Matthew 28:16-17
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This wasn't just a casual meet-up; Jesus appointed this specific mountain in Galilee. This detail highlights that it was a formal gathering, intended to set in motion the Great Commission he was about to give, emphasizing the deliberate nature of his post-resurrection appearances.
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)
Following Jesus' resurrection and his instruction to the women at the tomb, the eleven disciples now travel to Galilee. They are heading to a specific mountain, as directed by Jesus beforehand, where he has arranged to meet them. This gathering is the setting for Jesus' final commission to his apostles before his ascension.
It wasn't a casual encounter; Jesus had a specific plan. Why was this meeting so important?
Jesus didn't just randomly show up. He had already directed the disciples to go to Galilee and to a particular mountain. This wasn't a spontaneous appearance but a pre-arranged rendezvous, indicating Jesus's continued authority and purposeful engagement with His followers even after His resurrection. This specific appointment underscores that His resurrection wasn't just a personal victory, but the commencement of a new phase for His kingdom and His followers.
Only eleven disciples are mentioned here. What does this tell us about the state of the group and their future role?
By Jesus's direction, the eleven disciples gathered. This number is significant because Judas was gone, leaving the core group who would become the foundational leaders of the early church. Despite some lingering doubts (as mentioned in verse 17), their obedience in going to Galilee shows a growing readiness to follow Jesus's commands. This gathered group, though imperfect, was being prepared for the monumental task of spreading the Gospel to all nations, a mission that required their unified faith and Jesus's empowering presence.
Why Galilee? This region held deep significance for Jesus and His ministry. What does its role here signify?
Jesus chose Galilee, a region often viewed as overlooked or 'of the Gentiles,' as the location for this pivotal post-resurrection appearance and commission. This choice symbolizes a new era, moving beyond the confines of Jerusalem and Jewish tradition to embrace a global mission. Galilee was where many of the disciples first encountered Jesus and began their journey with Him. Meeting there again marked a return to their roots, but this time with a transformed understanding and a divinely-ordained mandate to take the Gospel to the entire world. It was the perfect place to launch the universal church.
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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 event isn't just a random meeting; it's a formally appointed gathering following Jesus' resurrection, marking the transition from his earthly ministry to the global mission of the church.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and then rises from the dead, appearing to his disciples over a period of 40 days.
c. 30 AD, shortly after resurrection— this verse
Jesus Appoints a Meeting in Galilee
Jesus instructs his disciples, both before and after his resurrection, to meet him in Galilee on a specific mountain.
c. 30 AD, shortly after resurrection
Disciples Gather in Galilee
The eleven disciples travel to Galilee and assemble on the designated mountain for their meeting with the risen Jesus.
c. 30 AD, shortly after resurrection
The Great Commission
Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to make disciples of all nations and promising to be with them always.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven, leaving his disciples to carry on his work with the promise of his ongoing presence.
This verse directly references Jesus' prior appointment to meet his disciples in Galilee, setting the stage for the event described in Matthew 28:16.
1 Corinthians 15:6This passage mentions Jesus appearing to over five hundred brothers at once, suggesting that the Galilean mountain meeting was likely a larger gathering than just the eleven, fulfilling a significant post-resurrection appearance.
Mark 16:15This verse records Jesus' commission given to the disciples, which directly follows the events in Galilee and highlights the purpose behind their gathering there.
John 21:1This Gospel also recounts Jesus appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee, corroborating Matthew's account of the disciples being in Galilee and the Lord meeting with them.
Isaiah 49:6This prophecy speaks of a light to the Gentiles and salvation to the ends of the earth, which is powerfully fulfilled in the Great Commission given to the disciples in Galilee, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20.
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…
This wasn't just a casual meet-up; Jesus appointed this specific mountain in Galilee. This detail highlights that it was a formal gathering, intended to set in motion the Great Commission he was about to give, emphasizing the deliberate nature of his post-resurrection appearances.
Following Jesus' resurrection and his instruction to the women at the tomb, the eleven disciples now travel to Galilee. They are heading to a specific mountain, as directed by Jesus beforehand, where he has arranged to meet them. This gathering is the setting for Jesus' final commission to his apostles before his ascension.
Following Jesus' resurrection and his instruction to the women at the tomb, the eleven disciples now travel to Galilee. They are heading to a specific mountain, as directed by Jesus beforehand, where he has arranged to meet them. This gathering is the setting for Jesus' final commission to his apostles before his ascension.
"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." — This wasn't just a casual meet-up; Jesus appointed this specific mountain in Galilee. This detail highlights that it was a formal gathering, intended to set in motion the Great Commission he was ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026
