Final Answer:
The Great Commission is first explicitly mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, not directly by Jesus. While the concept aligns with Jesus' teachings, the varied Gospel accounts indicate a nuanced development of the Commission across different contexts. So the correct option is b) False
Step-by-step explanation:
The first mention of the Great Commission is not by Jesus himself. In fact, the Great Commission is attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (28:16-20), where he instructs his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. However, the concept of spreading the message of faith and making disciples is not unique to the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel of Mark (16:15) and the Gospel of Luke (24:47) also contain similar instructions from Jesus, but in different contexts.
The Gospel of John, on the other hand, does not explicitly mention the Great Commission as found in the synoptic Gospels. It is essential to consider the nuanced differences in the Gospel accounts to arrive at an accurate understanding of the origins and details of the Great Commission.
While the Gospel of Matthew records Jesus giving the Great Commission on a mountain in Galilee, scholars note that the exact wording and emphasis can vary across the different Gospel accounts. This diversity reflects the theological perspectives and intentions of the Gospel writers. Consequently, while Jesus is associated with the Great Commission, the specific wording and context differ, highlighting the importance of considering the nuances within each Gospel. Therefore, the assertion that the first mention of the Great Commission is directly by Jesus is false, as it is a concept presented in various forms across multiple Gospel accounts. So the correct option is b) False