What does Matthew 28:19 mean?
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,”
“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” is Jesus’ Great Commission — his charge to his followers to spread the gospel and form disciples everywhere.
The main command is “make disciples” — not just to convert, but to help people become lifelong followers of Jesus. The going, baptizing, and teaching all serve that aim.
Its scope is “all nations,” breaking past ethnic and national boundaries. And it is grounded in Jesus’ authority (v. 18) and presence (v. 20): he sends his people with his power and promises to be with them.
Who is the Great Commission for?
It was given to Jesus’ disciples and, through them, to the whole church. Making disciples is a shared calling, lived out in many different ways.
Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.