Matthew 28:18-20
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Jesus declares "all authority" has been given to Him, not merely power, but the right to rule. This isn't about a future acquisition, but a declaration of a divine decree that took effect through His completed work, making Him the supreme King and Lord over all creation, heaven and earth included.
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)
This declaration comes right after the disciples have seen the resurrected Jesus in Galilee, though some initially doubted until he drew near. It serves as the foundational statement for the Great Commission that immediately follows, as Jesus equips them with the authority and confidence needed to spread his message worldwide.
Jesus just conquered death, and now he's about to send his followers out to the ends of the earth. What gives him the authority to do that?
Jesus declares, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.' This isn't about his divine power as God, which he always had. Instead, it's about his authority as the Mediator, the one appointed by the Father to rule and reign. After his resurrection, Jesus steps into a new level of authority, tasked with reconciling all things. This means he has governing power over everything – from the angels in heaven to every person on earth, including those who oppose him. This isn't a power he stole; it was given to him by the Father, especially after his obedience unto death.
Jesus is about to launch the greatest mission in history. Why does he start by talking about his authority?
Jesus doesn't just declare his universal authority for the sake of it; he uses it as the foundation for the Great Commission. Before he sends his disciples out to teach and baptize all nations, he establishes that he is the one with the power to commission them. His authority means their mission is not a flimsy human endeavor, but a divine mandate backed by heavenly power. It assures them that though they may face opposition, they go with the King of the universe on their side. This knowledge would fuel their courage and confidence as they proclaimed his name.
Understand the original words
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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.
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.
This declaration by Jesus immediately follows His resurrection and precedes His commission to the disciples. It grounds their future mission not in their own strength, but in His supreme, divinely-given authority over all creation, preparing them for the global task He is entrusting to them.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Appears After Resurrection
Following his resurrection, Jesus appeared multiple times to his disciples over a period of 40 days, gradually strengthening their faith and preparing them for his departure.
c. 30 AD
The Great Commission Issued
Jesus gives his disciples the 'Great Commission' in Galilee, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
After instructing his disciples, Jesus ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives, promising the Holy Spirit to empower them for their mission.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit's Arrival
The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them to preach the gospel with boldness and conviction, fulfilling Jesus' promise.
c. 33-60 AD
Early Church Growth and Spread
The gospel spreads rapidly through the efforts of the apostles and early believers, facing persecution but expanding across the Roman Empire.
This passage describes the 'Son of Man' receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will not be destroyed, directly paralleling Jesus' claim of 'all authority' after His resurrection. It highlights the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' ascension to universal kingship.
Philippians 2:9-11Paul explains that God highly exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above all names, leading to universal confession. This directly supports and expands on Jesus' declaration in Matthew 28:18, showing the divine purpose behind His conferred authority.
John 3:35Jesus states that the Father has given all things into His hand. This earlier statement provides a foundational context for His later, more explicit declaration of 'all authority' in Matthew 28:18, emphasizing the divine bestowal of His power.
Ephesians 1:20-22This passage describes God raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion. It echoes and clarifies Jesus' claim in Matthew 28:18 by detailing the scope and cosmic nature of the authority given to Him.
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 "all authority" has been given to Him, not merely power, but the right to rule. This isn't about a future acquisition, but a declaration of a divine decree that took effect through His completed work, making Him the supreme King and Lord over all creation, heaven and earth included.
This declaration comes right after the disciples have seen the resurrected Jesus in Galilee, though some initially doubted until he drew near. It serves as the foundational statement for the Great Commission that immediately follows, as Jesus equips them with the authority and confidence needed to spread his message worldwide.
This declaration comes right after the disciples have seen the resurrected Jesus in Galilee, though some initially doubted until he drew near. It serves as the foundational statement for the Great Commission that immediately follows, as Jesus equips them with the authority and confidence needed to spread his message worldwide.
"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 "all authority" has been given to Him, not merely power, but the right to rule. This isn't about a future acquisition, but a declaration of a divine decree that took effect through His…
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Last reviewed October 2026
