Luke 24:47Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Here, the Lord addresses the significance of baptism. It is through this sacrament that repentance is achieved via confession and the renunciation of past wickedness, leading to the forgiveness of sins. How, then, do we reconcile the notion that baptism is performed only in the name of Christ with the directive to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as stated in Matthew 28:19? First, we must clarify that stating baptism is in the name of Christ does not imply it is solely administered in His name. Rather, it means it should not be conducted in the names associated with the Jews or John, who is associated solely with repentance.

Brethren, remember what you have heard! Let there be no uncertainty that the Church is for all nations, beginning from Jerusalem and now encompassing the entire world. We can identify the location where the vine was first planted; however, as it flourishes, we may lose sight of it as it has filled the whole expanse. From where did it originate? From Jerusalem. And where has it spread? To all nations. Very few remain untouched; it has nearly reached them all. Yet, as it occupies all nations, some weeds have emerged for which the farmer must take action, resulting in heresies and divisions. Do not let those who have been separated entice you; instead, call them back.

The proclamation is seemingly starting to unfold.

What greater mindset could one adopt to withstand the trials of all sorts, appointed for the sake of salvation, than to learn from their Creator to embrace both the various insults from the wicked and the willingness to face death for their own deliverance? In what more appropriate manner could they discover the hope of resurrection, if they had not witnessed the example of rising from the dead set forth by Him through Whom they are made pure and sanctified, and by Whose body they are reminded of the One Who took upon Himself death for their benefit? Thus it is proclaimed: Christ was destined to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, declaring repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations (Luke 24:46-47).

O my brethren, these are not just words, but the living and holy truth; for we know that many repentant sinners have received all that was promised. Many have appeared from the other world, and they have confirmed the truth of these words, have testified that they now live as sons and daughters of the King.

The initiation of the apostles' ministry, much like that of the Lord Himself, is to be revealed from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). After summoning them to Galilee for a time, the Lord returns them to Jerusalem, where they are to receive from the Father what Jesus had previously promised, which John the Baptist foretold (that he baptized you with the Holy Spirit), emphasizing the significance of Jesus' ministry over his own (Acts 1:4, 5). It is from the same hall where Jesus entered as King that the calling to His universal kingdom would be manifested. Here, His messengers to all nations would be empowered and commissioned through the illumination and sanctification of the Holy Spirit for their mission. From Zion, the law and the word of the Lord shall emerge from Jerusalem.

Jesus concluded His teaching on the Scriptures by emphasizing that all events surrounding Him were necessary; He declared that repentance and the remission of sins in His name must be proclaimed to every nation. It is your duty to bear witness to these truths. Peace be upon you; just as the Father has sent me, so I send you (John 20:21). After stating this, Jesus breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. Whosoever’s sins you forgive shall be forgiven; those you retain will be retained.

It had not crossed their minds that they would need to venture forth to instruct all nations. Even within their own homeland and in their native tongue, they struggled to convey the teachings of their Lord, frequently seeking His guidance for clarity. How, then, could they proclaim His message across the globe, to every nation, especially without their Master who was departing from them eternally? The compassionate Master, perceiving the uncertainty among His followers, offered them a profound word of encouragement: “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” This assurance brought joy to the disciples, filling their hearts with newfound bravery. The perspective of these humble fishermen was expanded. The vastness of the world unfolded before them.

To be proclaimed: through the apostles of Christ. Their message to all nations is referred to in the final instructions given by the Lord, as revealed in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. - In His name: based on His completed redemptive work. - Repentance and forgiveness of sins: as essential prerequisites for entering into the kingdom that Christ has newly established on earth (see note on Matthew 3:2, 4, etc.). - Among all nations: refer to Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, and similar passages. - Beginning in Jerusalem: where the entirety of humanity's redemption was achieved, marking the point from which salvation commenced (John 4:22).