Mark 16:15
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Mark 16:15 is a central Great Commission passage in the Christian Scriptures, emphasizing Jesus' command to 'go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.' This verse highlights core concepts such as evangelism, discipleship, missions, and the universal scope of the gospel message. The call to proclaim salvation through Christ resonates with foundational terms like redemption, missionary mandate, global outreach, and apostolic authority. It serves as an anchor text for discussions on Christian mission, obedience to Christ, and the inclusive nature of God's saving plan for all humanity.
Summary
And he said unto them, ‹Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.›
Mark 16:15 forms the foundational basis for the Church's missionary activity, often referred to as the 'Great Commission.' Historically, this imperative follows Christ's resurrection—His victory over sin and death—and demonstrates His authority as the risen Lord. In Greek, the verb translated 'preach' is κηρύξατε (kēruxate, 'proclaim, herald'), and the command 'to every creature' (παντί τῇ κτίσει, 'panti tē ktisei') conveys both the scope and urgency of the message—no one is excluded from the summons to salvation (see also Matthew 28:18-20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A18-20&version=KJV] and Acts 1:8 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A8&version=KJV]). This gospel (εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion) is the good news of Jesus' atoning work (Romans 1:16 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A16&version=KJV]), rooted in Old Testament promises of blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3 [https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/8163/jewish/Chapter-12.htm#showr2], Isaiah 49:6 [https://www.chabad.org/library/biblecdo/aid/15940/jewish/Chapter-49.htm#v6]). Christ entrusts His disciples—and, by extension, the Church—with this universal mission, reflecting the Trinitarian sending motif and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-22 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A21-22&version=KJV]). Theologically, this verse affirms the inclusivity of Christ's redemptive invitation and the essential role of gospel proclamation in God's plan of salvation.
Jesus’ words in Mark 16:15 reach across generations, inviting us to participate in His heart for a lost world. No matter how ordinary our lives may feel, we are called into an extraordinary mission—bearing witness to hope, love, and forgiveness that transforms. Sometimes 'preaching the gospel' means brave conversation, quiet service, or consistent compassion to those around us. His commission reminds us that our faith isn’t private: it’s meant to ripple outward, touching every 'creature' we encounter. In moments of hesitation or fear, let’s remember that the One who commissions also empowers, promising His presence as we step out in faith. Each act of obedience, great or small, echoes this ancient command, helping light dawn in hearts near and far.