Matthew 28:17
And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 28:17
And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It’s easy to skim over the fact that "some doubted." This isn't just a minor detail; it highlights the disciples' genuine humanity and honesty. Their hesitation, even after seeing the resurrected Christ, serves as powerful proof that they weren't easily fooled and were only convinced by solid evidence.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples on a mountain in Galilee, a significant reunion following his resurrection. While many are overcome with awe and worship him, the text acknowledges that not everyone is immediately convinced, highlighting that some experienced lingering doubt even in the face of his presence. This scene immediately precedes Jesus commissioning them with the Great Commission, emphasizing the need for their faith to be solid before they embark on spreading the gospel worldwide.
Imagine seeing Jesus after His resurrection. What would that moment feel like? This verse captures a powerful, yet complex, response.
Matthew 28:17 tells us, "when they saw him they worshiped him." This wasn't just a casual glance; the Greek word used, 'proskyneó,' implies prostration, a deep act of reverence and awe. Seeing the resurrected Christ was not just a visual confirmation; it was a profound encounter with the divine.
Even in the face of undeniable evidence, faith can still grapple with doubt. This verse doesn't shy away from that reality.
The verse continues, "but some doubted." This isn't a condemnation, but an honest portrayal of the disciples' experience. Even after seeing Jesus, some struggled to fully grasp the reality of His resurrection.
Understand the original words
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.
The disciples' initial hesitation and doubt upon seeing the resurrected Jesus highlight the radical nature of the event and their eventual conviction, underscoring the honesty of their witness.
c. AD 30— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is crucified and then resurrected from the dead, a pivotal event in Christian theology.
c. AD 30
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appeared to his disciples and others multiple times over a period of 40 days following his resurrection.
c. AD 30
The Great Commission
Jesus gives his disciples the command to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them.
c. AD 30
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives, marking the end of his physical appearances.
This passage shows a similar reaction where the disciples, seeing Jesus after his resurrection, were startled and disbelieved, thinking they saw a ghost, which highlights the disciples' initial struggle with belief despite evidence.
John 20:24-29This narrative specifically focuses on Thomas's doubt and Jesus's gentle response to it, directly paralleling the 'some doubted' aspect of Matthew 28:17 and emphasizing Jesus's grace towards hesitant faith.
1 Corinthians 15:5-7Paul lists multiple post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, including to more than 500 people at once, suggesting the encounter in Matthew 28:17 might have been one of many, and illustrating the widespread witness to the resurrection, even if individual belief varied.
Acts 1:3This verse speaks of Jesus appearing to his disciples and speaking about the Kingdom of God over a period of 40 days after his resurrection, providing a broader context for the varied reactions like worship and doubt described in Matthew 28:17.
barnesMatthew 28:17: "And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."
They worshipped him - Paid him honour as the Messiah. But some doubted - As, for example, Thomas, John 20:25. The disciples had not expected his resurrection; they were therefore slow to believe. The mention of their doubting shows that they were honest men that they were not easily imposed on that they had not previously agreed to affirm that he had risen - that they were convinced only by the strength of the eviden…
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…
It’s easy to skim over the fact that "some doubted." This isn't just a minor detail; it highlights the disciples' genuine humanity and honesty. Their hesitation, even after seeing the resurrected Christ, serves as powerful proof that they weren't easily fooled and were only convinced by solid evidence.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples on a mountain in Galilee, a significant reunion following his resurrection. While many are overcome with awe and worship him, the text acknowledges that not everyone is immediately convinced, highlighting that some experienced lingering doubt even in the face of his presence. This scene immediately precedes Jesus commissioning them with the Great Commission, emphasizing the need for their faith to be solid before they embark on spreading the gospel worldwide.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples on a mountain in Galilee, a significant reunion following his resurrection. While many are overcome with awe and worship him, the text acknowledges that not everyone is immediately convinced, highlighting that some experienced lingering doubt even in the face of his presence. This scene immediately precedes Jesus commissioning them with the Great Commission, emphasizing the need for their faith to be solid before they embark on spreading the gospel worldwide.
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This dramatic appearance wasn't just for the disciples' benefit; it was the launchpad for the greatest mission in history.
This encounter, with its mix of worship and doubt, immediately precedes Jesus' commissioning of the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. The disciples' response, however mixed, sets the stage for their Great Commission.
"And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted." — It’s easy to skim over the fact that "some doubted." This isn't just a minor detail; it highlights the disciples' genuine humanity and honesty. Their hesitation, even after seeing the resurrected Chr…