The empty tomb
Matthew 28:1–10FocusResurrection and witness
Connection to the wholeThe women receive the announcement that Jesus is risen and are sent to tell His disciples.
interpretation Matthew 28:18
KJVAnd Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Read it in context
The Great Commission
Start reading at Matthew 28:1 (Matthew 28:1 to Matthew 28:20).
The entire chapter details the resurrection account and culminates in Jesus' final instructions and declaration of authority to His disciples.
- 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
- 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
- 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
- 28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
- 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
- 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
- 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
- 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
- 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
- 28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
- 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
- 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
- 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
- 28:14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
- 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
- 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
- 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
- 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
- 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
- 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 28:1–28:20): Mary Magdalene and the other Mary receive the resurrection announcement and meet Jesus. Guards report to the priests; the eleven disciples later receive Jesus' commission in Galilee. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme in Matthew 28:18? The main event is Jesus declaring His supreme authority in heaven and on earth to His disciples after His resurrection. This declaration serves as the foundation for the Great Commission that follows.
- What is God revealing in Matthew 28:18? God is revealing the absolute and universal authority of Jesus Christ, which He received after His resurrection. This authority empowers His disciples to carry out the mission of making disciples of all nations.
- What is the literary style of the book of Matthew? The literary style of the book of Matthew is a Gospel narrative.
When
- When was the book of Matthew written? The book of Matthew was written approximately between A.D. 50 and 70. book background
- When does the event in Matthew 28:18 take place? The event takes place after Jesus' resurrection, on a mountain in Galilee where He had appointed His eleven disciples to meet Him. The resurrection itself occurred "in the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week." stated in the text
Where
- Where did the event in Matthew 28:18 happen? The event happened on a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had appointed the eleven disciples to meet Him. stated in the text
- Where was the author of Matthew located when he wrote the book? The author, Matthew, was located in Judea or Antioch when he wrote the book. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Great Commission (Matthew 28:1 to Matthew 28:20). Start reading at Matthew 28:1. The entire chapter details the resurrection account and culminates in Jesus' final instructions and declaration of authority to His disciples.
How
- How does Matthew 28:18 fit the broader context of the chapter? Matthew 28:18 serves as the foundational declaration of authority for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Following Jesus' resurrection and His appearance to the disciples, He asserts His supreme power, which legitimizes and enables the global mission He entrusts to them. interpretation
- How does Matthew 28:18 point to Christ? This verse directly points to Christ by declaring His absolute and universal authority. Having triumphed over death through His resurrection, Jesus is revealed as the sovereign Lord, to whom "All power is given... in heaven and in earth," fulfilling prophecies of His eternal dominion. interpretation
- How can I apply Matthew 28:18 today? Believers today can find confidence and assurance in the fact that Jesus Christ possesses all authority. This means His commands, including the Great Commission, are backed by infinite power, and His presence is guaranteed to those who obey Him, empowering them to live and serve without fear. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 28:1, Matthew 28:16, Matthew 28:17, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 11:27, Psalm 2:6-9, Daniel 7:14
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 28
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The alternative report
Matthew 28:11–15FocusResistance to the resurrection
Connection to the wholeThe guards' report and the leaders' response show that opposition continues even in response to the events at the tomb.
interpretation FocusAll nations and obedience
Connection to the wholeJesus' authority grounds the commission to make disciples, baptize, and teach obedience, with His continuing presence promised to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.