But what does Jesus command?
(Throughout the Bible, the word for 'nations' generally means people or ethnic groups.)
When asked about when the last days will come, Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24:14 that "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all [people groups], and then the end will come." Every people group hearing the Gospel is not necessarily a trigger for Jesus' second return, but a definite prerequisite.
Before He left, Jesus commanded His followers:
- “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all [people groups], 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.” (Matt. 28:18-20)
- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
We also see clearly through Apostle John's prophecy that before the unveiling of the new heaven & new earth, "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9)
