And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The command isn't just to go to "all the world," but to preach the gospel to the "whole creation." This subtle wording hints that the good news isn't just for people, but for the entire redeemed cosmos, pointing to a future restoration that extends beyond humanity. It also emphasizes that the gospel's scope is as vast as God's original creative act.
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples multiple times, even though some of them initially doubted or disbelieved. During one of these encounters, likely in Galilee, Jesus commissioned them with their ultimate mission. This command is the pivotal charge for spreading the gospel beyond the Jewish nation to all people everywhere.
Jesus’ command wasn't just for Jerusalem. It was for the entire planet, and everyone on it. How far does 'all the world' really extend?
This command, "Go into all the world," is a radical expansion from Jesus’ earlier ministry, which was primarily focused on Israel. The scholars note that this commission is meant to be coextensive with geographic discovery – meaning, as humanity explores more of the globe, so too does the gospel's reach.
A Global Mandate
What exactly are the disciples supposed to 'proclaim'? It's not just good advice; it's the life-changing news of Jesus.
The command is to "proclaim the gospel." This isn't simply about sharing information; it's about heralding the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Heart of the Message
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
euangelion · Greek Noun
The 'good news' of salvation through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the life, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus, which offers reconciliation between God and humanity.
ktisis · Greek Noun
Everything that God has brought into existence. In the Great Commission, it signifies that the offer of salvation is universal and intended for all mankind.
This command was given shortly after Jesus' resurrection, marking a pivotal shift from His earthly ministry focused on Israel to a global mission for all creation.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, appearing to his disciples over a period of 40 days.
c. AD 33
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven, commissioning his followers to spread the gospel to all nations.
c. AD 33-40
Early Spread of the Gospel in Jerusalem
The gospel message initially spreads primarily among Jewish people in Jerusalem and Judea.
c. AD 40-45
Mission to the Gentiles Begins
The gospel begins to be preached to Gentiles, notably through the conversion and ministry of Saul (Paul).
c. AD 45-60
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in various Gentile communities.
c. AD 62
Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple
The Roman-Jewish War begins, culminating in the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70, signifying a major shift for Judaism and Christianity.
This passage parallels Mark 16:15 by providing a similar Great Commission, instructing Jesus' followers to 'make disciples of all nations,' emphasizing the global scope of the gospel's reach.
Luke 24:47Luke's account of the post-resurrection appearances includes a commission to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name to all nations, directly echoing the universal proclamation commanded in Mark 16:15.
Acts 1:8Before his ascension, Jesus promises his disciples they will be his witnesses 'in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,' reinforcing the expansive geographical and ethnic reach of the gospel message given in Mark 16:15.
Romans 10:14-15This passage speaks to the necessity of preaching the gospel for people to believe and be saved, highlighting the crucial role of the messengers sent out by the command in Mark 16:15.
Romans 8:21-22The mention of 'the whole creation' in Mark 16:15 finds a conceptual parallel in Paul's description of creation itself groaning and longing for liberation, suggesting the gospel's ultimate impact extends beyond humanity.
pulpitMark 16:15: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Verses 15, 16. - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation (πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει). He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. Here is a considerable interval of time, not noticed in any way by the evangelist. And he saith unto them; not on the day of his resurrection. It would seem that this charg…
calvinMark 16:15-18: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
- But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17. And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18. And Jesus approached, and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and on the earth. 19. Go out, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghos…
The command isn't just to go to "all the world," but to preach the gospel to the "whole creation." This subtle wording hints that the good news isn't just for people, but for the entire redeemed cosmos, pointing to a future restoration that extends beyond humanity. It also emphasizes that the gospel's scope is as vast as God's original creative act.
After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples multiple times, even though some of them initially doubted or disbelieved. During one of these encounters, likely in Galilee, Jesus commissioned them with their ultimate mission. This command is the pivotal charge for spreading the gospel beyond the Jewish nation to all people everywhere.
After Jesus' resurrection, He appeared to His disciples multiple times, even though some of them initially doubted or disbelieved. During one of these encounters, likely in Galilee, Jesus commissioned them with their ultimate mission. This command is the pivotal charge for spreading the gospel beyond the Jewish nation to all people everywhere.
"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." — The command isn't just to go to "all the world," but to preach the gospel to the "whole creation." This subtle wording hints that the good news isn't just for people, but for the entire redeemed cosm…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026