Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus doesn't just claim authority here; the original Greek word suggests a granted right, a delegated power that was specifically given to Him. This isn't a simple statement of ownership, but a declaration that His full reign, established through His death and resurrection, has now been divinely inaugurated.
Jesus has just been resurrected and is meeting his disciples again on a mountain in Galilee, as he had appointed. After some initially doubt, they recognize and worship him. Before giving them their Great Commission, Jesus declares his absolute authority.
Jesus steps forward and declares a profound truth about his power. But is it a power he always had, or one he received?
Jesus announces, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.' This isn't just a statement of his divine nature; it's also about his received authority as Mediator. While Jesus, as God, always possessed infinite power, this declaration highlights the authority given to him by the Father, especially after his resurrection and exaltation. Think of it like a king who always has royal blood, but is formally crowned and given dominion over the kingdom at a specific point. His resurrection and ascension marked this 'crowning' moment, where his authority as King and Judge was fully manifested and established over all creation.
When Jesus claims 'all authority,' what does that actually encompass? It's more than just earthly kingdoms.
Jesus’ declaration, 'All authority in heaven and on earth,' is breathtaking in its scope. It means his reign isn't limited to a specific territory or a select group of people. His authority extends to the spiritual realm – the angels, the unseen forces, and even the activities of Satan. It also encompasses the physical world and every human being on earth, regardless of whether they acknowledge him. This universal authority is the foundation for his commission to his disciples: they are to go into all nations, teaching all things he commanded, because their Master is sovereign over all.
Why is Jesus’ statement about his authority so crucial before he sends out his disciples?
This declaration of supreme authority isn't just a theological statement; it’s the bedrock upon which the Great Commission is built. Before sending his disciples to 'make disciples of all nations,' Jesus establishes his credentials. He’s telling them, in essence: 'I am sending you, but I am the one with the ultimate power to back you up.' This assurance was vital for the disciples, who were about to face immense opposition and uncertainty. Knowing that their Master holds all authority gives them confidence, courage, and the conviction that their mission, empowered by him, cannot ultimately fail.
Understand the original words
exousia · Greek Noun
The power, right, or legal authority to act or command; here it refers to the absolute, sovereign dominion granted to Jesus by the Father over all of creation.
This declaration of Jesus marks the pivotal moment when his earthly ministry concludes, and he, as the resurrected and ascended Lord, claims the ultimate authority over all creation as Mediator. This foundational truth underpins the subsequent Great Commission and the mission of the early church.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Resurrection
Following his crucifixion, Jesus is resurrected, appearing to his disciples over a period of 40 days.
c. 30 AD
The Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit and his continued presence with his followers.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Commission
Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee and gives them the Great Commission to teach all nations, marking the transition of authority.
c. 30 AD
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them to fulfill Jesus' commission.
c. 30-60 AD
This passage describes a 'Son of Man' figure receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will not be destroyed, directly paralleling Jesus' claim of 'all authority in heaven and on earth' as He commissions His disciples.
Philippians 2:9-11Paul explains that God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above every name, so that every knee would bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord, underscoring the divine authority Jesus claims in Matthew.
John 3:35Jesus Himself states, 'The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand,' reinforcing the idea that His authority in Matthew 28:18 is a divine bestowal from the Father.
Ephesians 1:20-22This passage elaborates on God raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, which is the ultimate foundation for Jesus' declaration of universal authority.
vincentMatthew 28:18: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
Came toMatthew 28:17 evidently describes the impression made by seeing him at a distance. Possibly from feelings of modesty they had not ventured close to him. Jesus now approaches and addresses them.Spake - saying (ἐλάλησεν - λέγων)Two different words are here used to express speech, with a nice distinction which can hardly be conveyed without paraphrase. The verb λαλεῖν is used…
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…
Jesus doesn't just claim authority here; the original Greek word suggests a granted right, a delegated power that was specifically given to Him. This isn't a simple statement of ownership, but a declaration that His full reign, established through His death and resurrection, has now been divinely inaugurated.
Jesus has just been resurrected and is meeting his disciples again on a mountain in Galilee, as he had appointed. After some initially doubt, they recognize and worship him. Before giving them their Great Commission, Jesus declares his absolute authority.
Jesus has just been resurrected and is meeting his disciples again on a mountain in Galilee, as he had appointed. After some initially doubt, they recognize and worship him. Before giving them their Great Commission, Jesus declares his absolute authority.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 28:18 is available in the Sola app.
Early Church Expansion
The apostles and early Christians spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and facing persecution.
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." — Jesus doesn't just claim authority here; the original Greek word suggests a granted right, a delegated power that was specifically given to Him. This isn't a simple statement of ownership, but a…
