Matthew 28:18-20
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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus declares that all authority has been given to Him, not just a portion or a temporary authority. This wasn't a new power He was receiving, but rather a public revelation and inauguration of His inherent divine authority, especially in His role as Mediator, now fully manifest after His resurrection.
After his resurrection, Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee on a mountain where he had appointed them. Though some still had doubts, Jesus approaches them directly and speaks, asserting his supreme authority before commissioning them for their world-changing mission. He then gives them their marching orders to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.
Right after his resurrection, before giving his disciples their marching orders, Jesus makes a stunning announcement. What makes this declaration so pivotal?
Jesus steps forward and declares, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.' This isn't just a casual statement; it's the foundation for everything that follows.
Divine Decree
The original Greek word for 'given' suggests a formal bestowal, a divine decree. While Jesus, as God, always possessed this authority, this declaration highlights a specific conferral of authority upon him in his role as mediator. His resurrection and ascension are the coronation moments where this universal authority is formally recognized and implemented.
Universal Scope
Notice 'in heaven and on earth.' This isn't limited to earthly kingdoms or spiritual realms alone; it encompasses everything. From the angels in heaven to the rulers on earth, and even to the forces unseen, all are under his sovereign command. This is the ultimate statement of power and control.
Why does Jesus begin with this declaration of power before sending out his disciples? What's the connection?
Jesus' proclamation of his authority is directly linked to the Great Commission that follows. He isn't just stating a fact about himself; he's establishing the basis for his disciples' mission.
Empowering the Disciples
Think about it: the disciples are about to be sent into a hostile world, tasked with teaching, baptizing, and discipling all nations. They will face opposition, persecution, and doubt. Jesus' declaration serves as their ultimate encouragement and credential. If all authority belongs to him, then they are not going out in their own strength but in the power of the One who reigns supreme.
The Basis for Obedience
This authority also underscores the gravity of the disciples' task. They are to teach 'all nations' and make them 'disciples,' baptizing them. This isn't a suggestion; it's a command rooted in Christ's sovereign authority. Their mission is not just a human endeavor but an extension of Christ's reign being established on earth.
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 marks the transition from His earthly ministry to His exalted reign as King and Mediator, empowering His followers for global mission.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Resurrection
Following his crucifixion and death, Jesus is resurrected, appearing to his disciples over a period of 40 days.
c. 30 AD— this verse
The Great Commission
Jesus meets with his eleven disciples in Galilee and delivers the Great Commission, granting them authority and commanding them to make disciples of all nations.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven, promising the Holy Spirit and His continued presence with His followers.
c. 30 AD
Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to begin their ministry of spreading the gospel.
This Old Testament vision directly foreshadows Jesus, the 'Son of Man,' receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never end, echoing the 'all authority' given to Him in Matthew.
Philippians 2:9-11Paul explains that because of Jesus' obedience unto death, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, leading to universal confession of His Lordship, which is a direct result of the authority given in Matthew.
1 Corinthians 15:24-28This passage describes Christ reigning until He has put all His enemies under His feet, with the Father Himself subjecting all things to Him, highlighting the scope and ultimate purpose of the authority Jesus claims.
Ephesians 1:20-22Here, Paul describes God raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand, far above all rule and authority, granting Him to be head over all things to the church, which directly supports the declaration of Jesus' supreme 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 declares that all authority has been given to Him, not just a portion or a temporary authority. This wasn't a new power He was receiving, but rather a public revelation and inauguration of His inherent divine authority, especially in His role as Mediator, now fully manifest after His resurrection.
After his resurrection, Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee on a mountain where he had appointed them. Though some still had doubts, Jesus approaches them directly and speaks, asserting his supreme authority before commissioning them for their world-changing mission. He then gives them their marching orders to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.
After his resurrection, Jesus meets his disciples in Galilee on a mountain where he had appointed them. Though some still had doubts, Jesus approaches them directly and speaks, asserting his supreme authority before commissioning them for their world-changing mission. He then gives them their marching orders to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.
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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.
didaskō · Greek Verb
The act of instructing others in the truths of God's Word; it involves not just imparting information but fostering an obedience that aligns one’s life with Christ’s commands.
tēreō · Greek Verb
To keep, guard, or hold fast to; in a theological sense, it means to actively live out and obey the instructions or moral requirements given by God.
aiōn · Greek Noun
A period of time characterized by specific conditions or a particular world order; 'the end of the age' refers to the completion of the present era leading to the return of Christ and the final judgment.
"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, teaching them to o…" — Jesus declares that all authority has been given to Him, not just a portion or a temporary authority. This wasn't a new power He was receiving, but rather a public revelation and inauguration of Hi…
