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 28:19
KJVGo ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Read it in context
The Great Commission
Start reading at Matthew 28:16 (Matthew 28:16 to Matthew 28:20).
This passage describes Jesus' final instructions to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee after His resurrection.
- 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? The main event is Jesus' Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations through teaching and baptism. The theme is the universal mission of the church under the authority of the resurrected Christ.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the importance of his name and the nature of His being, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The global scope of His redemptive plan, which would be carried out by His followers through the proclamation of the Gospel and the ordinance of baptism. It’s important to note that no one was baptized in the titles father, son and Holy Spirit.
- What is the literary style? This passage is part of a Gospel narrative, specifically a post-resurrection discourse or command from Jesus to His disciples.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Matthew was written approximately between A.D. 50 and 70.
- When does the event take place? The event takes place after Jesus' resurrection, when He met with His eleven disciples in Galilee, which occurred around A.D. 30.
Where
- Where did it happen? This event took place on a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had appointed His disciples to meet Him.
- Where was the author located? The author, Matthew, was located in Judea or Antioch when he wrote this Gospel.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16 to Matthew 28:20). Start reading at Matthew 28:16. This passage describes Jesus' final instructions to His disciples on a mountain in Galilee after His resurrection.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is the climax of Matthew's Gospel, serving as Jesus' final instructions and commissioning of His disciples before His ascension. It transitions from Jesus' earthly ministry to the ongoing mission of the church to spread the Gospel throughout the world, building upon His resurrection and authority.
- How does it point to Christ? This passage points to Christ by demonstrating His supreme authority, as He declares, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth' (Matthew 28:18), before issuing the command. It also affirms His divine identity as the 'Son' within the triune Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), whose name is invoked in baptism, signifying His central role in salvation and the new covenant.
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers are called to participate in the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and teaching obedience to Christ's commands in all nations. It reminds us that this mission is carried out under the authority of the resurrected Christ and with the promise of His perpetual presence.
Cited: Matthew 28:16, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 28:20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:47-48, Acts 2:38-39, 2 Corinthians 13:14
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
- ye therefore Ps 22:27-28 Ps 98:2-3 Isa 42:1-4 Isa 49:6 Isa 52:10 Isa 66:18-19 Mark 16:15-16 Luke 24:47-48
- baptizing Acts 2:38-39,41 Acts 8:12-16,36-38 Acts 9:18 Acts 10:47-48 Acts 16:15-33 Acts 19:3-5 1 Cor 1:13-16 1 Cor 15:29
- the name Matt 3:16-17 Gen 1:26 Num 6:24-27 Isa 48:16 1 Cor 12:4-6 2 Cor 13:14 Eph 2:18 1 John 5:7
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.