And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even as they worshipped him, Matthew highlights that some still doubted. This isn't a sign of weakness, but a testament to their honesty – their doubts, though eventually overcome by evidence, show they weren't easily convinced and truly came to believe through overwhelming proof.
And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus' resurrection, he met his disciples in Galilee as he had appointed. While most fell down in worship, recognizing their resurrected Lord, a few still hesitated, unsure if it was truly him they were seeing. This moment, where worship mixed with lingering doubt, immediately precedes Jesus commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations.
Imagine seeing the One you thought was gone forever. What's your immediate reaction?
This verse captures a pivotal moment: the disciples encounter the risen Jesus.
The Act of Worship
When the disciples saw Jesus, their immediate, overwhelming response was worship. The word used here, 'worshipped,' isn't just casual reverence; it implies prostration, deep homage, and acknowledging divine authority. It’s the ultimate expression of awe and submission.
Why Worship?
This wasn't just a recognition of their friend returned. It was a profound acknowledgment of who Jesus was – not just a resurrected man, but the glorified Son of God. His resurrection proved His divine claims, and their worship reflects this dawning, awe-inspiring realization.
Even in the face of the resurrected Lord, not everyone's faith was immediate or complete. Why?
The phrase 'but some doubted' is crucial. It paints a picture of realism and honesty in the Gospel accounts.
The Reality of Doubt
It's tempting to think that seeing the risen Christ would instantly erase all questions. However, the text acknowledges that 'some doubted.' This wasn't necessarily outright rejection, but hesitation, a struggle to fully grasp the reality of what they were witnessing.
Reasons for Doubt
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Several factors could contribute:
This honest portrayal serves as a powerful witness. It shows these weren't easily convinced individuals looking for a miracle, but honest people who came to believe through undeniable evidence, even amidst their initial struggles.
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' mix of worship and doubt highlights the astonishing nature of Jesus' resurrection. Even after witnessing the risen Christ, their prior expectations and the sheer impossibility of the event caused some to hesitate, underscoring the profound faith required to believe in what they saw.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified by Roman authorities and buried.
c. AD 30, Third Day— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection
According to scripture, Jesus is resurrected from the dead, appearing to various followers.
c. AD 30
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven in the presence of his disciples, commissioning them.
c. AD 30 - AD 33
Early Church Growth
The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, begin spreading Jesus' message, leading to rapid growth of the early Christian movement.
This passage directly addresses the doubt of Thomas and Jesus' gentle but firm response, highlighting the reality of human doubt even in the face of Jesus' resurrection.
Luke 24:36-43Here, Jesus addresses the disciples' fear and doubt after His resurrection, showing them His hands and feet and asking them to touch Him, demonstrating His physical reality.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8This passage provides a historical summary of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, including the significant appearance to over five hundred brethren at once, contextualizing the varied reactions of those who saw Him.
Mark 16:10-14Similar to Matthew, Mark's account notes that the disciples grieved and disbelieved even after Mary Magdalene and others reported seeing Jesus, underscoring the struggle to accept the resurrection.
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…
Even as they worshipped him, Matthew highlights that some still doubted. This isn't a sign of weakness, but a testament to their honesty – their doubts, though eventually overcome by evidence, show they weren't easily convinced and truly came to believe through overwhelming proof.
After Jesus' resurrection, he met his disciples in Galilee as he had appointed. While most fell down in worship, recognizing their resurrected Lord, a few still hesitated, unsure if it was truly him they were seeing. This moment, where worship mixed with lingering doubt, immediately precedes Jesus commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations.
After Jesus' resurrection, he met his disciples in Galilee as he had appointed. While most fell down in worship, recognizing their resurrected Lord, a few still hesitated, unsure if it was truly him they were seeing. This moment, where worship mixed with lingering doubt, immediately precedes Jesus commissioning them to go and make disciples of all nations.
"And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted." — Even as they worshipped him, Matthew highlights that some still doubted. This isn't a sign of weakness, but a testament to their honesty – their doubts, though eventually overcome by evidence, show t…
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Last reviewed October 2026