Matthew 28:16-17
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them" isn't just a location; it emphasizes that this wasn't a chance encounter, but a deliberate, planned meeting. Jesus himself orchestrated this gathering, underscoring the significance of the commission He was about to give them.
Following Jesus' resurrection and his instructions to the disciples via the women, the eleven remaining apostles journey to Galilee. They are headed to a specific mountain that Jesus had previously designated for a meeting. This gathering marks a pivotal moment where Jesus commissions them for his ongoing mission before his ascension.
Why 'eleven' disciples? What does this specific number signify after the tragedy of Judas' betrayal?
After Judas' betrayal and death, the core group of Jesus' disciples numbered eleven. This wasn't just a random count; it represented a refounded team, ready for a new mission. Think of it as the 'new original' number, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel, but now oriented towards a new covenant people. This refitting was essential before Jesus launched them into their global assignment.
Jesus didn't just say 'meet me somewhere in Galilee.' Why a specific mountain, and what makes appointed places significant?
Jesus specifically directed the disciples to a mountain in Galilee. This wasn't a casual meeting place but a divinely appointed spot. Mountains in Scripture often serve as places of divine revelation, encounter, and commissioning (like the Sermon on the Mount, or the Transfiguration). This mountain became the stage for Jesus' final earthly instructions and the launchpad for the Great Commission. It was a place set apart, where the earthly ministry transitioned into a global mandate.
Why Galilee? What was so significant about this northern region that Jesus chose it for His final earthly instructions?
Galilee, often called 'Galilee of the Gentiles,' was the primary region where Jesus began His ministry. It was a place of initial discipleship, miracles, and teaching. By returning there for His final appearance and commission, Jesus was bringing His earthly work full circle. He was signaling that the mission He started among these Galileans was now to expand to 'all nations.' It was a transition from a localized ministry to a global outreach, using the very region that knew Him best as the starting point for world evangelization.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Followers of a teacher or master; in the New Testament, it refers specifically to those who follow Jesus, believe in His teachings, and commit to living according to His way of life.
proskuneō · Greek Verb
The act of showing reverence, honor, and homage to God; acknowledging His supreme worth and deity. It is a posture of submission and adoration toward the Creator.
distazō · Greek Verb
To be divided in mind, waver, or hesitate; in a spiritual context, it signifies a struggle between belief and uncertainty regarding the person or claims of Jesus.
This gathering in Galilee, a region significant to Jesus' early ministry, marks a pivotal moment of commissioning before his ascension and the subsequent empowerment of the disciples at Pentecost.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection and Post-Resurrection Appearances
Following his crucifixion and burial, Jesus is resurrected. He then appears to his disciples and others over a period of 40 days before his ascension.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ascension
After his final instructions to the disciples, Jesus ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
Ten days after Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the gospel.
This passage directly foreshadows the meeting in Galilee, as Jesus tells the disciples He will go ahead of them there after His resurrection.
Mark 16:15This verse shows Jesus giving the Great Commission to His disciples, which is the core message delivered during this Galilean encounter.
John 21:1This passage describes another appearance of Jesus to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee, highlighting Galilee as a significant location for post-resurrection encounters.
1 Corinthians 15:6Paul mentions Jesus appearing to over five hundred brothers at one time, likely referring to this specific Galilean mountain encounter as a large gathering.
barnesMatthew 28:16: "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them."
Then the eleven disciples - Judas was dead, leaving but eleven of the original number of the apostles. Into a mountain where Jesus lead appointed them - This "appointment" is recorded in Matthew 26:32. On what particular mountain this was is not known. It is probable that Jesus, when he made the appointment, specified the place, which has been omitted by the evangelists. Matthew ha…
calvinMatthew 28:16-20: "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them."
- But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17. And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18. And Jesus approached, and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and on the earth. 19. Go out, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of th…
The phrase "to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them" isn't just a location; it emphasizes that this wasn't a chance encounter, but a deliberate, planned meeting. Jesus himself orchestrated this gathering, underscoring the significance of the commission He was about to give them.
Following Jesus' resurrection and his instructions to the disciples via the women, the eleven remaining apostles journey to Galilee. They are headed to a specific mountain that Jesus had previously designated for a meeting. This gathering marks a pivotal moment where Jesus commissions them for his ongoing mission before his ascension.
Following Jesus' resurrection and his instructions to the disciples via the women, the eleven remaining apostles journey to Galilee. They are headed to a specific mountain that Jesus had previously designated for a meeting. This gathering marks a pivotal moment where Jesus commissions them for his ongoing mission before his ascension.
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"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted." — The phrase "to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them" isn't just a location; it emphasizes that this wasn't a chance encounter, but a deliberate, planned meeting. Jesus himself orchestrated thi…
