Matthew 28:18-19
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus declaring "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" isn't just a statement of divine power, but a commissioning based on that power. He's revealing the cosmic authority he now wields, not to boast, but as the foundational reason for the mission he's about to give his disciples. This declaration is the launchpad for their obedience and the assurance that his seemingly impossible task will, in fact, be accomplished.
After his resurrection, Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee, where some initially doubt their eyes. As Jesus approaches and speaks to them, he declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This profound statement immediately precedes his Great Commission, empowering them to spread his message to all nations.
Ever wonder who's really in charge? Jesus makes a profound statement right after his resurrection that reshapes everything.
When Jesus says, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,' he's not just stating a fact; he's declaring his supreme reign. This isn't a borrowed power, but a delegated authority from the Father, especially in his role as Mediator. It encompasses every realm: the spiritual world above, the physical world below, and every being within them—angels, humans, even opposing forces. This isn't about omnipotence in the sense of being God (though He is!), but about His sovereign rule and governance over all creation, especially as He establishes His kingdom and church.
Jesus claims immense power. But is it a power grab, or something far more profound?
The wording 'has been given to me' is crucial. It highlights that Jesus' authority is not self-proclaimed but divinely bestowed by the Father. This is the authority He received particularly in His resurrected and exalted state as Mediator. Having accomplished the work of redemption—conquering sin, death, and the devil—He is now rightfully invested with supreme rule. This is a righteous authority, earned through His obedience and sacrifice, not a power seized unjustly. It's the foundation for His ongoing work in establishing His kingdom and empowering His followers.
Right after declaring His supreme authority, Jesus issues an incredible command. What's the connection?
This declaration of authority isn't an end in itself; it's the preamble to the Great Commission. Jesus first establishes His royal prerogative—that He is the sovereign Lord of all. Then, from this position of ultimate authority, He commissions His disciples: 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.' His authority is the basis for their mission. They go out not in their own strength, but empowered by the King of heaven and earth. This assurance of His authority is what enables and emboldens them to carry out such a monumental task, knowing He is with them always, even to the end of the age.
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.
mathēteuō · Greek Verb
A command to go forth and incorporate people into the community of faith by teaching them to follow Jesus, effectively making them His devoted learners and imitators.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Ethnic groups, peoples, or the Gentile world; it refers to the entirety of humanity outside of Israel, signifying the universal scope of the Gospel message.
baptizō · Greek Verb
An outward rite of initiation into the Christian faith, signifying the believer's identification with Christ’s death and resurrection and their entrance into the community of the Triune God.
This declaration by Jesus, spoken shortly after his resurrection and before his ascension, marks a pivotal transition. It's not just a statement of fact, but a foundational declaration of his authority as mediator, empowering his followers for the global mission he is entrusting to them.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection and Appearances
After his crucifixion and burial, Jesus is resurrected. He appears to his disciples and others over a period of 40 days, gradually revealing himself and confirming his victory over death.
c. 30 AD
The Great Commission Given
Jesus commissions his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, a pivotal moment where he bestows authority and outlines the mission of the early Church.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven, returning to the Father, signifying the completion of his earthly ministry and the full investiture of his mediatorial authority.
c. 30 AD
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them to carry out the Great Commission and confirming Jesus' authority as he pours out spiritual gifts and builds his church.
This passage describes a 'Son of Man' figure receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will not be destroyed, directly paralleling Jesus' declaration of receiving all authority.
Philippians 2:9-11Paul explains that God highly exalted Jesus and gave him the name above all names, so that every knee should bow to him, a direct consequence and outworking of the authority Jesus claims in Matthew 28:18.
1 Corinthians 15:24-27This passage speaks of Christ reigning until he has put all his enemies under his feet, a fulfillment of the authority Jesus exercises as Lord over heaven and earth.
Ephesians 1:20-22This text describes God raising Christ from the dead and seating him at his right hand, far above all rule and authority, confirming the divine source and scope of Jesus' power.
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 declaring "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" isn't just a statement of divine power, but a commissioning based on that power. He's revealing the cosmic authority he now wields, not to boast, but as the foundational reason for the mission he's about to give his disciples. This declaration is the launchpad for their obedience and the assurance that his seemingly impossible task will, in fact, be accomplished.
After his resurrection, Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee, where some initially doubt their eyes. As Jesus approaches and speaks to them, he declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This profound statement immediately precedes his Great Commission, empowering them to spread his message to all nations.
After his resurrection, Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee, where some initially doubt their eyes. As Jesus approaches and speaks to them, he declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This profound statement immediately precedes his Great Commission, empowering them to spread his message to all nations.
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onoma · Greek Noun
The standard, reputation, or character of a person; to act 'in the name of' means to act by someone's authority, representing their identity and will.
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," — Jesus declaring "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" isn't just a statement of divine power, but a commissioning based on that power. He's revealing the cosmic authority he n…
