The Disciples' Commission Is Local Before It Is Universal
In Matthew 10, Jesus explicitly tells the Twelve not to go to the Gentiles — a restriction completely reversed in Matthew 28.
Matthew 10:5–6: 'These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' This is explicit geographic restriction. Matthew 28:19–20: 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...' The same gospel that opens the disciples' mission with ethnic restriction closes with universal mandate. The restriction in Matthew 10 is as clear as the commission in Matthew 28. The progression from restricted to universal is internal to Matthew's narrative.
Red Letter Sources
Matthew 10:5Matthew 10:6Matthew 28:19
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Evidence Notes
Matthew 10:5-6 explicitly forbids going to Gentiles. Matthew 28:19 explicitly commands all nations. Both are in the same gospel.
