Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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 things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Show the surrounding paragraph
Matthew 28:18-20 sits inside this longer paragraph.
But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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 things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Parallel Translations
-
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
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 things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
-
And Iesus came and spake vnto them sayinge: All power ys geve vnto me in heven and in erth.
Go therfore and teache all nacions baptysinge them in the name of the father and the sonne and the holy goost:
Teachinge them to observe all thynges what soever I comcommaunded you. And lo I am with you all waye even vntyll the ende of the worlde.
Show all 3 translations
-
And Iesus came, and spake vnto them, saying, All power is giuen vnto me, in heauen, and in earth.
Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and the Sonne, and the holy Ghost,
Teaching them to obserue all things, whatsoeuer I haue commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, vntill the ende of the worlde, Amen.
Examined in Scripture Analysis
Contradictions (4)
Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
- How much power did Jesus have?
- Should the gospel be preached to everyone?
- In whose name is baptism to be performed?
Show all 4
Cross-references (111)
- Mark 16:15-16 (v19) He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but…
- Acts 2:38-39 (v19) Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will…
- John 3:35 (v18) The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.
- Acts 1:8 (v19) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and…
- Isaiah 41:10 (v20) Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will…
Show all 100 cross-references
- Luke 24:47-48 (v19) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of…
- 1 Peter 3:22 (v18) who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.
- Acts 19:3-5 (v19) He said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John indeed baptized with the baptism of…
- Isaiah 49:6 (v19) Indeed, he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of…
- Matthew 11:27 (v18) All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the…
- Galatians 3:27 (v19) For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
- Joshua 1:5 (v20) No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor…
- Ephesians 1:20-22 (v18) which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all…
- Acts 18:9-10 (v20) The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack…
- Acts 13:46-47 (v19) Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it…
- Hebrews 2:8 (v18) You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to…
- Acts 10:47-48 (v19) “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” He commanded them to be…
- Romans 6:3-4 (v19) Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through…
- John 14:18-23 (v20) I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I…
- Daniel 7:13-14 (v18) “I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of…
- Matthew 3:16-17 (v19) Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God…
- Romans 10:18 (v19) But I say, didn’t they hear? Yes, most certainly, “Their sound went out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:27 (v18) For, “He put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when he says, “All things are put in subjection”, it is evident that he is…
- Ephesians 2:18 (v19) For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
- Acts 8:12-16 (v19) But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and…
- John 17:2 (v18) even as you gave him authority over all flesh, so he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
- Acts 2:41 (v19) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
- Acts 28:28 (v19) “Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”
- 1 Peter 3:21 (v19) This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward…
- John 13:3 (v18) Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God, and was going to God,
- Acts 8:36-38 (v19) As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” He…
- Psalms 46:7 (v20) Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.
- Isaiah 9:6-7 (v18) For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,…
- Isaiah 66:18-19 (v19) “For I know their works and their thoughts. The time comes that I will gather all nations and languages, and they will come, and will see…
- Philippians 2:9-11 (v18) Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,…
- Numbers 6:24-27 (v19) ‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give…
- Hebrews 1:2 (v18) has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
- 1 John 2:3-4 (v20) This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. One who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a…
- Genesis 1:26 (v19) God said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky,…
- Genesis 39:2-3 (v20) Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. His master saw that Yahweh was with…
- Isaiah 48:16 (v19) “Come near to me and hear this: “From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time that it happened, I was there.” Now the Lord…
- Isaiah 52:10 (v19) Yahweh has made his holy arm bare in the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
- Colossians 2:10 (v18) and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power.
- Genesis 39:21 (v20) But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
- Psalms 98:2-3 (v19) Yahweh has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his loving…
- Matthew 1:23 (v20) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted,…
- Matthew 18:20 (v20) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
- Luke 10:22 (v18) Turning to the disciples, he said, “All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and…
- Acts 14:21 (v19) When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
- 1 Corinthians 15:29 (v19) Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren’t raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead?
- Isaiah 42:1-4 (v19) “Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations.…
- Acts 9:18 (v19) Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized.
- Revelation 19:16 (v18) He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
- Psalms 22:27-28 (v19) All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh. All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you. For the kingdom is…
- Psalms 46:11 (v20) Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.
- Romans 14:9 (v18) For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
- Revelation 1:4-6 (v19) John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven…
- Acts 16:15-33 (v19) When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and…
- Matthew 26:64 (v18) Jesus said to him, “You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power,…
- 1 Corinthians 1:13-16 (v19) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, except…
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (v19) Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds…
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 (v19) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
- Colossians 1:23 (v19) if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard,…
- 1 John 5:7 (v19) For there are three who testify:
- Matthew 13:52 (v19) He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a householder, who…
- Colossians 1:16-19 (v18) For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or…
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 (v20) Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that…
- Revelation 17:14 (v18) These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him…
- Luke 1:32-33 (v18) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign…
- John 5:22-27 (v18) For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who…
- Ephesians 4:20-32 (v20) But you didn’t learn Christ that way, if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that you put away, as…
- Revelation 11:15 (v18) The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and…
- Revelation 22:20-21 (v20) He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the…
- Psalms 89:27 (v18) I will also appoint him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
- Mark 16:20 (v20) They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
- 1 John 3:19-24 (v20) And by this we know that we are of the truth, and persuade our hearts before him, because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our…
- Exodus 3:12 (v20) He said, “Certainly I will be with you. This will be the token to you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt,…
- Acts 2:36 (v18) “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
- Psalms 110:1-3 (v18) Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.” Yahweh will send out the rod of…
- Psalms 2:6-9 (v18) “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” I will tell of the decree: Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your…
- Acts 10:36 (v18) The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all—
- Isaiah 8:8-10 (v20) It will sweep onward into Judah. It will overflow and pass through. It will reach even to the neck. The stretching out of its wings will…
- Ephesians 4:11-17 (v20) He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints,…
- 2 Timothy 4:17 (v20) But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear.…
- Colossians 1:28 (v20) We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;
- Psalms 89:19 (v18) Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, “I have given strength to the warrior. I have exalted a young man from the people.
- Acts 2:42 (v20) They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
- 1 Corinthians 14:37 (v20) If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment…
- 2 Peter 1:5-11 (v20) Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;…
- Revelation 22:14 (v20) Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
- Deuteronomy 12:32 (v20) Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.
- 1 Kings 1:36 (v20) Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, “Amen. May Yahweh, the God of my lord the king, say so.
- Psalms 72:19 (v20) Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
- Matthew 6:13 (v20) Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
- Matthew 7:24-27 (v20) “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain…
- Matthew 13:49 (v20) So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous,
- 1 Corinthians 11:2 (v20) Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
- Titus 2:1-10 (v20) But say the things which fit sound doctrine, that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in…
- 1 Peter 2:10-19 (v20) In the past, you were not a people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beg you…
- Deuteronomy 5:32 (v20) You shall observe to do therefore as Yahweh your God has commanded you. You shall not turn away to the right hand or to the left.
100 distinct cross-references across this passage (111 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (21 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Private notes
Saved on this device only — never synced or sent anywhere.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv19–20 The sum of the Apostleship is, the publishing of…
The sum of the Apostleship is, the publishing of the doctrine received of Christ throughout all the world, and the ministering of the Sacraments: the efficacy of which things hangeth not of the ministers, but of the Lord.
Calling upon the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv18–20 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,…
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Ver. 18. All power is given to me] Christ premiseth his power, and promiseth his presence, the better to persuade them to set upon his work, his great work of subduing the world to the obedience of the faith. Better may this King of kings say, than that king of Spain, Sol mihi semper lucet: The sun shines always for me: for he is Catholic Monarch; "the kingdoms of this world" (and of the other too) "are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever," Rev 11:15. As for the saints, how can they be but in an all-sufficiency, since all is theirs, they being Christ’s, and Christ being God’s? What boldness may they take to go to Christ, as Jacob did to Joseph, when he understood that the sway of the whole land was in his hand, &c. {See Trapp on "Mat 11:27"}
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On v18 Mark saith, Mar 16:15-18, And he said unto them,…
Mark saith, Mar 16:15-18, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Our blessed Lord in these three last verses:
1. Asserts his power and authority.
Read full note →
2. He delegates a power.
3. He subjoins a promise.
The power and authority which he asserts to himself is, All power both in heaven and earth, Act 10:36,42; Eph 1:20-22; power of remission of sins, Luk 24:47, of congregating, teaching, and governing his church; a power to give eternal life to whomsoever he pleased. This was inherent in him as God blessed for ever, given to him as our Mediator and Redeemer, given him when he came into the world, but more especially confirmed to him and manifested to be given him at his resurrection and ascension, Phi 2:9,10. Having declared his power, he delegates it:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations; the Greek is μαθητευσατε, make disciples all nations; but that must be first by preaching and instructing them in the principles of the Christian faith, and Mark expounds it, telling us our Saviour said, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, that is, to every reasonable creature capable of hearing and receiving it. I cannot be of their mind, who think that persons may be baptized before they are taught; we want precedents of any such baptism in Scripture, though indeed we find precedents of persons baptized who had but a small degree of the knowledge of the gospel; but it should seem that they were all first taught that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and were not baptized till they professed such belief, Act 8:37, and John baptized them in Jordan, confessing their sins, Mat 3:6. But it doth not therefore follow, that children of such professors are not to be baptized, for the apostles were commanded to baptize all nations: children are a great part of any nation, if not the greatest part, and although amongst the Jews those that were converted to the Jewish religion were first instructed in the law of God before they were circumcised, yet the fathers being once admitted, the children were circumcised at eight days old; nor were they under any covenant different from us, though we be under a more clear manifestation of the same covenant of grace, of which circumcision was a sign and seal to them, as baptism is to us. Infants are capable of the obligations of baptism, for the obligation ariseth from the equity of the thing, not from the understanding and capacity of the person; they are also capable of the same privileges, for of such is the kingdom of God, as our Saviour hath taught us.
All nations: the apostles were by this precept obliged to go up and down the world preaching the gospel, but not presently. So it is plain that the apostles understood their commission, from Act 1:8; 3:26; 13:46; 18:6,7; Ga 2:7. They were first to preach and to baptize amongst the Jews, and then thus to disciple all nations. Pastors and teachers who succeeded the apostles were not under this obligation, but were to be fixed in churches gathered, as we learn from the Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistles of the apostles. They by this commission have authority in any place to preach and to baptize, but are not under an obligation to fix no where, but to go up and down preaching in all nations.
Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptizing them is no more than washing them with water. We read of the baptism of pots and cups, Mar 7:8, (we translate it washing, ) which we know may be by dipping them in water, or by pouring or sprinkling of water upon them. It is true, the first baptisms of which we read in holy writ were by dippings of the persons baptized. It was in a hot country, where it might be at any time without the danger of persons’ lives. Where it may be, we judge it reasonable, and most resembling our burial with Christ by baptism into death; but we cannot think it necessary, for God loveth mercy rather than sacrifice, and the thing signified by baptism, viz. the washing away of the soul’s sins with the blood of Christ, is in Scripture expressed to us by pouring and sprinkling, Eze 36:25; Heb 12:24; 1Pe 1:2.
In the name of the Father, &c.; in the Greek it is, εις το ονομα, into the name. In the name doth not only import the naming of the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost upon them, but, in the authority, or (which is indeed the chief) into the profession of the trinity of the persons in the one Divine Being: dedicating the persons baptized to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and thereby obliging them to worship and serve God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; for in baptism there is both a solemn dedication of the person to God, and a solemn stipulation: the person baptized either covenanting for himself that he will be the Lord’s, or his parents covenanting for him that he shall be the Lord’s; which covenant doth both oblige the parents to do what in them lieth in order to that end, and also the child, the parents covenanting for no more than the child was under a natural and religious obligation to perform, if such covenant had never been made by its parents on its behalf.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. There is a teaching must go before baptism of persons grown up; and this was the constant practice of the apostles. It is fit men should act as rational creatures, understanding what they do. And there is a teaching which must follow baptism; for baptism without obedience, and a living up to that covenant in which we are engaged, will save no soul, but lay it under a greater condemnation. The apostles might teach nothing but what Christ had commanded them, and they were bound to teach whatsoever Christ had commanded them. Here now is the rule of the baptized person’s obedience. We are bound to no obedience but of the commands of Christ, and to a perfect obedience of them, under the penalty of eternal condemnation. When Mark saith, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, it doth not imply that baptism is absolutely necessary to salvation, or in the same order with faith in Christ; but that the contempt of it is damnable, as being a piece of presumptuous disobedience; and such a faith is to be understood there, under the notion of believing, as worketh by love.
And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world: I am and I will be with you, and those who succeed you in the work of the ministry, being called of me thereunto. I will be with you, protecting you, and upholding that ordinance, and blessing you, and all others of my faithful ministers that labour for making me and my gospel known, with success.
Unto the end of the world; not of this age only, but of the world: my ministry begun in you shall not fail, nor shall the adding of souls to the number of them who shall be saved (as a token of my gracious presence with you) fail, till the world shall be determined, and the new heavens and the new earth shall appear. What Mark addeth concerning the signs that should follow those that believed, had a particular reference to the times immediately following Christ’s ascension into heaven, and is to be understood of those miraculous operations which were to be wrought by the apostles, and others, for a further confirmation of the doctrine of the gospel by them preached. Matthew says nothing of them here. There is no promise of Christ’s presence with his ministers to enable to such operations to the end of the world; but with his ministers preaching, baptizing, and teaching men to observe and to do whatsoever he hath commanded them, he hath promised to be, till time shall be no more.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On v18 Observe here, 1. A power asserted. 2. An authority…
Observe here, 1. A power asserted. 2. An authority delegated. 3. A command enjoined. 4. A promise subjoined.
Observe, 1. A power and authority asserted by our Saviour, as belonging to himself; All power is given unto me both in heaven and in earth.
Read full note →
1. In heaven; which comprehends a power of sending the Holy Ghost; a power over the angels, and all the host of heaven, and a power to dispose of heaven to all that shall believe in him.
2. In earth: which comprehends a power to gather a church out of all nations, and authority to rule, govern, and defend the same against all it enemies.
Learn hence, That all power and authority concerning the church of God, was given unto Christ and conferred upon him upon the account of his meritorious death and triumphant resurrection. All power is given unto me: that is, as Mediator; but this power was inherent in him as God from all eternity.
Observe, 2. This power delegated by Christ to his apostles; Go ye therefore and teach and baptize all nations; instructing them to observe all things whatsoever I command you.
Here is a threefold power delegated by Christ to his apostles;
1. To congregate and gather a church, a Christian church, out of all the heathen nations throughout the world. Before, he had confined them only to Israel; now, they must travel from country to country, and proselyte the heathen nations, which before had been taught of the devil, and were led away by his oracles and delusions. Go, and disciple all nations, without any distinction of country, sex, or age whatsoever, and make the gospel church as large as you can.
Thence note, That the apostles and first planters of the gospel had a commission from Christ to go amongst the pagan Gentiles, without limitation; and were not to take up their settled residence in any one nation, but to travel from country to country, instructing them in the mysteries of the gospel.
The second branch of their power was to baptize in the name of the whole Trinity; Baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Where observe, That all adult and grown persons are to be first taught and instructed, before they be baptized. But it follows not from hence, that the children of such parents may not be baptized before they are taught: for the apostles were to baptize all nations, of which children are a chief if not the chiefest part. Besides, those that were proselyted to the Jewish religion, though before they were circumcised themselves they were instructed in the law of God; yet when they were circumcised themselves, their children were not denied circumcision at eight days old. In like manner, we have no reason to deny the children of baptized parents, who are in a covenant themselves, the sign and the seal of the covenant, which is baptism. God having assured his people, that he will be the God of them, and of their seed. If this privilege be denied, the children of Christian parents are in a worse condition than the children of the Jews; and consequently infants are in a worse condition since Christ’s coming, than they were before, and the privileges of those that lived under the law.
Observe farther, In whose name persons are to be baptized; In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Where we have a profession of our belief in the Holy Trinity, a dedication of the person to the worship and service of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to our lives end.
The third branch of the power which Christ delegated to his apostles, was, by their ministry to press upon all their converts an universal of, and obedience to, all his commands; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I command you.
Where note, 1. That preaching is the ordinary and instituted means to convert nations unto God.
2. That preaching must not only go before baptism, but follow after it. Obedience must be pressed upon, and practiesed by all those that enter into covenant with God; otherwise they lie under a great condemnation.
3. That preaching of gospel is a chief part of the minister’s work, and no apostle thought himself above that duty.
4. As the apostles did not, so the ministers of Christ ought not to teach anything but what Christ commands them, so they are to teach all things whatsoever Christ commands them: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I command you.
Lastly, Observe the promised enjoined; Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the world. This is, I am, and will be, with you and you successors, lawfully called by my power and authority, by the blessing and assistance of my Holy Spirit. I will be with you, to uphold my own ordinance, to protect, encourage, and reward you, and all your successors, in the faithful discharge of your trust; and this is not for a day, a year, or an age, but to the end and consummation of all ages.
Learn hence, That the ministry of the word, and administration of the sacraments, are a standing and perpetual ordinance, to continue in the Christian church thoughout all ages.
Learn 2. That all the faithful ministers of Christ, in what part of the world soever God shall cast their lot, and in what time soever they shall happen to live, may comfortably expect Christ’s gracious presence with their persons, and his blessing upon their endeavours. Lo, I am with you, I am always with you, and to the end of the world I will be with you. Thanks be to Christ, for the gracious promise of his spiritual and perpetual presence with his ministers to the end of the world. May this promise cause us to gird up the loins of our mind, increase our diligence, zeal, and fervour, accounting no labour too great, no service too much, no sufferings too severe, so that we may but finish our course with joy, and fulfil the ministry we are engaged in. Amen. Amen.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv18–20 And Jesus came and spake unto them,.... To the…
And Jesus came and spake unto them,.... To the eleven disciples and apostles; for though there might be so large a number as before observed, yet the following words were only spoken to the apostles:
saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth; which is to be understood of him, not as God, who has the same original and underived power and authority over all creatures, and things in heaven and earth, as the Father has; but as mediator, to whom all things are delivered by the Father; and not of a power of doing this, or the other thing, or of omnipotence, being the Almighty; nor of doing miracles, and forgiving sins, which he had, and exercised before his death and resurrection, but of governing: he was king before, but his kingdom was not with observation; but now he was declared, and made manifest, to be both Lord and Christ; he had "all" power and authority for the settling the affairs of his church and kingdom, to appoint offices and officers in it, and, to bestow gifts upon men, to qualify them for the same, and to institute ordinances to be observed till his second coming: and this power of his reached to things in heaven; he having the angels in heaven subject to him, as ministering spirits to be sent forth by him at his pleasure; and all the gifts of the Spirit to dispose of as he thought good; and to things on earth, not only to the saints, whose King he is, and who are made willing to serve him; but to all flesh, to kings and princes, who rule and reign by him; and even to all the wicked of the world, who in some shape or another are made to subserve the ends of his mediatorial kingdom and government: and this is not usurped power, but what is given him, and what he has a right to exercise; having finished sin, abolished death, overcome the world, and destroyed the devil; and must reign till all enemies are subject to him: and this he says, and it was necessary to say it at this time, partly on account of his late sufferings and death, which were attended with weakness and reproach; and partly on account of the following commission he gives to his disciples, that it might be seen and believed, he had power and authority sufficient to give them such an one; as also to animate and encourage them under all the weakness, contempt, and persecution that should attend them in their ministry. The Syriac and Persic versions add, "as the Father hath sent me, even so I send you", as in Joh 20:21, from whence these words seem to be taken.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv18–19 All power is given to me - Even as…
All power is given to me - Even as man. As God, he had all power from eternity.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv18–20 Verse 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them]…
Verse 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. One fruit of the sufferings and resurrection of Christ is represented to be, his having authority or right in heaven to send down the Holy Spirit - to raise up his followers thither - and to crown them in the kingdom of an endless glory: in earth, to convert sinners; to sanctify, protect, and perfect his Church; to subdue all nations to himself; and, finally, to judge all mankind. If Jesus Christ were not equal with the Father, could he have claimed this equality of power, without being guilty of impiety and blasphemy? Surely not; and does he not, in the fullest manner, assert his Godhead, and his equality with the Father, by claiming and possessing all the authority in heaven and earth? - i.e. all the power and authority by which both empires are governed?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv18–20 Mat 28:18. And Jesus came and spake unto them…
Mat 28:18. And Jesus came and spake unto them — Even unto those mentioned in the last clause, who at first doubted, but whose doubts were afterward fully removed, and probably by his drawing near, and speaking familiarly with them. “It tended much to the honour of Christ,” says Henry, “that [some of] the disciples doubted before they believed, for, in consequence of this, it cannot be said that they were credulous, and willing to be imposed upon, inasmuch as they first questioned and proved all things, and then embraced and held fast that which they found to be true.” Christ, however, on this occasion, came and spake, not only to them that had doubted, but to all the disciples then assembled, and particularly to the apostles, whom it especially concerned to be fully satisfied of his resurrection, of which they were to be witnesses to mankind, and their knowledge of the truth of which they were to seal with their blood, and to whom the following commission was chiefly given. He therefore did not stand at a distance, but came near and gave them all such convincing proofs of his resurrection, as both turned the wavering scale of such as were slow of heart to believe, making their faith to triumph over their doubts, and gave perfect and lasting confirmation to the faith of the rest, particularly of his chosen witnesses, who certainly from this time never called in question in any degree, either the resurrection of their Lord, or the nature and importance of the commission he now gave them. Saying, All power is given unto me — Gr. πασα εξουσια, all authority. It is manifest, as Beza observes, that “authority and power differ from each other; for many are not able to perform those things which they have a right to do; and, on the contrary, many have power to do those things which they have no right to do.” Our Lord’s authority, however, implies power also. It is the exaltation of our Lord’s human nature that is here chiefly intended, in union, however, with the divine. His meaning is fully explained in the following words: Because he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross: therefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at his name every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess him Lord, to the glory of God the Father, Php 2:7-11. God hath raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and put all things under his feet, and given him to be the head over all things to (that is, for the benefit of) the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all, Eph 1:20-23. See the notes on these passages, and also on Joh 5:26-27; and Rom 14:9. The authority and power intended is that which Christ exercises as Son of man and Mediator; but it is evident, if he did not possess all divine perfections, he could not exercise it. Thus Dr. Whitby, “He to whom any office is duly committed, must have sufficient power and wisdom to discharge that office. Now to govern all things in heaven and earth belongs only to him who is the Lord and Maker of them, and therefore is known by this title, both in Scripture and by the heathen. To have power over death, and to be able to raise the dead, is to have that power which is proper to God alone: and to have power over the souls of men, and the knowledge of all hearts, belongs to God alone.” Our Lord, therefore, is invested with, and exercises this authority and power, although as the Son of man, yet not as a mere man, for as such it would have been impossible for him to exercise it, but as a man in whom dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Now Christ being about to send out his apostles as his ambassadors to the nations, with authority to propose to them terms of peace and reconciliation; being about to deliver to them the great charter of his kingdom in the world, and commission them to go forth and gather subjects to him everywhere, and to give laws to and govern those subjects; or to feed and rule his flock; and being about to do these things as Son of man; he first, with great propriety, shows them by what authority he acts, and who gave him that authority. He had indeed said, in effect, more than once before, all he now says, (see Mat 11:27; Joh 5:20-29,) namely, that all things were delivered unto him of his Father; that the Father had given him authority to execute judgment; yea, had committed all judgment unto him, that all men should honour him, the Son, even as they honour the Father. But though he had a right to, and was invested with, this power before, even during the whole time of his personal ministry; yet, he was not in a condition to exercise it, nor could he have exercised it with propriety, while he was in his state of humiliation, and bore the form of a servant; as he was to exercise it now, being raised from the dead, clothed with immortality and glory, and immediately to be exalted to the right hand of the throne of the divine Majesty in the heavens, Heb 8:1.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv18–20 All power is given unto me in heaven and…
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth - The “Son of God,” as “Creator,” had an original right to all things, to control them and dispose of them. See Joh 1:3; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:8. But the universe is put under him more particularly as Mediator, that he might redeem his people; that he might gather a church; that he might defend his chosen; that he might subdue all their enemies, and bring them off conquerors and more than conquerors, Eph 1:20-23; 1Co 15:25-27; Joh 5:22-23; Phi 2:6-11. It is in reference to this, doubtless, that he speaks here power or authority committed to him over all things, that he might redeem, defend, and save the church purchased with his own blood. His mediatorial government extends, therefore, over the material world, over angels, over devils, over wicked men, and over his own people.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv18–20 All power is given to me. The Arians object…
All power is given to me. The Arians object that the power which Christ had, is said to be given him by another. The Catholics answer, that Christ, as man, received this power from God. 2ndly. It may also be said, that the eternal Son, though he be equal, and be the same God with the Father, yet he proceeds and receives all from the Father. (Witham) --- See here the warrant and commission of the apostles and their successors, the bishops and pastors of Christ’s Church. He received from his Father, all power in heaven and in earth: and in virtue of this power he sends them (even as his Father sent him, St. John xx. 21.) to teach and disciple, Greek: matheteuein, not one, but all nations, and instruct them in all truths: and that he may assist them effectually in the execution of this commission, he promises to be with them, (not for three or four hundred years only) but all days, even to the consummation of the world. How then could the Catholic Church go astray? having always with her pastors, as is here promised, Christ himself, who is the way, the truth, and the life. (St. John xiv. 6.) (Challoner) --- Some hence infer that Jesus Christ, according to his human nature, was sovereign Lord of the whole world; but more properly this may be taken of his spiritual power, such as regards the salvation of souls. For Jesus Christ says to Pilate, my kingdom is not of this world. This spiritual power, Jesus Christ communicated in part to his apostles and their successors in the ministry, as to his vicars: As my Father hath sent me, so I send you. Whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven: behold here the power both in heaven and earth. (Estius)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv19–20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations--rather, "make disciples…
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations--rather, "make disciples of all nations"; for "teaching," in the more usual sense of that word, comes in afterwards, and is expressed by a different term.
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost--It should be, "into the name"; as in Co1 10:2, "And were all baptized unto (or rather 'into') Moses"; and Gal 3:27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ."
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv18–20 18. And Jesus came and spake — And as…
18. And Jesus came and spake — And as he came and spake in the fulness of his power, all shadow of doubt disappeared from every mind.
All power is given unto me — His death had finished the old dispensation. It had brought in the new. Thereby the kingdom of God had come with power. Jesus, returning from paradise, came in the glory of his kingdom. All power is given unto him. Eleven disciples had not tasted death until they had seen him come in his kingdom, endowed with “all power.” See note on Mat_16:28. This was the completion of the First Coming, or Advent. The second will be his Advent to judge the world. See on Mat_10:23; Mat_16:27. But the coming seen in vision by Daniel (chapter vii) is not his coming to our world. It is a scenic picture of his endowment with “all power” by his Father in heaven. His ascension put him in complete possession of that kingdom; or, rather, this his coming as seen by his apostles, and that his coming as seen in vision by Daniel, are different glimpses of the same great coming. Of that coming the part seen by the apostles is rather at or after his resurrection, when he came from hades and the grave to the world. That seen by Daniel is rather the completing part at his ascension to the presence and right hand of God. As Paul says: “He raised him from the dead, and set him… far above all principality,” etc. Eph_1:20-21. “He became obedient unto death… wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name,” etc. Php_2:8-9. “Peter standing up with the eleven… said… Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Act_2:14; Act_2:36. “To this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” Rom_14:9. “He hath raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come,” etc. Eph_1:19-20. Of this last passage, Dan_7:13, is a visionary, pictorial, prophetic representation. These and other texts prove that Christ’s resurrection and ascension were a full coming in his kingdom.
Read full note →
It seems to me the plain doctrine of Scripture, that at the death of Christ his kingdom came with power, and by his resurrection, he came in his kingdom. Mat_16:28.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv18–20 18–20. The Last Charge to the Apostles
18–20. The Last Charge to the Apostles
18. came] Rather, came up to them, near to them.
Read full note →
power] Rather, authority.
is given] Properly, was given, cp. ch. Mat_11:27, and Php_2:8-10. These words, in which the infallible King Himself announces His eternal possession of the Kingdom, St Matthew, who is essentially the historian of the Kingdom, alone records.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv18–20 (18) All power is given unto me.—Literally, all authority…
(18) All power is given unto me.—Literally, all authority was given, the tense used being that in which men speak of something that occurred at a given point of time. We may possibly connect it with St. Paul’s use of the same tense in the Greek of Php_2:8. The exaltation came, the authority was given, as at the moment of the Resurrection, and as the crown of His obedience unto death.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv18–20 Jesus came. Some medieval exegetes have deemed that this…
Jesus came. Some medieval exegetes have deemed that this verse refers to the time of the ascension; but there is no valid reason for dissociating this portion from the rest of the account. If we do this, we lose the great reason for the oft-enjoined meeting on the Galilaean mountain, which seems to have been expressly and with much care arranged to notify at large the fact of Christ"s Resurrection and of his supreme authority, and to convey the Lord"s commission to the apostles in the presence of many witnesses. We may suppose that Jesus, who had been standing apart, now drew near to the company, so that all, especially the doubting, might see him closely and hear his familiar voice. Spake unto them (elalhsen autoiv , talked unto them). Doubtless he said much more than is here recorded, resolving doubts, confirming faith, infusing comfort. "Thus it is even now; we worship him, and then he draws near, and, by his nearer approaches and secret manifestation of himself to our hearts, we are confirmed in the faith, and see in him God and man" (I Williams). All power (exiusia) is given (edoyh , was given) unto me in heaven and in earth. Jesus here asserts that he, as Son of man, has received from the Father supreme authority in heaven and earth, over the whole kingdom of God in its fullest extent. This is net given to him as Son o! God; for, as God, naught can be added to him or taken from him; it is a power which he has merited by his incarnation, death, and Passion, (Php_2:8-10) which was foretold in the Old Testament, by psalmist (Psa_2:8 Psa_8:5-8) and prophet, (Dan_7:13, Dan_7:14) and with which he was indued on the day that he rose victorious from the grave. So the verb "was given" is in the past tense, because it refers to the dotation arranged in God"s eternal purpose, and to the actual investiture at the Resurrection. The power is exercised in his mediatorial kingdom, and will continue to be exercised till he hath put all enemies under his feet, and destroyed death itself; (1Co_15:24-27) but his absolute kingdom is everlasting; as God and Man he reigns forever and ever. This mediatorial authority extends not only over men, so that he governs and protects the Church, disposes bureau events, controls hearts and opinions; but the forces of heaven also are at his command, the Holy Spirit is bestowed by him, the angels are in his employ as ministering to the members of his body.
Vers. 18-20. The great commission.
Read full note →
This is the grand missionary charter. Here is more than our justification for urging on missionary work, more than our encouragement for maintaining it; here is our positive duty to evangelize the world. Let us look at the source, the object, and the encouragement of this great commission.
I ITS SOURCE. The authority and commandment of Christ.
1. The authority of Christ. Jesus speaks these words after his resurrection. He is now to be exalted to the right hand of God. But his exaltation is not to a place of idle honours. It is to a throne of power. The authority which he has won by his triumph over sin and death he will now use in conquering the world.
(1) This is authority in heaven; therefore it will involve heavenly blessings pardon, regeneration, eternal life.
(2) It is also on earth; therefore it will bring numberless blessings, and will help men here and now
2. The command of Christ. He uses his authority by commissioning his disciples to preach his gospel. The first claim of missionary work does not come from the misery and need of the heathen; it does not come from the blessings of the gospel, which it would be so well for all to share in; though here are two powerful motives. It springs from the direct command of Christ. The Church that neglects missions is disregarding the express orders of her Lord.
II ITS OBJECT.
1. To go. The disciples are to become apostles; Christians are to be missionaries. When it is possible, the Church is to spread abroad. We are not to wait for the world to come to Christ; we are to go out into the world to preach Christ. Christianity must be aggressive, and Christians must be active in carrying the gospel to all who, have not yet received it.
2. To make disciples. It is not enough to live among the heat, hen. Many do this for purely selfish reasons. The gospel is spread by teaching. There is a teaching of great power in the true living of a Christian life. But we must add definite instruction in the truths of our faith. The kingdom of heaven rests on truth, it finds its way best through the making known of its facts and principles. It does not dread the light; it welcomes it and spreads it. Evangelistic appeals in which there is no teaching, unless they follow on good sober instruction, must vanish in the smoke of shapeless emotions.
3. To baptize. Not merely is the truth to be preached; Christ requires a confession of discipleship. He expects his people to be bound together in Church fellowship. The great central revelation about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is to be the foundation of our teaching and the bond of our union. This does not mean that we must comprehend the Trinity; it means that we must know the Fatherhood of God, the Divinity and saving power of Christ, and the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit.
4. To discipline. "Teaching them to observe," etc. Mission converts must be taught the will and commandments. of Christ trained in Christian ethics.
III THE ENCOURAGEMENT.
1. The living presence of Christ. We do not preach a dead or an absent Christ. We have not only to do with the Jesus of ancient history. The living Christ is with us. But that is not all. It is a mistake to detach this verse from the preceding verse, as is often the case in popular discourse. Christ is with us in our missionary work. We have no right to expect the encouragement of his presence if we do not fulfil the condition he lays down. The missionary Church is the Church that has most of Christ. The power and inspiration of missionary work is his presence in our midst.
2. The abiding presence of Christ. He is with his people in their missionary work to the end of the world.
(1) Then missionary work is to be continuous.
(2) Then Christ is with us now in this work as truly as he was with the apostles. We cannot fail with such a presence. We are to preach to all nations, and in the end all nations will be won, and "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. W.F.A.
Vers. 18-20. The commission.
The angel at the sepulchre directed the women to announce the resurrection of Christ to his disciples and summon them to meet him in Galilee. Jesus himself afterwards appeared to them and repeated this instruction. The eleven accordingly repaired to the appointed place, and with them probably the five hundred brethren. (see 1Co_15:6) "Some" of this number some of those who had not seen him, like Thomas of the reality of the Resurrection, until they were convinced by the evidence of sense. In the words he addressed to them we have:
1. The commission he received from God.
2. The commission he gave to his disciples.
3. The promise of his presence with them. The commission to the disciples includes three particulars:
a. The universal publication of the gospel.
b. The baptizing of such as should embrace it.
c. Their instruction in its doctrines and precepts. We shall now direct particular attention to two points, viz.
I CONSIDER BAPTISM AS A SIGN OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP.
1. This is evinced in its history.
(1) The Israelites were recognized as disciples of Moses when they were baptized "in the cloud and in the sea". (see 1Co_1:2) From that period, amidst all their rebellions, they never called in question the Divinity of his mission. In this baptism also they were separated from the abominations of the Egyptians, and initiated into the pure precepts and blessed promises delivered to them by the hand of Moses.
(2) Those baptized by John are called his disciples. So far convertible are the terms "baptism" and "disciple" that John"s doctrine is called his "baptism". (cf. Mat_3:1, 2 Luk_3:3 Act_19:4)
(3) Jesus made disciples by baptism after John was cast into prison. (see Joh_4:1)
(4) Baptism is clearly made a sign of Christian discipleship in the terms of the commission. The Greek term here translated "teach" differs from that afterwards rendered "teaching," and literally signifies "to disciple," and is accordingly in the margin construed "make disciples" or "Christians" of all nations. (cf. Act_11:26) "Make disciples" is the reading of our New Version in the text.
(5) This is recognized in the practice of the apostles. (see Act_2:37, 41 10:48 19:1-7)
2. Persons are baptized in order to being taught.
(1) This follows from what has been advanced. A disciple is simply a learner. Men are not baptized because they are instructed, though a preliminary instruction may be necessary. The Church, to which baptism introduces us, is a school in which the sons of God are educated for heaven. This discipleship continues to the end of life.
(2) The commission sets forth the subjects of our learning. "Teaching theme" etc. (ver. 20). The teaching is doctrinal and practical also. Life lessons in all good senses.
(3) Since Christian teaching is to follow baptism rather than to precede it, and since holy teaching cannot be begun too early, there is great propriety in the baptism of infants. Preliminary confession of faith is necessary for adults who have errors to renounce, but infants are happily not in this evil case.
(4) Hence because baptism replaces circumcision as the sign of God"s covenant, baptism is called "the circumcision of Christ," i.e. of Christianity. (see Col_2:11, Col_2:12) If baptism be not regarded as taking the place of circumcision, then the covenant has now no initiatory rite. The Lord"s Supper is not initiatory, but of regular habitual observance, as the Passover formerly was.
II CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH OF THE BAPTIZED.
1. It is a unity.
(1) Disciples are all baptized into one faith: "Into the Name," etc. The discipleship of the faith. Whatever diversity there may be in non-essentials, there must be unity in cardinals. (see Eph_4:5)
(2) The baptized constitute one mystical body. (see 1Co_12:12, 13 Gal_3:27, 28 Eph_4:5, Eph_4:6) Hence schism is represented as a setting up of human names in competition with the one great Name. (see 1Co_1:12-15)
(3) Love is the badge of Christian discipleship. (see Joh_13:34, Joh_13:35)
2. It is catholic.
(1) The commission to baptize overarches ethnic distinctions. "All nations." This may have been at first understood to refer to the Jews, wherever dispersed among the nations; but it was soon taken in the wider meaning. (Gal_3:27, Gal_3:28) We are Christians first, then Britons, or Franks, or Germans.
(2) It connects heaven and earth. "All power," etc.; "therefore," etc. (see Eph_3:14, Eph_3:15) "One family we dwell in him, One Church above, beneath, Though now divided by the stream, The narrow stream of death.
(3) It extends throughout the ages. It is not strictly correct to speak of the patriarchal, Jewish, and Christian Churches. The Church of God is one under the successive dispensations so distinguished. (see Gal_3:16, Gal_3:29) We are grafted into the olive that grew in Abraham"s garden.
3. It has visible and invisible parts.
(1) There is no visible Catholic Church. We find no Scripture warrant for the idea. It would necessitate a division in the unity of the Church. It would introduce the monstrosity of two bodies to the one Head.
(2) The major part of the one Church is the invisible part. Disembodied saints from all the ages are in it. Hence it takes its name from its headquarters in heaven. (see Heb_12:23) The spiritual members of it here on earth are the permanent members from amongst those that are visible. (see Rom_2:28, Rom_2:29) But they cannot be certainly known until the judgment.
(3) The Church of the baptized is a very noble corporation. It is a great honour to be connected with it. To be permanently so connected, we must have vital union with Christ.
(4) This is that Church so built by a true faith in the Son of God, that the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it. (Mat_16:18) For the weeding out of the tares, at death, is a benefit, not an injury to it. The dissolution of the body does not for an instant interrupt the life of faith in Christ. J.A.M. (see Joh_11:26)
Power in the risen Christ"s hands.
I No one of us needs proofs of the fact of our Lord"s resurrection from the dead. Yet that resurrection remains an unsolved mystery. No one can explain it, but we inquire concerning its significance. One point only now engages our attention. Everybody who dies lives after death. Our dead friends are not dead. We never think of them as dead. They are dead in the sense of ceasing to respond to their present environment, but they are not passed out of existence. Moses and Elias passed away from mortal scenes ages before, but they spake with Jesus in the holy mount. What is true of man is also true of the Divine Man. If never a word had been spoken about his resurrection, we should have known that Jesus lived after and beyond death. That cross could not end Jesus; it only liberated a human spirit. Have we learned the lesson which our Lord almost in vain. tried to teach Martha? She cried, in her blinding agony, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." He answered, "Thy brother shall rise again." She misunderstood his reply, and away went her thoughts, coursing down the ages, until they came up against a great resurrection and judgment day. We need not so misunderstand our Lord. He did but wrap up his meaning in the usual figurative fashion. What he said was this, "Lazarus lives; is living now. What you really want, is not requickening of life, but restored relations of the living Lazarus to the body of Lazarus.
II There is a marked difference between our Lord"s living after death, and everybody else"s living after death. When a man dies his life work is done. He lives, but he cannot carry on his work. Moses dies on Mount Nebo; nay, Moses lives; but he cannot carry on his work, and lead Israel through into the Promised Land. The artist is visited by the angel of death with the half-finished picture on his easel. The artist lives, but he cannot perfect the picture. Charles Dickens died with his work "Edwin Drood" half written, and the plot undisclosed. Sir Edgar Boehm was caught away from his studio with the part-moulded statue before him. They live, but they cannot touch and finish their incomplete work. If the dead are active in some unknown sphere, they are certainly dormant in relation to all their earth work. For them death ends all enterprise. But it was not so with Christ. Death did not end all. His redemptive mission was not closed with his death. He resumed his earth work. After death he took it up again. Call it a picture, Jesus worked again at the picture. Call it a book, Jesus wrote on at the book. Call it the redemption of man from sin. Call it the sanctification of men unto righteousness. Jesus, living after death, goes on redeeming, goes on sanctifying. And the full convincement of this fact is the real meaning and purpose of our Lord"s resurrection. It was forty days of showing us that he was at work again; of helping us to realize what his work was, and what his work would be forever. Our dead Lord is not only alive, he is active in relation to his lifework. "Alive forevermore;" his power is thus symbolized, "He has the keys of hell and of death.
III The text declares the renewal of our Lord"s commission. All power is given into the hands of Christ, but the only power Christ knows of or cares for is spiritual power. What the world calls "power" was to Christ illusion, mockery, play. To be Earth-King of humanity presented no attraction to him. The power given to Christ is the spiritual power, for which alone he cared. It is power on the souls that we are, and not mere power over the bodies that we have, and the relations that our bodies can sustain.
IV How did Jesus come to have this spiritual power? It is easy to say that God gave it to him; but there must be some good reason why God gave it to him, and to no one but him. And it seems that God"s giving was really this sealing to him the power which Jesus himself had won; and putting Jesus in the place or office where his power could have free, full exercise. Christ"s life on the earth was the moral discipline, the varied testing, the range of experiences, which prepared him for the trust of power to save which he now holds. Moral forces on moral beings are gained only through moral experiences. He who would save man must be man, must know man, must go at least a representative round of human experiences. R.T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv18–20 All power is given unto Me in heaven and…
Mat_28:18
All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.
Read full note →
The prerogative of the Saviour
I. The prerogative itself.
1. Its nature-power. This means authority and ability.
2. Its extent-all.
3. Its acquisition-given.
II. View it in reference to his personal character. When an individual obtains elevation we are anxious to know something of his qualities. We would not wish an ignorant, unfaithful, impatient, unmerciful man to possess power. Christ gave Himself for us; power in good hands.
III. His prerogative in reference to his enemies.
IV. In reference to the saints. (W. Jay.)
Christs power beneficent
Had Cornelius Winter obtained an income of ten thousand a year, he would not have been the better for it. But many others would; and I know-being then under his care-that when he had an addition of two hundred a-year to his small income, it was no advantage to him; he never added one article to his dress, or one dish to his table, or one ornament to his dwelling. If Howard-the apostle of compassion-had obtained all the power of the late Napoleon, oh! how many millions would have been blessed! How grievous it is to see a cold-blooded, selfish wretch rising up in life, and prospering I for you know that his power will be only a capacity to insult, to strip, to oppress, to grind the faces of the poor. But how delightful it is to see a man of tenderness and generosity rising! for you know that his increased power will be a capacity to teach the ignorant, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to cause the widows heart to sing for joy, and to bring down blessings upon the heads of those who are ready to perish. But what was a Winter, and what was a Howard, to the Friend of sinners! Their hearts were no better than ice or iron, compared to His. Ah! Christians, we here find that power, absolute power, is placed just where it should be placed-where it is safe, where it is beneficent, where it will be glorious. (W. Jay.)
The power and authority of Christ
I. An account of the extent of our Saviours power; that He is invested with all power, both in heaven and earth.
II. A declaration of the original of that unlimited power and authority. All power, saith He, is given Me, that is, from the Father.
III. The commission He thereupon grants His disciples-Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations.
IV. The doctrine which all nations were to be taught, and into which they were to be baptized.
V. The practice of those who were to be baptized into this faith-teaching, them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you.
VI. The promise of effectual assistance to the disciples sent forth upon this commission-And lo! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. (S. Clarke.)
The undelegated rule and perpetual presence of Christ in His Church
I. The Lord Jesus Christ is the source of all authority.
II. The duty of those commissioned by Christ. To teach, not to sacrifice. To baptize.
III. The special promise which is to animate Christs true disciples. (R. Hibbs, M. A.)
Spiritual power the great want of the Church
Oh I how we want all power now. We all have our theories of the condition of the Church just now. I do not know what yours may be. Mine is not very bright, but I have this one belief in my soul, that what is wanted most of all is one great revival of spiritual life-one wonderful downpour of the grace of God from heaven to flood all the churches. It seems to me we get something like the barges and the vessels down yonder at London Bridge when the tide is out. There they lie in the mud. There are gangs of men, but they cannot get at these vessels and barges. What is to be done? Now, will you great engineers tell me how much horse power, how much steam power you want? There is nothing wanted but the tide. When the tide rises every barge begins to walk like a thing of life, and every vessel can readily receive its cargo and go out to sea in due time. When the heavenly tides of spiritual blessing begin to come up nothing can withstand them. What a glorious time it was when Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Wesley were going up and down this land like twin seraphim, burning everywhere with the Divine flame, and carrying everywhere the Divine life. Can this be done again? Can the masses of the people be raised? Can we raise those that are sunk in ignorance and degradation? Do you think it cannot be done? It must be done. It shall be done. And this is the reason why we expect it: All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. He can find another student in Oxford; He can find another potboy in Gloucester; He can find some one somewhere upon whom He can pour out His Holy Spirit, and send Him forth to preach with a tongue of fire that shall wake up the churches, and startle the world. Let us cry to God that it may be so. But we must first deeply feel the necessity of it, and rejoice that this necessity is met by the text: All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. (R. Hibbs, M. A.)
Power on earth
What do we mean by power on earth? The politician will answer you, the statesman, the preacher, the orator. It is influence, the ability to turn men to ones own will, to check, curb, turn, and use them, change their natures, and make them subjects and servants in body, soul, and spirit. That is power; something very different from the brute-force of a Samson or a Caesar, and far higher. Still, Caesar, in the organized government of Rome, did possess very considerable power, to which the world was obedient, whether through love or fear. And another such power there was-the ancient idol-worship of Rome and Greece. By these Satan held empire over the world. Two powers they were; yet in our Lords time so closely connected as to be almost one and the same. The Roman Emperor was the universal ruler. The religions of Roman, Greek, and Barbarian differed in little but the names of their false gods. The Jew alone, though subject to the Roman, maintained his belief in the One God, Creator, and Almighty. Thus the Roman empire and the Roman heathenism were but as one power against all other religions. And who was coming forward, thus claiming a new power, to be alone supreme in the world? Who came to overthrow the ancient, mighty, all-but-universal idolatry-the very perfection of empire to the statesman of that day, the very perfection of religion to the lovers of a gorgeous ceremonial, and the indulgers of human pride and selfish passion? Who came to be King and God? One whose public execution was written in the Roman records. One who preached humility as the only true greatness, who substituted penitence and self-denial for the indulgence of flesh and spirit. A Jew, too, of all races the most despised by Roman and Barbarian alike … The cause of Christ to the shrewdest human calculation must have looked simply hopeless; His claim to any power whatever a silly boast. Force His followers could not, might not, use. Argument they might; and then they came at once face to face with death. Yet the disciples went forth preaching Christ crucified, and risen again as the life of the world. It was not an attractive doctrine, nor an easy morality, that they preached. There was offered no earthly gain, or pleasure, or honour. And yet old Rome left her idols to worship Jesus; her emperors became Christians; the power of the world fell; the religion of the world was changed. (W. Michell, M. A.)
Christs universal dominion
I. The grounds upon which Christ administers this providential government.
1. It pertains to Him as the Eternal Word, by whose immediate agency the worlds were produced.
2. As the second Adam-both Son of man and Son of God.
3. By virtue of His Fathers grant.
4. Acquired through suffering and death.
5. Necessary to His government of the Church.
II. The consequences which flow from this momentous truth,
1. It gives unity to history.
2. It explains to us the intermingling of mercy with providence.
3. It gives wealth of consolation to the Christian. (B. M. Palmer, D. D.)
The universal dominion of Christ, the foundation of the commission which His ministers receive, and His promised presence their encouragement in fulfilling it
I. The universal dominion of Christ here asserted-All power, etc. The word power in our language is ambiguous. Sometimes it signifies ability or capacity, and sometimes rightful authority. In both these senses it is true of Christ; He has both the ability to act and the authority to warrant His acting.
1. That as a Divine Person the Saviour has all power inherent in Himself.
2. In virtue of office, the power here spoken of is delegated to Christ-All power is given, etc.
3. This power and authority extend to universal nature.
4. This power is deposited in Christ as the Head of the Church, and to be exercised for her benefit.
5. This power is to be exercised in the destruction of all who do not submit to it.
II. The commission given by Christ to his ministers in virtue of that power with which he is invested.
1. That it is only to those who are called by God, and qualified for His service, that this commission is given.
2. This commission extends to all nations as regards the persons to be benefited by it.
3. It embraces all that the Saviour has made known in His word.
III. To consider the encouragements afforded to the ambassadors of Christ in the discharge of their duty.
1. Christ is with His Church and people always; not His essential but gracious presence.
2. A particular call to notice this truth, I am with you always. How highly is Jesus exalted. (R. McIndoe.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv18–20 18. Spake unto them. To the whole assembly of…
18. Spake unto them. To the whole assembly of five hundred brethren (1 Cor. 15:6). A commission had been given long before to the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:1–15), and also to the seventy, but it differed widely from the one now given. It confined the preaching to the Jews, and announced the kingdom of heaven as yet in the future. Now the preachers of Christ are sent, by the authority of the King, to make disciples of all nations. The old dispensation had ended with the cross. The new one had begun with the resurrection. All authority. Henceforth he was the King and Judge of the nations. The word “is given” denotes the source from whence he obtained his power, and implies that it was not inherent in the Son. Phil. 2:9 indicates that it was given to him after, and in consequence of, his voluntary humiliation; and 1 Cor. 15:27, shows that it held in subjection to the Father. It was because the authority to rule the world had been placed in his hands that he issued his commands that it should be conquered.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On v18 J. W. McGarvey's The Fourfold Gospel [CXLII. The Great…
J. W. McGarvey's The Fourfold Gospel [CXLII. The Great Commission Given].
CXLII. THE GREAT COMMISSION GIVEN. (Time and place same as last section.) aMATT. XXVIII. 18-20; bMARK XVI. 15-18; cLUKE XXIV. 46, 47.
Read full note →
a18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. b15 And he said unto them, Go ye atherefore, binto all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. aand make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: b16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. cThus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. [The verses from Luke are taken from a later conversation, which will be handled in our Psa_8:6, 1Co_15:27, 1Co_15:28, magnifies instead of detracting from their wonderful import, for he deems its necessary to state that the Father himself is not subject to the Son. Surely in connection with this marvelous celestial power, his dominion over out tiny earth would not need to be mentioned if it were not that we, its inhabitants, are very limited in our conception of things, and require exceedingly plain statements. The command calls for the Christianizing of all nations. If we realized better that authority with which Christ prefaces his commission, the conquest of the nations in his name would seem to us a small matter indeed, and we should set about it expecting to witness its speedy accomplishment. The structure of the sentence in the original Greek shows that it is the disciples and not the nations who are to be baptized; according to the commission, therefore, one must be made a disciple before he can be baptized. Baptism brings us into divine relation to God. Being a part of the process of adoption, it is called a birth ( Joh_3:5). The baptized Christian bears the name into which he is baptized ( Rom_2:24, Jam_2:7). Luke sums up the whole commission by recording the words of Christ, wherein he states that he suffered that it might be preached to all nations that if men would repent, God could now forgive ( Rom_3:26). From Luke's record we also learn that the preaching of these glad tidings was to begin at Jerusalem.] b17 And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. [The Book of Acts gives examples of each one of these except the fourth, and though we have no record of a disciple escaping the effects of drinking poison, [763] there is little doubt that in the many persecutions such cases did occur.] aand lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. [This is a promise not of bare companionship, but of full sympathy and support ( Isa_43:2, Exo_33:15, Jos_1:5). The duration of this promise shows that it is intended for all disciples.]
[FFG 762-764]
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv19–20 With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ begins…
Go
With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ begins the "dispensation of the grace of God" Eph 3:2, which is defined as "his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus"; and, "the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph 2:7-9, under grace God freely gives to the believing sinner eternal life Rom 6:23 accounts to him a perfect righteousness; Rom 3:21; Rom 3:22; Rom 4:4; Rom 4:5 and accords to him a perfect position Eph 1:6
Read full note →
The predicted results of this sixth testing of man are
(1) the salvation of all who believe Act 16:31.
(2) judgment upon an unbelieving world and an apostate church. Mat 25:31-46; 2Th 1:7-10; 1Pe 4:17; 1Pe 4:18; Rev 3:15; Rev 3:16.
(1) Man’s state at the beginning of the dispensation of Grace Rom 3:19; Gal 3:22; Eph 2:11; Eph 2:12.
(2) Man’s responsibility under grace Joh 1:11; Joh 1:12; Joh 3:36; Joh 6:28; Joh 6:29.
(3) His predicted failure Mat 24:37-39; Luk 18:8; Luk 19:12-14.
(4) The judgment 2Th 2:7-12.
Name
The word is in the singular, the "name," not names. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the final name of the one true God. It affirms:
(1) That God is one.
(2) That He subsists in a personality which is threefold, indicated by relationship as Father and Son; by a mode of being as Spirit; and by the different parts taken by the Godhead in manifestation and in the work of redemption, e.g. Joh 3:5; Joh 3:6 (Spirit), Joh 3:16; Joh 3:17 (Father and Son). In; Mat 3:16; Mat 3:17; Mar 1:10; Mar 1:11; Luk 3:21; Luk 3:22 the three persons are in manifestation together.
(3) The conjunction in one name of the Three affirms equality and oneness of substance. See O.T. Names of God:
(See Scofield "Gen 1:1") See Scofield "Gen 2:4" See Scofield "Gen 14:18" See Scofield "Gen 15:2" See Scofield "Gen 17:1" See Scofield "Gen 21:33" See Scofield "1Sa 1:3"
The next reference, Mal 3:18, provides a Summary
(See Scofield "Mal 3:18")
See "Lord" (See Scofield "Mat 8:2")
"Word" (Logos), (See Scofield "Joh 1:1") "Holy Spirit," See Scofield "Act 2:4" See "Christ, Deity of," See Scofield "Joh 20:28"
teach
Or, disciple. See Mar 16:15; Mar 16:16; Luk 24:47; Luk 24:48; Act 1:8.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv18, 20 All authority has been given to me
All authority has been given to me
This can be stated in active form. AT: "My Father has given me all authority" (See: Active or Passive)
Read full note →
in heaven and on earth
Here "heaven" and "earth" are used together to mean everyone and everything in heaven and earth. (See: Merism)
of all the nations
Here "nations" refers to the people. AT: "of all the people in every nation" (See: Metonymy)
into the name
Here "name" refers to authority. AT: "by the authority" (See: Metonymy)
Father ... Son
These are important titles that describe the relationship between God and Jesus. (See: Translating Son and Father)
translationWords
authority
heaven
earth
baptize
God the Father
Son of God
Holy Spirit
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv18–20 28:18 Jesus’ authority is power delegated from the Father…
28:18 Jesus’ authority is power delegated from the Father (see 7:29; 9:6-8; 21:23-27; 26:64; John 3:35).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.