And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus explicitly states that all authority has been given to Him, not just over earthly matters, but also in heaven. This highlights that His reign as mediator is a divinely delegated authority, entrusted to Him by the Father, making His commission to the disciples grounded in cosmic power.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, and while some immediately worship him, others still have doubts. As he draws near, he breaks the silence, not with gentle reassurance, but with a powerful declaration about his own authority before commissioning them for their world-changing mission. This cosmic scope of authority is the foundation upon which the Great Commission is built.
Before Jesus sends His disciples out, He declares something monumental about Himself. What is it, and why does it matter?
Notice how Jesus doesn't just tell His disciples what to do; He first establishes the foundation for their mission.
A Divine Decree
Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This isn't just a statement of fact; it's a pronouncement of His sovereign power. It signifies a transfer of ultimate authority from the Father to the Son, especially in His role as Mediator.
The Source of Power
This authority wasn't earned in the sense of a human achievement, but given through a divine decree, likely connected to His resurrection and exaltation. It means His rule is not limited to earthly matters but extends to the heavenly realm as well.
For the Church's Sake
This granted authority empowers Jesus to govern His Church, appoint leaders, bestow spiritual gifts, and institute ordinances until His return. It's the ultimate backing for the mission He's about to give.
Jesus approaches His disciples, some of whom are still doubting. What does His first spoken word reveal about His intent?
The way Jesus begins to speak is as significant as what He says.
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More Than Just Talking
The Greek word used for Jesus 'speaking' here (elalen) suggests a breaking of silence, an initial address. This is followed by another word (legon) that refers to the content of His message. It’s as if He breaks the tense quiet, then launches into a profound declaration.
Addressing Doubt with Authority
His disciples had seen Him, worshipped Him, but still had doubts. Jesus’ approach is direct: He draws near and speaks. His first words are not a gentle reassurance, but a powerful assertion of His supreme authority over all realms. This divine proclamation is the ultimate antidote to their wavering faith.
The Foundation for Faith
By starting with His authority, Jesus anchors their faith not in His physical presence alone, but in His rightful, God-given dominion over everything. This empowers them to move from doubt to confident obedience.
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 supreme authority comes at a pivotal moment: immediately after Jesus' resurrection and before he ascends to heaven. It grounds the disciples' mission, assuring them that the One who sends them has ultimate power over all creation.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified by Roman authorities and buried, a period of seeming defeat and silence.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus is resurrected from the dead, appearing to his disciples over a period of 40 days.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Appoints a Meeting in Galilee
Jesus instructs his disciples to meet him on a specific mountain in Galilee.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Appears and Speaks to the Disciples
Jesus appears to the eleven disciples on the mountain in Galilee, addressing their doubts and declaring his supreme authority.
c. 30 AD
The Great Commission Given
Jesus commissions his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven, promising his continuous presence with his followers.
This passage describes how God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him a name above all names, directly echoing the 'all authority' Christ claims here as a result of His obedience and suffering.
Daniel 7:13-14This prophecy speaks of 'one like a son of man' receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will not be destroyed, which is directly fulfilled in Jesus' declaration of His universal authority.
Ephesians 1:20-23This passage elaborates on Christ's supreme authority, stating that God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand, far above all rule and authority, placing all things under His feet for the church.
John 3:35Jesus stated earlier in His ministry that the Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand, foreshadowing the fullness of authority He claims here after His resurrection.
Colossians 1:15-17This text highlights Jesus' role as the Creator and sustainer of all things, emphasizing that through Him all things were created and in Him all things hold together, underscoring the basis of His claim to all 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 explicitly states that all authority has been given to Him, not just over earthly matters, but also in heaven. This highlights that His reign as mediator is a divinely delegated authority, entrusted to Him by the Father, making His commission to the disciples grounded in cosmic power.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, and while some immediately worship him, others still have doubts. As he draws near, he breaks the silence, not with gentle reassurance, but with a powerful declaration about his own authority before commissioning them for their world-changing mission. This cosmic scope of authority is the foundation upon which the Great Commission is built.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, and while some immediately worship him, others still have doubts. As he draws near, he breaks the silence, not with gentle reassurance, but with a powerful declaration about his own authority before commissioning them for their world-changing mission. This cosmic scope of authority is the foundation upon which the Great Commission is built.
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." — Jesus explicitly states that all authority has been given to Him, not just over earthly matters, but also in heaven. This highlights that His reign as mediator is a divinely delegated authority,…
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Last reviewed October 2026