If there is consistency, what constant message is to be spread worldwide? This is where comparing parallel passages supplies a more complete picture—as the Spirit surely intended by giving multiple accounts. In Luke, the message for “all nations” is “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47) and eye-witness testimony (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8). In Mark it is the saving Gospel or Good News (Mark 16:15). Later, Paul describes the Gospel in this way,
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
The Law had weightier and lesser parts, none of it to be neglected (Matthew 5:19; 22:37-40; 23:23). Similarly, every New Covenant teaching is true and important, but there are levels of importance. This message of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection rises to the top. It is consistently proclaimed “to the whole creation”—
every person who can hear and respond. And what is the response?