thou shalt follow Me (John 21:22)."

Taken literally, this word gave assurance to the other Apostles and brothers in Christ that John would not die; and this word spread among the followers of Christ, and was supported by the length of life of John, who died a natural death in old age.

According to the testimony of the Evangelist Matthew, Jesus appeared once more to the eleven Apostles in Galilee, on a mountain. Seeing Him, some recognized Him and bowed down, while others doubted whether this was indeed Christ. But He drew near to them, and all doubts vanished. And then Christ addressed them, who had been specially called to Galilee for this purpose, with these words: "I send you to preach my teaching; I send, to Whom I have been given

all power in heaven and on earth. So, do not be afraid, boldly

go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:18-20)."

In many of His conversations with the Apostles and in public teachings, Jesus Christ spoke about God the Father, called Himself His Son and mentioned the Spirit; now, as it were, uniting all that has been said before, He clearly speaks of the trinity of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

According to the Evangelist Mark, Christ added to this an explanation of the necessity of baptism for entering the Kingdom of God and for salvation, which, however, is impossible without faith.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Кто будет веровать; веруя, будет креститься, и, крестясь, будет исполнять все, что повелел Христос, — тот спасен будет. Но кто принимает крещение, не веруя и не исполняя всего, что повелел Христос, или, веруя и крестясь, не исполняет повелений Христа — тот будет осужден на окончательном Суде.

Апостолам, отправляющимся на проповедь о Христе, распятом и воскресшем, нужна была особая власть, чтобы рассеять в людях соблазн Креста и доказать, что даровавший им такую власть Христос есть Бог, а не просто Человек. И вот, Господь дает им эту власть.