Should we interpret the Great Commission as a command for the church at large, not as a command directed to every individual believer? Jesus delivered the Great Commission. In it comes the command for all the peoples of the earth to be reached with the good news. But who was Jesus speaking to? Was it to the original apostles only? To the church at large? To particular local churches? To frontline, missions-minded people? Or is it given to each and every Christian? The question is from a listener named David. “Hi, Pastor John. A friend recently suggested to me that we should interpret the Great Commission as a command to make disciples for the church at large, not as a command directed to every individual believer. Do you think this command to reach the nations is better interpreted when we see it challenging the apostles, church leaders, and even whole local churches? Or should we take this as a personal commission from Jesus given to every individual Christ-follower?” EPISODE 1179: http://desiringgod.org/interviews/is-the-great-commission-for-every-individual-christian Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes, http://desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john