Matthew 28:19

Commentary on Matthew 28:19

Introduction

Matthew 28:19 forms the heart of the Great Commission, Jesus’s final charge to His followers before His ascension. In the New King James Version, it reads:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

This verse lies within the climactic scene of Matthew 28[i], where the risen Lord, invested with all authority, directs His disciples into a worldwide mission. It underscores God’s sovereign purpose in salvation, the continuity of covenant community, and the Trinitarian nature of discipleship.

Context in Matthew 28

Matthew’s Gospel culminates in chapter 28 with the resurrection narrative. The disciples, some still doubting, gather on a Galilean mountain at Jesus’s instruction. Jesus first declares His universal authority (verse 18), then commissions His followers in verse 19. This placement emphasises that mission flows from His royal power and victory over sin and death.

Exegesis of Matthew 28:19

• “Go therefore…”
  The word translated “go” carries the sense of leaving one’s comfort zone under divine commission rather than mere travel. It signals purposeful obedience to Christ’s authority.
• “…make disciples of all the nations…”
  The core imperative is not simply to evangelise or baptise, but to form fully committed followers; the Greek verb suggests both initial instruction and ongoing mentorship. “All the nations” (ta ethnē) stresses the gospel’s universal reach, breaking the historic boundary between Israel and the Gentiles.
• “… baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
  Baptism here is the sacramental sign of entrance into covenant community. The singular “name” reflects unity within the Triune God. It affirms the coequal Persons of the Godhead and marks converts as belonging to Christ’s kingdom.

Insights

1. Sovereignty and Mission
   All authority rests in Christ alone. His command to “go” arises from His royal mandate, ensuring that mission work proceeds under divine sovereignty and cannot ultimately fail.
2. Covenant Continuity
   Baptism as the sign of union with Christ echoes circumcision in the Old Covenant. The covenant sign marks both adults and their children, highlighting God’s gracious inclusion of successive generations.
3. Trinitarian Discipleship
   Invoking Father, Son, and Holy Spirit locates the disciple-making task within the life of the triune God. Each Person is active: the Father elects, the Son redeems, the Spirit regenerates and sustains.

Application to Modern Christian Living

• Personal Discipleship
  Every believer is called to both be discipled and to disciple others. This involves regular study, prayer and mutual accountability within local church communities.
• Local and Global Mission
  God’s sovereign plan fuels confidence in missionary endeavours. Churches should support cross-cultural outreach while also loving neighbours in their immediate context.
• Baptismal Practice
  Churches practise covenant baptism, recognising the household principle and the responsibility of parents to raise children in Christ’s nurture and admonition.

Specified Teaching from Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19 teaches that Christian faith is inherently missional and communal. Believers are to:

• Depart from their comfort (“go”) under Christ’s authority.
• Engage in disciple-making—an enduring process of teaching obedience to Christ.
• Administer baptism as the sign of entrance into the triune God’s family.
• Embrace the global scope of the gospel, welcoming all ethnicities.

This single verse encapsulates the purpose of the Church: to witness Christ’s lordship, form new disciples, and celebrate unity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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[i] Matthew 28

New King James Version

He Is Risen

28 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone [a]from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

The Women Worship the Risen Lord

9 And [b]as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

The Soldiers Are Bribed

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go [c]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [d]Amen.

Footnotes

Matthew 28:2 NU omits from the door

Matthew 28:9 NU omits as they went to tell His disciples

Matthew 28:19 M omits therefore

Matthew 28:20 NU omits Amen.