The ultimate commission: The key for the gospel according to Matthew

Abstract

It is frequently acknowledged that the ultimate commission is important for understanding the whole gospel of Matthew. In this article, we investigate how several themes incorporated in the ultimate commission (28:18-20) are connected to the whole gospel. Thus readers of Matthew will not be surprised at their encounter with the ultimate commission at the end. The themes within this commission are not sudden, but are already visible in every section of the whole gospel. Having read the gospel from the beginning, readers will be well prepared for the ultimate commission.