The Great Commission in Matt. 28:19–20 outlines the basic task of the local assembly, and the rest of the New Testament gives examples and instructions of how New Testament churches should impact the culture of their day. The Lord had already indicated His desire to have the disciples evangelize and thereby make disciples in the whole world. It is interesting to note that Acts 1:8 is not an imperative but is, instead, a promise that the believers will be witnesses when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.