The Mission of the Disciples refers to the specific instructions and tasks given by Jesus Christ to His followers, particularly the twelve apostles, to spread His teachings and continue His work on earth. This mission is foundational to the Christian faith, as it marks the beginning of the Church's evangelistic efforts and the spread of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The mission is primarily outlined in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Matthew 10:1-15, Jesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal every disease and sickness. He instructs them, saying, "As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:7-8).

In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends the disciples out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. This directive emphasizes reliance on God's provision and the urgency of their mission.

Luke 9:1-6 echoes these instructions, highlighting the authority given to the disciples over demons and diseases and their charge to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick.

The Great Commission

The mission of the disciples culminates in what is known as the Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20. After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the eleven disciples and declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" .

This commission expands the scope of the disciples' mission from the lost sheep of Israel to all nations, emphasizing the universal nature of the Gospel and the call to disciple-making.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

The Book of Acts records the fulfillment of the disciples' mission through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . This empowerment is realized at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues and boldly proclaim the Gospel.

Characteristics of the Mission

1. Authority and Power: The disciples were given authority over demons and diseases, signifying the divine backing of their mission. This authority was a testament to the authenticity of their message and the power of the Kingdom of God.

2. Dependence on God: Jesus' instructions to travel light and rely on hospitality underscored a dependence on God's provision and the faith community's support.

3. Proclamation and Demonstration: The mission involved both preaching the message of the Kingdom and demonstrating its power through acts of healing and deliverance.

4. Urgency and Simplicity: The disciples were to focus on their mission without being encumbered by material concerns, reflecting the urgency of spreading the Gospel.

5. Universal Scope: Initially directed towards Israel, the mission expanded to include all nations, highlighting the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

Impact and Legacy

The mission of the disciples laid the groundwork for the early Church and the global spread of Christianity. Their obedience to Christ's commission and the subsequent empowerment by the Holy Spirit led to the establishment of Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. The mission continues to inspire and guide Christian evangelistic efforts to this day, as believers seek to fulfill the Great Commission in their own contexts.