In Search of the Great Comission

What Did Jesus Really Say?

About the Author

William L. Banks, who obtained degrees from University of Pennsylvania and Lincoln Seminary, has done a commendable and easy to read, but in-depth work on the Great Commission Scriptures.

About the Book

This book, published in Chicago in 1991 by Moody Press, has 167 pages. In six chapters Banks has thoroughly analyzed five key texts, and also made a strong case for a biblically-based understanding of the Commission. He used John 20:21 to discuss the Resurrection Commission; Mark 16:15 – 16 for the Worldwide Dimension of the gospel; Matthew 28:19 – 20 for the Discipleship Factor; Luke 24:46 – 47 for the Forgiveness Message; and Acts 1:8 for the Ascension Repetition. Some interesting appendixes have been included too. 

 Have you really paid close attention to the gospel commission texts in the Bible? A keen look at them reveal how loaded and extensive they are in meaning and application. The key terms in the Great Commission – go, send, baptize, teach, preach, witness, disciple, repentance, forgiveness, power, all nations, end of the age – have missional implications that cannot be ignored by the Christian community. 

Though one may not agree with all the theological assertions and dispensational arguments and interpretations put up by Banks, only a few might not agree that his strength of argument, emphasis, and exposition of the Commission texts are glaring. He has interacted deeply with the Greek texts of the selected passages and arrived at consequential conclusions that are crucially relevant for the church today. 

Anyone who seeking to have a substantial but easy to remember and apply understanding of the Great Commission cannot claim to have really had a strong insight into the Commission without reading Banks’ propositions in this book. Therefore, I recommend this book to all who desire to make the gospel work their commission! 

Reviewed by John Okpechi