascending into heaven in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

Matthew 28:19-20:

"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." 

Mark 16:15-18

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues...." 

Luke 24:47-49

"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." 

John 20:22-23

"Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." 

Jesus sent out His disciples. Matthew -go and teach; Mark -go and preach the gospel; Luke -go and preach repentance and remission of sins; John -go with the message of peace/reconciliation.

Jesus commissioned them to baptize in His name for the remission of sins. Matthew -there is one name in baptism; Mark -baptism saves; Luke -there is remission of sins through His name; John -peace (reconciliation) and authority to remit sins by baptism.

Matthew -the Holy Ghost is Jesus; Mark -the Holy Ghost comes with the sound of tongues; Luke -the Holy Ghost is the promise and would come with power; John -the Holy Ghost would come like breath and needs to be received.

The Great Commission began its fulfillment in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. On that day, the Holy Ghost was first poured out, the gospel was preached, and souls were baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:1-41).