Matthewchapter 28
20 verses · Matthew, by tradition · AD 50 to 65 · The Gospels
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Introduction
Matthew, by tradition, The Gospels, Matthew Overview.
Matthew wrote for Jewish believers who had been told they had left Israel behind, and who heard a rival account of this morning told in their own city. This last chapter of the Gospel is short. It moves from a sealed tomb outside Jerusalem at first light to a mountain in Galilee. The first witnesses are women, whose testimony counted for little in that world. Listen for the two reports that go out from the tomb and for the orders given to each side. The Gospel closes on the authority of the risen King and on the promise it opened with.
Context
- Who
- Jewish readers hearing a rival explanation circulated in their own city
- What
- The women finding the empty tomb, the risen Jesus meeting them, the guards paid to spread a false story, and the commission given to the eleven in Galilee.
- Where
- A rock-cut tomb outside Jerusalem, the city itself, and a mountain in Galilee where Jesus had told the disciples to go.
- When
- The Sunday after the crucifixion, at dawn, and the days that followed, in AD 30 or AD 33.
- Why
- To show that Jesus rose from the dead and to send His disciples to make disciples of all nations under His authority.
Historical context
A sealed and guarded tomb is a legal precaution, not a decoration. Sealing meant a cord across the stone fixed with clay or wax, so that any tampering was visible. Roman military discipline for a guard who slept at his post was severe, which is exactly why the story the guards are paid to tell required the chief priests to promise to satisfy the governor if it reached him.
Show the rest of the historical context, 3 more paragraphs
Women were the first witnesses, and in that world that was a liability. Jewish courts gave little weight to a woman's testimony, and Greek and Roman writers of the period say similar things. Nobody inventing a story to persuade first-century readers would have built it on women finding the tomb.
The rival explanation Matthew names, that the disciples stole the body, was still being told when he wrote, and he says so plainly. It is worth noticing what that admission concedes on the other side: the tomb was empty, and everyone involved agreed it was empty. The argument was only about why.
The final scene moves to a mountain in Galilee, not the temple in Jerusalem. And the closing command sends Jewish disciples to all nations, baptising and teaching, a startling assignment for men who had spent their lives inside one people's borders.
Significance
Matthew's readers had been pushed out of the synagogue and told they had left Israel behind. The Gospel ends by handing them the widest commission in the Scriptures and the authority behind it: all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Show the rest of the significance, 1 more paragraph
And the last words are the same promise the book opened with. The child was called God with us; the risen King says, I am with you always, to the end of the age. The community that had lost its place had not lost his presence.
The heads below are this chapter's scenes. The numbered points under each are its verses.
The Stone Rolled Away: He Is Risen
went to see the tomb: Matthew dates the visit "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week," the third day by inclusive Jewish reckoning. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary are the two women seated opposite the tomb at 27:61, returning once the Sabbath rest has ended.
Matthew 28:1
“In the end of the sabbath - The word “end” here means the same as “after” the Sabbath - that is, after the Sabbath was fully completed or finished, and may be expressed in this manner: “In the night following the Sabbath, for the Sabbath closed at sunset, as it began to dawn,” etc. As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week - The word “dawn” is not of necessity in the original. The word there properly means as the first day “approached,” or drew on, without specifying the precise time.”
2 more voices on this verseWhat preachers and commentators have said about this verse, in their own words.
Matthew 28:1
“In the end of the sabbath,.... This clause is by some joined to the last verse of the preceding chapter, but stands better here, as appears from Mar 16:1, and intends not what the Jews call the sabbath eve, for that began the sabbath; but what they call מוצאי שבת, "the goings out of the sabbath"; and as Mark says, Mar 16:1, "when the sabbath was past": that is, when the sun was set, and any stars appeared.”
Matthew 28:1
“Their attendance on Christ not only to the grave, but in the grave, represents his like care for those that are his, when they have made their bed in the darkness. As Christ in the grave was beloved of the saints, so the saints in the grave are beloved of Christ; for death and the grave cannot slacken that bond of love which is between them.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Matthew 28:2-4
an angel of the Lord descended from heaven: Matthew records "a great earthquake" and gives its cause: "an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it". The guards at the sealed stone "became like dead men," and their fear stands against the women's fear joined to great joy at verse 8.
Matthew 28:2
“An angel of the Lord had rolled away the stone and sat upon it - St. Luke and St. John speak of two angels that appeared: but it seems as if only one of them had appeared sitting on the stone without the sepulchre, and then going into it, was seen with another angel, sitting, one where the head, the other where the feet of the body had lain.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
3 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:2
“And, behold, there was a great earthquake. Our Lord, Son at once of God and man, according to His twofold nature of Godhead and of flesh, gives a sign one while of His greatness, another while of His lowliness. Thus, though now it was man who was crucified, and man who was buried, yet the things that were done around show the Son of God.”
Jerome · written before 420 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Matthew 28:2
“A great earthquake - Σεισμος, a shaking or commotion of any kind: probably the word means no more than the confusion caused among the guards by the angel’s appearance. All this had taken place before the women reached the sepulchre.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Matthew 28:2
“It struck a terror upon them, to see themselves baffled in that which was their business here. They were posted here, to keep a dead man in his grave --as easy a piece of service surely as was ever assigned them, and yet it proves too hard for them.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
like lightning: Albert Barnes reads the angel's appearance as his whole person, which shone like lightning. White clothes mark heavenly figures at Acts 1:10 and Daniel 7:9 as well. Among the Jews, white stood for purity.
Matthew 28:3
His countenance - In our language the word “countenance” refers to the “face only;” in the original it refers to his “whole person.” His “general aspect, or the appearance of the angel himself,” was, etc. Like lightning - Peculiarly bright and shining. His raiment white as snow - Celestial beings are usually represented as clothed in white, Act 1:10; Dan 7:9; Rev 3:4-5; Rev 4:4; Rev 7:13-14. White, among the Jews, was the symbol of “purity or innocence.”
became like dead men: Matthew Henry notes that the Greek verb behind trembled is the verb of the earthquake in verse 2. The earth shook, and the guards shook with it. Adam Clarke observes that one angel brought fear to the guards and joy to the women.
Matthew 28:4
“The guards lay like dead men in a trance of terror, but the Angel speaks comfort not to them, but to the women, saying, Fear not ye; as much as to say, Let them fear with whom unbelief abides; but do ye who seek the crucified Jesus hear that He has risen again, and has accomplished what He promised.”
Jerome · written before 420 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:4
“And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men--Is the sepulchre "sure" now, O ye chief priests? He that sitteth in the heavens doth laugh at you.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
Matthew 28:4
“The keepers - became as dead men - God can, by one and the same means, comfort his servants, and terrify his enemies. The resurrection of Christ is a subject of terror to the servants of sin, and a subject of consolation to the sons of God; because it is a proof of the resurrection of both, the one to shame and everlasting contempt - the other to eternal glory and joy.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Matthew 28:5-7
you are looking for Jesus: The angel's first words, "Do not be afraid," come with their reason. The words "He has risen, just as He said" point back to the predictions at 16:21, 17:23 and 20:19. The promise that he "is going ahead of you into Galilee" keeps the word Jesus spoke at 26:32.
Matthew 28:5
But let us hear what he says to the women as they arrive: "Do not be afraid." As if he were saying openly: Let those fear who do not love the coming of the heavenly citizens; let those be terrified who, weighed down by carnal desires, despair of being able to reach their fellowship. But why should you be afraid, who see your fellow citizens? Hence Matthew also, describing the angel's appearance, says: "His appearance was like lightning, and his garments like snow."
Gregory the Dialogist · written before 604 · Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 21patristic
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:5
"Let those puny creatures, sent to keep the Living One among the dead, for fear of Me shake and become as dead men (Mt 28:4); but ye that have come hither on another errand, fear not ye." for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified--Jesus the Crucified.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
Matthew 28:5
“For the further proof of the resurrection of Christ, we have here the confession of the adversaries that were upon the guard; and there are two things which strengthen this testimony--that they were eye-witnesses, and did themselves see the glory of the resurrection, which none else did--and that they were enemies, set there to oppose and obstruct his resurrection.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
the place where He lay: The angel bids the women come and see. Jerome reads it as a help to faith: a woman slow to believe the angel could believe the empty tomb. Adam Clarke describes such a tomb as a family vault, each body laid in its own place.
Matthew 28:6
“Come, see the place - The tomb in which our Lord was laid was no doubt like the rest of the Jewish burying places, a receptacle for the several dead of a whole family, divided into separate niches, where each had his place.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:6
“There were those that knew Christ after the flesh; but now henceforth know we him so no more, 2 Cor. v. 16 . It is true, he had a body; but it is now a glorified body. They that make pictures and images of Christ, forget that he is not here, he is risen; our communion with him must be spiritual, by faith in his word, Rom. x.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Matthew 28:6
THE holy women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, came to the sepulcher hoping to find there the body of their Lord which they intended to embalm. Their intention was good and their will was accepted before God, but, for all that, their desire was not gratified for the simple reason that it was contrary to God's design. It was at variance with even what Christ had foretold and plainly declared to them. "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said."
go quickly and tell: At Mark 16:7 the same message names Peter, the disciple who had denied his Lord three times. Albert Barnes reads the name as a kind word to Peter, assuring him that his sin was forgiven. The women were the first to tell it.
Matthew 28:7
“Tell his disciples - Mark adds particularly, “tell Peter.” This was a kind message to Peter, who had so recently denied his Lord. It would serve to cheer him in his despondency, and to assure him that his sin had been forgiven; and it shows the tender love and remembrance of Jesus, even for his unfaithful friends.”
1 more voice on this verse
Matthew 28:7
“Mystically; He shall go before you into Galilee, that is, into the wallowing stye of the Gentiles, where before was wandering and stumbling, and the foot had no firm and steady resting-place.”
Jerome · written before 420 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
in fear and great joy: The women leave "in fear and great joy," the two held together in one verse. They run, doing what the angel told them. Luke 24:11 records the apostles at first took their words for nonsense, so the first witnesses of the empty tomb meet unbelief among the disciples.
Matthew 28:8
“They departed quickly from the sepulchre - At the desire of the angel they went into the tomb, to have the fullest certainty of the resurrection. Fear and great joy - Fear, produced by the appearance of this glorious messenger of God; and great joy occasioned by the glad tidings of the resurrection of their Lord and Master. At the mention of unexpected good news, fear and joy are generally intermingled. - Vix sum apud me, ita animus commotus est metu, Spe, gaudio, mirando hoc tanto, tam repentino bono Terant. Andr. v.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:8
“They departed with fear and great joy; a strange mixture, fear and joy at the same time, in the same soul. To hear that Christ was risen, was matter of joy; but to be led into his grave, and to see an angel, and talk with him about it, could not but cause fear. It was good news, but they were afraid that it was too good to be true.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Matthew 28:8
“THESE holy women, these consecrated Maries, shall be our instructors tonight. They were highly-favored to be the first witnesses for our risen Lord! Do you wonder why He chose them? Was it because their hearts were tender and they were very sad at His death, more sad than the men? And is He not known to come, first, to those who need Him most and to pour in oil and wine where the wound gapes widest? It may be so.”
Charles Spurgeon · written before 1892 · The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Sermon No. 2323: “Obedience Rewarded” (lightly modernized text, CCEL edition)Particular Baptist
Matthew 28:9-10
grasped His feet, and worshiped Him: Jesus meets the women before any of the eleven, and his greeting is the ordinary Greek chairete. They take hold of his feet and worship him, touching a body that can be held. His words repeat the angel's "Do not be afraid" while he names the disciples "My brothers".
Matthew 28:9
“And as they went ... Jesus met them - This was when they left the sepulchre the “second” time. Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene when alone, Joh 20:14. “Afterward” he appeared to the other women, as related by Matthew. See the accounts of the resurrection harmonized at the end of this chapter. All hail - This is a term of salutation. The word all has been supplied by the translators. It is not in the original.”
1 more voice on this verse
Matthew 28:9
“This interview with Christ was unexpected, or ever they were aware, Cant. vi. Note, Christ is nearer to his people than they imagine. They needed not descend into the deep, to fetch Christ thence; he was not there, he was risen; nor go up to heaven, for he was not yet ascended: but Christ was high them, and still in the word is nigh us.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
tell My brothers to go: Jerome observes that when heaven appears in Scripture, fear is removed first, so that the mind can hear what is told. Jesus keeps that order with the women here. Charles Spurgeon suggests he came first to those who most needed him.
Matthew 28:10
“Be not afraid - They were seized with fear at the sight of the angel; and this was now renewed by this unexpected appearance of Christ. See the note on Mat 28:8. Go, tell my brethren - This is the first time our Lord called his disciples by this endearing name: they no doubt thought that their Lord would reproach them with their past cowardice and infidelity; but, in speaking thus, he gives them a full assurance, in the most tender terms, that all that was passed was as buried for ever.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
The Guards Paid to Tell a Lie
Matthew 28:11-15
reported to the chief priests: The priests pay the guards to say, "His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep". The story has sleeping men report what happened while they slept. Matthew says the account was told "to this very day," and Justin Martyr answered it in the second century.
Matthew 28:11
“When they were going - Or when they had gone from the tomb. Some of the watch - Some of the guard that had been set around the tomb to keep it safe. Probably the leaders or officers came to give a true account of what had happened. Showed unto the chief priests - To Annas and Caiaphas.”
4 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:11
“Now when they were going,.... Or were gone from the sepulchre: that is, the women, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, and their companions, when they were going, or gone, and before they could come to the disciples, to inform them of what they had seen and heard, and deliver the message both of the angel, and of Christ, unto them: behold, some of the watch came unto the city: that is, "of Jerusalem".”
Matthew 28:11
“The concealment of the Resurrection, and the false allegation of theft, is purchased by money; because by the honour of this world, which consists in money and desire, Christ's glory is denied.”
Hilary of Poitiers · written before 367 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Matthew 28:11
“How could ye imagine that such a tale as ye had to tell would not at once commend itself to your scared employers? Had they doubted this for a moment, would they have ventured to go near them, knowing it was death to a Roman soldier to be proved asleep when on guard? and of course that was the only other explanation of the case.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
Matthew 28:11
“Thus they who have sold themselves to work wickedness, find that one sin draws on another, and that they have plunged themselves into a wretched necessity of adding iniquity to iniquity, which is part of the curse of Christ's persecutors, Ps. lxix. The result of their debate was, that those soldiers must by all means be bribed off, and hired not to tell tales.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
a large sum of money: Adam Clarke identifies the elders as members of the Sanhedrin, who could meet once the Sabbath was over. The chief priests had paid money before, to Judas. Peter Chrysologus sets the large sum given to the soldiers beside that price.
Matthew 28:12
“And when they were assembled with the elders--But Joseph at least was absent: Gamaliel probably also; and perhaps others. and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers--It would need a good deal; but the whole case of the Jewish authorities was now at stake.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
1 more voice on this verse
Matthew 28:12
“With the elders - That is, the senators of the great Sanhedrin or Jewish council of state, elsewhere called the elders of the people; they could now meet, as the Sabbath was over.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Adam Clarke weighs the story against the facts. Eleven frightened men would have stolen a body from armed guards under the authority of the governor. Matthew Henry calls the lie a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, since it credits the disciples with a work done by the power of God.
Matthew 28:13
“His disciples came by night - This was as absurd as it was false. On one hand, the terror of the disciples, the smallness of their number (only eleven); and their almost total want of faith; on the other, the great danger of such a bold enterprise, the number of armed men who guarded the tomb, the authority of Pilate and of the Sanhedrin, must render such an imposture as this utterly devoid of credit. Stole him away while we slept - Here is a whole heap of absurdities. 1st.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
Matthew 28:13
“Say, his disciples came by night, and stole him while we slept - Is it possible, that any man of sense should digest this poor, shallow inconsistency?”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
If this report reaches the governor: Clarke notes the guards could expect punishment for sleeping at their post, and the chief priests promise to keep them out of it. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown read the plan to satisfy Pilate as a bribe, the kind Felix hoped for at Acts 24:26. The money would reach the governor.
Matthew 28:14
“If this came to the governor’s ears - Pilate - we will persuade him that it is for his own interest and honor to join in the deception; and we will render you secure - we will take care that you shalt not suffer that punishment for this pretended breach of duty which otherwise you might expect.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
Matthew 28:14
“The meaning then is, "If this come before the governor--as it likely will--we shall see to it that," &c. The "persuasion" of Pilate meant, doubtless, quieting him by a bribe, which we know otherwise he was by no means above taking (like Felix afterwards, Ac 24:26).”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
took the money: The soldiers who had fallen like dead men before the angel now took money to deny what they had seen. John Gill marks how fast terror turned to greed. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown add that in telling the story the guards branded themselves as sentries who slept on duty.
Matthew 28:15
“So they took the money, and did as they were taught--thus consenting to brand themselves with infamy. and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day--to the date of the publication of this Gospel. The wonder is that so clumsy and incredible a story lasted so long. But those who are resolved not to come to the light will catch at straws.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:15
“So they took the money, and did as they were taught,.... Though they had been just now in the greatest fright and consternation imaginable, at the sight of the angel, and knew what was done; yet being men of no religion or conscience, were tempted with the money, and took it, and reported every where what had been put into their mouths by the chief priests and elders.”
Matthew 28:15
“This saying is commonly reported - This account of the disappearance of the body of Jesus from the sepulchre is commonly given. Until this day - The time when Matthew wrote this gospel that is, about 30 years after the resurrection. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus, of which an account is given in this chapter, is one of the most important doctrines of the Christian religion, and is attested by the strongest evidence that can be adduced in favor of any ancient fact. Let it be considered: 1. That he had often foretold his own death and resurrection.”
The Great Commission on the Mountain
Matthew 28:16-17
to the mountain Jesus had designated: The eleven go to "the mountain Jesus had designated," obeying the word given through the angel at verse 7 and through Jesus at verse 10. They worship with the verb used of the magi at 2:2, yet "some doubted," and in the next verse Jesus comes to them all.
Matthew 28:16
“Then the eleven disciples went - When the women went and told them that they had seen the Lord, and that he had promised to meet them in Galilee. From the eleventh to the fifteenth verse inclusive, should be read in a parenthesis, as the sixteenth verse is the continuation of the subject mentioned in the tenth.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:16
“To the mountain where Jesus had appointed them - This was probably Mount Tabor, where, (it is commonly supposed) he had been before transfigured. It seems to have been here also, that he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
Matthew 28:16
“Nothing can account for such a number as five hundred assembling at one spot but the expectation of some promised manifestation of their risen Lord: and the promise before His resurrection, twice repeated after it, best explains this immense gathering.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
but some doubted: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown hold none of the eleven doubted after the meetings in Jerusalem, and place the doubters among others present on the mountain. Albert Barnes counts disciples like Thomas among them. He reads the doubt as the mark of honest men, persuaded only by the evidence.
Matthew 28:17
“And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted--certainly none of "the Eleven," after what took place at previous interviews in Jerusalem.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
1 more voice on this verse
Matthew 28:17
“They worshipped him - Paid him honour as the Messiah. But some doubted - As, for example, Thomas, Joh 20:25. The disciples had not expected his resurrection; they were therefore slow to believe. The mention of their doubting shows that they were honest men that they were not easily imposed on that they had not previously agreed to affirm that he had risen - that they were convinced only by the strength of the evidence.”
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" echoes the dominion given to the son of man at Daniel 7:14. At 4:8-9 Satan showed him the kingdoms from a mountain and offered them for worship, and on this mountain the authority is given to him.
Matthew 28:18
“And Jesus came and spake unto them - It is supposed by some that the reason why any doubted was, that when they saw Jesus at first, he was at a distance; but when he came up, drew near to them, they were fully persuaded of the identity of his person. All power is given unto me - Or, All authority in heaven and upon earth is given unto me.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:18
“Hereby he asserts his universal dominion as Mediator, which is the great foundation of the Christian religion. Observe, (1.) Whence he hath this power. He did not assume it, or usurp it, but it was given him, he was legally entitled to it, and invested in it, by a grant from him who is the Fountain of all being, and consequently of all power.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Matthew 28:18
THE change from "the Man of Sorrows," before His crucifixion, to the "Lord over All" after His Resurrection is very striking. Before His Passion He was well-known by His disciples and appeared only in one form, as the Son of Man, clad in the common peasant's garment without seam, woven from the top throughout. But after He had risen from the dead He was, on several occasions, unrecognized by those who loved Him best. He is once, at least, described as having appeared to certain of them "under another form."
baptizing them in the name of the Father: The command is one Greek verb, matheteusate, "make disciples," and "of all nations" widens the mission confined at 10:6. Baptism is "in the name," one singular name, "of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". The Didache repeats the same threefold formula in its baptismal instructions.
Matthew 28:19
“Disciple all nations - Make them my disciples. This includes the whole design of Christ's commission. Baptizing and teaching are the two great branches of that general design.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore - “Because” all power is mine, go! I can defend you. The world is placed under my control. It is redeemed. It is given me in promise by my Father, as the purchase of my death. Though you are weak, yet I am strong! Though you will encounter many troubles and dangers, yet I can defend you! Though you die, yet I live, and the work shall be accomplished! Teach all nations - The word rendered “teach,” here, is not the one that is usually so translated in the New Testament.”
The disciples are to teach the nations "to obey all that I have commanded you," so the commands become the content of their teaching. The promise "I am with you always" answers the name Immanuel at 1:23, and the book opens and closes on God's presence with his people.
Matthew 28:20
“Observe the order of these injunctions. He bids the Apostles first to teach all nations, then to wash them with the sacrament of faith, and after faith and baptism then to teach them what things they ought to observe; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. He then who promises that He will be with His disciples to the end of the world, shows both that they shall live for ever, and that He will never depart from those that believe.”
Jerome · written before 420 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
2 more voices on this verse
Matthew 28:20
“Teaching them to observe all things - Men are ignorant of Divine things, and must be taught. Only those can be considered as proper teachers of the ignorant who are thoroughly instructed in whatsoever Christ has commanded. Persons who are entrusted with the public ministry of the word should take care that they teach not human creeds and confessions of faith, in place of the Sacred Writings; but those things, and those only, which Jesus has commanded.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Matthew 28:20
“Set the seal of visible discipleship upon the converts, by "baptizing them into the name," that is, into the whole fulness of the grace "of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," as belonging to them who believe. This done, the Missionary department of your work, which in its own nature is temporary, must merge in another, which is permanent.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
ConnectionsMatthew 1:23
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Sources for this chapter
The summary
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory; John Calvin, Commentaries; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary.
The exposition
Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Bible; Albert Barnes; Augustine, Harmony of the Gospels; Charles Spurgeon, The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Sermon No. 2323: “Obedience Rewarded” (lightly modernized text, CCEL edition); Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; Jerome, Commentary on Matthew; John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew; John Gill; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament; Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible and Peter Chrysologus, SERMONS 76.4.