Page "Great Commission" Paragraph 5

Scholars such as Eduard Riggenbach ( in " Der Trinitarische Taufbefel ') and J. H.

Oldham et al ( in " The Missionary Motive ") assert that even the very concept did not exist until after the year 1650, and that Matthew 28: 18 – 20 was traditionally interpreted instead as having been addressed only to Jesus's disciples then living ( believed to be up to 500 ), and as having been carried out by them and fulfilled, not as a continuing obligation upon subsequent generations.

The issues of Biblical law in Christianity and the Law of Christ and whether or not they include the Great Commission are still hotly debated.