Faith without religion.
The Great Commission and the Trinity Debate
In a recent discussion, Shawn and Delaney delved into the final passages of Matthew 28, exploring the profound implications of Jesus’ Great Commission to his disciples. The conversation began with the disciples’ journey to Galilee, where they encountered the resurrected Jesus. Despite witnessing his return, some disciples harbored doubts, a point that sparked a discussion about Thomas, often labeled the doubter.
The dialogue then shifted to Jesus’ declaration of authority over heaven and earth, emphasizing the victory over evil and the unfolding of divine plans. This led to a discussion on the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed the disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Shawn and Delaney noted that while this Trinitarian formula is widely used in Christian baptisms, the Book of Acts records baptisms in the name of the Lord, suggesting possible later textual additions to support Trinitarian doctrine.
The conversation also touched on the teachings of Jesus, particularly the commandment to love others as he loved, and how these teachings were meant for the Jewish audience of the time. The role of Paul was highlighted, noting his unique mission to the Gentiles and his revelations, which were said to be directly from Jesus, shaping the early church’s understanding and practices.
The discussion concluded with reflections on the nature of Jesus’ presence after his ascension and the implications of his promise to be with his followers until the end of the age. Shawn and Delaney pondered the theological significance of Jesus’ physical body post-ascension and the unity of God, challenging traditional views of the Trinity. They wrapped up by expressing interest in exploring the Book of Acts next, to further understand the early church’s development and the apostles’ actions following Jesus’ ascension.
