Meaning of Matthew 28:19

This verse, known as the Great Commission, is Jesus' final command to his disciples before his ascension, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Christian church and its mission to the world. It is not merely a suggestion but a direct mandate, outlining the core activity of believers: to actively spread the Gospel and integrate new followers into the community of faith through baptism. The scope is universal ("all nations"), indicating a radical departure from the previous focus on Israel, and the Trinitarian formula for baptism signifies the foundational theological belief of Christianity.

Context and Background

Delivered in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, this commission is the culmination of his earthly ministry. The disciples have witnessed his miracles, heard his teachings, seen his crucifixion, and now experienced his resurrection. This transformative period imbues the command with immense authority and urgency. The disciples, previously limited in their understanding and scope, are now empowered by the Holy Spirit (as promised in Acts 1:8) to undertake this monumental task. The setting on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16) likely signifies a place of authority and revelation, echoing Old Testament mountain experiences.

Key Themes and Messages

• Discipleship: The primary verb is "make disciples" (matheteuo), which implies more than just conversion; it means teaching, training, and forming individuals into followers of Christ who will then themselves make more disciples.
• Universal Mission: "All nations" (panta ta ethne) emphasizes the inclusive and global nature of the Gospel, transcending ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries.
• Baptism as Initiation: Baptism is presented as the outward sign of entering into a covenant relationship with God, initiated through faith in Jesus Christ. The Trinitarian formula grounds this act in the identity of God.
• Authority of Jesus: The verse begins with "Therefore" (oun), directly linking the command to Jesus' assertion of his supreme authority: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). This authority empowers the disciples to carry out the mission.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The Great Commission is the foundational mandate for Christian evangelism and missions. It calls every believer to participate in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and to nurture new believers in their faith. This involves personal witness, teaching, and supporting those engaged in full-time ministry. The emphasis on "making disciples" highlights the importance of discipleship as a lifelong process of growth and transformation, not just a single event.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This commission serves as the bridge between the Old Testament covenant with Israel and the New Testament covenant with all humanity through Christ. It fulfills prophecies about the Gentiles coming to know God and establishes the church as the new Israel, a community of faith drawn from every nation. It is the programmatic statement for the book of Acts and the subsequent expansion of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

Analogies

Imagine a general giving his officers a crucial directive before they depart to establish new outposts for the kingdom. The directive includes not only the objective (establishing outposts) but also the method (recruiting and training local inhabitants) and the symbolic act of allegiance (a ceremony of dedication). Similarly, Jesus, the King of Kings, commissions his followers to extend his reign by making disciples, initiating them through baptism, and grounding them in the identity of the triune God. Another analogy could be a skilled craftsman teaching apprentices not just to admire his work but to replicate it, passing on the skills and principles to create more craftsmen.

Relation to Other Verses

• Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." This parallel passage emphasizes the proclamation of the Gospel.
• Luke 24:47: "...repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem." This highlights the message of repentance and forgiveness.
• Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse details the empowerment necessary for fulfilling the commission.
• John 13:34-35: Jesus' command to love one another as he has loved them, which is the mark of his disciples and a crucial element in attracting others to the faith.
• Romans 10:14-15: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ... How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" This passage underscores the necessity of evangelism.