Matthew 28:19–20 contains what has come to be called the Great Commission: “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus gave this command to the apostles shortly before He ascended into heaven, and it essentially outlines what He expected the apostles and those who followed them to do in His absence.

 

Additional scriptures referenced include Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Jude 1:3; 1 Timothy 2:4; Luke 19:13; Acts 1:14; Matthew 16:18; and Acts 2:42-47.