Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Therefore go
The word "go" in Greek is "πορευθέντες" (poreuthentes), which is a participle that implies action. It suggests not just a passive existence but an active movement towards fulfilling a mission. This command is a call to action, urging believers to step out of their comfort zones and engage with the world. Historically, this reflects the early church's expansion beyond Jewish communities into Gentile territories, emphasizing the universal scope of the Gospel.

make disciples
The Greek term "μαθητεύσατε" (mathēteusate) is derived from "μαθητής" (mathētēs), meaning "learner" or "pupil." This indicates a process of teaching and nurturing, not merely converting. The emphasis is on creating followers who are committed to learning and living out the teachings of Jesus. In a historical context, this reflects the rabbinic tradition where disciples would closely follow their teacher, absorbing their teachings and lifestyle.

of all nations
The phrase "πάντα τὰ ἔθνη" (panta ta ethnē) signifies the inclusivity of the Gospel message. "Ethnē" can be translated as "nations" or "peoples," indicating that the message of Christ transcends ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries. This was revolutionary in a time when religious practices were often confined to specific ethnic groups. It underscores the Great Commission's call to reach every corner of the earth.

baptizing them
The act of baptism, "βαπτίζοντες" (baptizontes), is a significant ritual symbolizing purification and initiation into the Christian faith. In the early church, baptism was a public declaration of faith and a rite of passage into the community of believers. It represents dying to the old self and rising anew in Christ, a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
This Trinitarian formula is foundational to Christian doctrine, emphasizing the unity and co-equality of the Godhead. The use of "name" (singular) rather than "names" highlights the oneness of the three Persons. This reflects the early church's understanding of the Trinity, a mystery that is central to Christian faith. Theologically, it affirms the full divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, alongside the Father, as essential to the believer's faith and practice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The risen Lord who gives the Great Commission to His disciples, emphasizing His authority and the mission of the Church.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' command, representing all believers tasked with spreading the Gospel.

3. All Nations
Refers to the global scope of the mission, indicating that the Gospel is for every ethnic group and culture.

4. Baptism
A sacrament and public declaration of faith, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

5. The Trinity
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, highlighting the unity and distinct roles within the Godhead in the process of salvation and discipleship.
Teaching Points
The Authority of Christ
Recognize that Jesus' command to make disciples is based on His authority over heaven and earth. This authority empowers and obligates believers to obey.

The Scope of the Mission
Understand that the mission is global. Every believer is called to participate in spreading the Gospel, whether locally or internationally.

The Role of Baptism
Emphasize the importance of baptism as an outward sign of an inward change, a step of obedience in the discipleship process.

The Trinity in Discipleship
Acknowledge the involvement of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the salvation and growth of believers, ensuring a holistic approach to discipleship.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and wisdom in fulfilling the Great Commission, as human effort alone is insufficient.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus' authority in Matthew 28:19 impact your approach to sharing the Gospel?

2. In what ways can you participate in the global mission of making disciples, even if you are not called to international missions?

3. How does the practice of baptism in your church reflect the command given in this verse, and how can it be improved?

4. What role does the Trinity play in your personal discipleship journey, and how can you deepen your relationship with each Person of the Godhead?

5. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life to effectively witness and disciple others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 1:8
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit's power to enable the disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, reinforcing the global mission.

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that all nations will be blessed through him, foreshadowing the universal reach of the Gospel.

Romans 6:3-4
Paul explains the significance of baptism as a union with Christ in His death and resurrection, aligning with the command to baptize.

John 14:16-17
Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Helper, who will be with and in believers, essential for the task of making disciples.

Revelation 7:9
A vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, worshiping before the throne, fulfilling the Great Commission.
A Plea for MissionsR. Glover.Matthew 28:19
Belief in the Trinity not Against Reason Though Beyond ItJ. E. Vernon, M. A.Matthew 28:19
Christian BaptismH. March.Matthew 28:19
Christian BaptismJ. Jortin.Matthew 28:19
Christian UnityS. Baring-GouldMatthew 28:19
Doctrine of the Trinity: God a Mystery to ManJ. E. Vernon, M. A.Matthew 28:19
Each Church Contributing to the Mission-Plan of GodH. W. Beecher.Matthew 28:19
Mystery no Bar to ConvictionMatthew 28:19
Practical Missionary ZealC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 28:19
Public Use of the VersionC. J. EllicottMatthew 28:19
Significance of the Form of BaptismEdward Calamy.Matthew 28:19
The Distinctions in the GodheadJ. Burns, LL. D.Matthew 28:19
The Doctrine of the Trinity Considered in Relation to PraW. F. Adeney, M. A.Matthew 28:19
The Doctrine of the Trinity Practically ConsideredJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Matthew 28:19
The False and the True UniversalismA. L. R. Foote.Matthew 28:19
The Form of BaptismBishop Horne.Matthew 28:19
The Great CommandL. Abbott.Matthew 28:19
The Great CommissionW. Cadman, M. A.Matthew 28:19
The Great CommissionJ. Oswald Dykes, D. D.Matthew 28:19
The Great CommissionA. L. R. Foote.Matthew 28:19
The Mystery of the Most Blessed TrinityBourdalone.Matthew 28:19
The Mystery of the TrinityT. Adams.Matthew 28:19
The Mystery of the TrinityS. Baring Gould.Matthew 28:19
The Slow Progress of ChristianityJ. T. Stannard.Matthew 28:19
The Threefold NameR. Tuck Matthew 28:19
The Work of the ChurchA. A. Southerns., J. R. Thompson.Matthew 28:19
Threefold Manifestation of DeityH. B. Haweis, M. A.Matthew 28:19
On the MountainA. Raleigh, D. D.Matthew 28:16-20
The CommissionMarcus Dods Matthew 28:18-20
The Great CommissionW.F. Adeney Matthew 28:18-20
People
Eve, Jesus, Mary
Places
Galilee, Jerusalem
Topics
Baptising, Baptism, Baptize, Baptizing, Disciple, Disciples, Ghost, Giving, Holy, Nations, Spirit, Teach
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 28:19

     1512   Trinity, equality of
     1652   numbers, 3-5
     2018   Christ, divinity
     3025   Holy Spirit, personality
     5042   name of God, significance
     5307   envoy
     5424   nationalism
     6755   union with Christ, nature of
     7120   Christians
     7142   people of God, NT
     7328   ceremonies
     7621   disciples, calling
     7622   disciples, characteristics
     7740   missionaries, call
     7957   sacraments
     8138   monotheism
     8848   worldliness

Matthew 28:18-19

     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     4029   world, human beings in
     5217   authority, in church
     8496   witnessing, importance

Matthew 28:18-20

     1170   God, unity of
     2012   Christ, authority
     2425   gospel, requirements
     5005   human race, and redemption
     7707   apostles, designation
     8425   evangelism, nature of

Matthew 28:19-20

     2354   Christ, mission
     2565   Christ, second coming
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     5053   responsibility, for world
     5263   communication
     6183   ignorance, of God
     7027   church, purpose
     7404   ordinances
     7512   Gentiles, in NT
     7741   missionaries, task
     7756   preaching, content
     7793   teachers
     7797   teaching
     8405   commands, in NT
     8441   goals

Library
Public Use of the Version.
We have now traced the external, and to some extent the internal history of Revision from the time, some fifty years ago, when it began to occupy the thoughts of scholars and divines, down to the present day. We have seen the steady advance in Church opinion as to its necessity; its earliest manifestations, and the silent progress from what was tentative and provisional to authoritative recognition, and to carefully formulated procedures under the high and venerable sanction of the two Houses of
C. J. Ellicott—Addresses on the Revised Version of Holy Scripture

February 4. "Lo, I am with You Alway" (Matt. xxviii. 20).
"Lo, I am with you alway" (Matt. xxviii. 20). This living Christ is not the person that was, but the person that still is, your living Lord. At Preston Pans, near Edinburgh, I looked on the field where in the olden days armies were engaged in contest. In the crisis of the battle the chieftain fell wounded. His men were about to shrink away from the field when they saw their leader's form go down; their strong hands held the claymore with trembling grip, and they faltered for a moment. Then the old
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

August 16. "I am with You Alway" (Matt. xxviii. 20).
"I am with you alway" (Matt. xxviii. 20). Oh, how it helps and comforts us in the plod of life to know that we have with us the Christ who spent the first thirty years of His life in the carpenter shop at Nazareth, swinging the hammer, covered with sweat and grimy dust, physically weary as we often are, and able to understand all our experiences of drudgery and labor! and One who still loves to share our common tasks and equip us for our difficult undertakings of hand and brain! Yes, humble sister,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 11. "Lo, I am with You all the Days, Even unto the End of the Age" (Matt. xxviii. 20).
"Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the age" (Matt. xxviii. 20). It is "all the days," not "always." He comes to you each day with a new blessing. Every morning, day by day, He walks with us, with a love that never tires and a blessing that never grows old. And He is with us "all the days"; it is a ceaseless abiding. There is no day so dark, so commonplace, so uninteresting, but you find Him there. Often, no doubt, He is unrecognized, as He was on the way to Emmaus, until you realize
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 9. "All Hail" (Matt. xxviii. 9).
"All hail" (Matt. xxviii. 9). It was a stirring greeting which the Lord of Life spake to His first disciples on the morning of the resurrection. It is a bright and radiant word which in His name we would speak to His beloved children at the commencement of another day. It means a good deal more than appears on the surface. It is really a prayer for our health, but which none but those who believe in the healing of the body can fully understand. A thoughtful friend suggested once that the word "hail"
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Risen Lord's Greetings and Gifts
'And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.'--MATT. xxviii. 9. 'Then the same day at evening ... came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.' --JOHN xx. 19. So did our Lord greet His sad followers. The first of these salutations was addressed to the women as they hurried in the morning from the empty tomb bewildered; the second to the disciples assembled in the upper room in the evening of the same day. Both are ordinary greetings.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Prince of Life
'In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Mountain
'Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted.' --MATT. xxviii. 16, 17. 'After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once.'--1 COR. xv. 4 To infer an historian's ignorance from his silence is a short and easy, but a rash, method. Matthew has nothing to say of our Lord's appearances in Jerusalem, except in regard to that of the women in the early morning of Easter Day.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Tomb of Jesus
"His cross, his manger, and his crown, Are big with glories yet unknown." All his weary pilgrimage, from Bethlehem's manger to Calvary's cross, is, in our eyes, paved with glory. Each spot upon which he trod is, to our souls, consecrated at once, simply because there the foot of earth's Saviour and our own Redeemer once was placed. When he comes to Calvary, the interest thickens; then our best thoughts are centered on him in the agonies of crucifixion, nor does our deep affection permit us to leave
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Christian Unity.
Trinity Sunday. S. Matt. xxviii. 19. "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." INTRODUCTION.--An ancient writer informs us that when the Egyptians named their Greatest God who was over all, they cried thrice, "Darkness! Darkness! Darkness!" And when we come to speak of the great mystery of the Holy Trinity, the utmost we can do is to repeat their cry, and say, "Darkness! Darkness! Darkness! In the name of the Father--Darkness, and of the Son--Darkness; and of the Holy
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Beginning at Jerusalem
The whole verse runs thus: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." The words were spoken by Christ, after he rose from the dead, and they are here rehearsed after an historical manner, but do contain in them a formal commission, with a special clause therein. The commission is, as you see, for the preaching of the gospel, and is very distinctly inserted in the holy record by Matthew and Mark. "Go teach all nations,"
John Bunyan—Jerusalem Sinner Saved

Thoughts Upon the Mystery of the Trinity.
THOUGH there be many in the World that seem to be Religious, there are but few that are so: One great Reason whereof is, because there are so many Mistakes about Religion, that it is an hard matter to hit upon the true Notion of it: And therefore desiring nothing in this World, so much as to be an Instrument in God's Hand to direct Men unto true Religion, my great Care must, and, by the Blessing of God, shall be to instil into them right Conceptions of him, that is the only Object of all Religious
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Christian Service
Scripture references: Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-17; Matthew 25:14-30; 23; 13; John 13:4-17; Hebrews 12:1-3; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; James 2:14-26. THE CALL TO SERVICE All Christian belief must culminate in service or else the belief itself will wither away. Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16); again, in giving His parting instructions to His disciples,
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own
James Denney—The Death of Christ

Angels Announce the Resurrection to Certain Women. Peter and John Enter The
Empty Tomb. (Joseph's Garden. Sunday, Very Early.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 1-8; ^B Mark XVI. 1-8; ^C Luke XXIV. 1-8, 12; ^D John XX. 1-10. ^c 1 But ^a 1 Now late on the sabbath day, ^b 1 And when the sabbath was past, ^c on the first day of the week, { ^a as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week,} ^c at early dawn, ^d while it was yet dark, cometh { ^a came} ^d Mary Magdalene early ^a and the other Mary ^b the mother of James, and Salome, ^c unto the tomb, bringing { ^b brought} ^c the spices
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Some of the Guards Report to the Jewish Rulers.
^A Matt. XXVIII. 11-15. ^a 11 Now while they were going [while Joanna and the group of women with her were on their way to tell the apostles that they had seen Jesus], behold, some of the guard [not all] came into the city, and told unto the chief priests all the things that were come to pass. [Esteeming it folly to guard an empty tomb, the soldiers went to their barracks, while their officers returned to those who had placed them on guard to report what had happened. They rightly judged that the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Great Commission Given.
(Time and Place Same as Last Section.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 18-20; ^B Mark XVI. 15-18; ^C Luke XXIV. 46, 47. ^a 18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. ^b 15 And he said unto them, Go ye ^a therefore, ^b into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. ^a and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection Reported to the Apostles.
(Jerusalem. Sunday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVIII. 9, 10; ^B Mark XVI. 9-11; ^C Luke XXIV. 9-11; ^D John XX. 11-18. [The women, having received the message of the angels, and remembering that the message accorded with the words of Jesus himself, made haste.] ^c 9 and returned from the tomb, ^b 9 Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. [Mark here agrees with John that Mary separated from the other women. As to
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into Heaven'
GREY dawn was streaking the sky, when they who had so lovingly watched Him to His Burying were making their lonely way to the rock-hewn Tomb in the Garden. [6241] Considerable as are the difficulties of exactly harmonising the details in the various narratives - if, indeed, importance attaches to such attempts - we are thankful to know that any hesitation only attaches to the arrangement of minute particulars, [6242] and not to the great facts of the case. And even these minute details would, as
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Corinth
Christianity had been profoundly changed by its passage from Galilee to Jerusalem. Whereas the teaching of Jesus had been the announcement of the kingdom of God, the illustration of its character, and the insistent call to men to repent, the central teaching of the disciples in Jerusalem became the claim that Jesus was the Messiah. But the passage from Jerusalem to Antioch had produced still greater changes. After all, the teaching of the disciples in Jerusalem contained no elements foreign to
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

Introduction to the De Trinitate.
Since the circumstances in which the De Trinitate was written, and the character and object of the work, are discussed in the general Introduction, it will suffice to give here a brief summary of its contents, adapted, in the main, from the Benedictine edition. Book I. The treatise begins with St. Hilary's own spiritual history, the events of which are displayed, no doubt, more logically and symmetrically in the narrative than they had occurred in the writer's experience. He tells of the efforts
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

A Table of the Chief Things.
A. ABRAHAM's Faith, [284]34. Adam; see Man, Sin, Redemption.-- What happiness he lost by the fall, [285]96. What death he died, [286]97. He retained in his nature no will or light capable of itself to manifest spiritual things, [287]ibid. Whether there be any relics of the heavenly image left in him, [288]101, [289]144. Alexander Skein's queries proposed to the preachers, [290]401, [291]402. Anabaptists of Great Britain, [292]57, [293]373. Anabaptists of Munster, how their mischievous actings nothing
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

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