Johnny Skeptic

I look forward to reading replies to my topic question.

Gavriel

What exactly is the "Great Commission"

I google'd it and got

THIS

Is this what it is?

Toto

To simplify things, the Great Commission is Christians' idea that Jesus told his followers to go out an convert the entire world to The Truth.

It appears that Jews accepted converts readily before the Christian era, but the Hebrew Scriptures do not call for Jews to convert the entire world to Judaism.

Johnny Skeptic

Yes, that is what it is. Your web site reference said “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world� (Mt. 28:18-20 ASV).

My question is better stated "Since Jesus told the disciples to go into all of the world to spread the Gospel message, why didn't God tell Old Testament Jews to go into all of the world and tell people about his specific existence and will?"

Gavriel

Well from the Jewish perspective. The Jews have a specific rule in this world, and certain mitzvot (laws), and the Gentile (non-Jew) has certain mitzvot. The Jews are meant to be the "priestly nation" "light unto other nations" etc. So teaching through example and being a wise ear when Gentiles have problems and such.

Because of that, there is no need to actively try to convert. In fact it's actively discouraged. Furthermore individaul Jewish actions have ripple effects for the entire Jewish nation, so it's paramount not to accept any convert willy-nilly because he could help bring about great despair to the whole.