Matthew’s Great Commission follows baptism with the next part of disciple-making:
…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
Jesus knew that more teachings were to come. He had told the apostles,
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:12-13)
Did “all truth” include further commands to be revealed, such as future commands about church leaders (Titus 1:5)? When Jesus had given such commands through His apostles, would they then be included in the term, “all that I have commanded you”? Jesus knew what He had in mind, and what would apply to every disciple in every nation (Matthew 28:19). He intended ongoing consistency, which reflected His own character. The apostle Paul spoke of consistency in his teachings.
[I sent Timothy] to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church…. This is my rule in all the churches…. As in all the churches of the saints…. (1 Corinthians 4:17; 7:17; 14:33)
If each new disciple is taught all Christ’s commands, that certainly includes His most recent command in that context, “Make disciples.” Thus, new disciples make other disciples, baptizing them and teaching them all Christ commanded, including, “Make disciples….” So, by Christ’s authority and design, the same process replicates itself on and on. In this way, Christ’s original teachings are perpetuated consistently from generation to generation. Along the way, Jesus remains with His true disciples “to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Paul was following the Lord’s design when he trained his “son in the faith” Timothy. His inspired instructions guided personal life, social interactions, worship and leadership, with warnings against other doctrines (1 Timothy 1:6, 19-20; 4:1-8; 5:15). Then he urged Timothy to pass apostolic teachings to the next disciples who would pass it to the next, well into the future.
Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you…. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:2)
In Greek, the words for pattern, standard and example speak about copying and producing sameness. Pattern simply reflects Jesus’ consistency built into the Great Commission.
Do we believe Jesus has “all authority” universally? Do we believe Jesus is consistent? If so, we approach Bible study with a view to seeking His enduring pattern, His revealed will for all peoples and all of earth’s future. If Christ has “all” authority, none is left over for us to impose more or less than Jesus intended. The age-old principle is still true: “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6 cf. Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). Anyone who serves as a speaker should speak “as one who speaks oracles [revealed words] of God” (1 Peter 4:11). This calls for care, prayer, humility, and discernment in our Bible study.