Matthew Chapter 28

Commentary

The Resurrection

(Psalm 16:1-11; Psalm 49:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)

1In 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. 2And, 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. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

The Report of the Guards

11Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Great Commission

(Mark 16:14-18)

16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Resurrection
(Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–9)

1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men. 5 The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. 7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”

8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me.”

The Report of the Guards

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.

The Great Commission
(Mark 16:14–18)

16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The Resurrection
(Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–9)

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, a Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. b 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.”

8 So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. 9 Suddenly c Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.”

The Report of the Guards

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12 And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”

15 So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission
(Mark 16:14–18)

16 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples d of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The Resurrection

(Psalm 16:1-11; Psalm 49:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)

1And on the eve of the sabbaths, at the dawn, toward the first of the sabbaths, came Mary the Magdalene, and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre, 2and lo, there came a great earthquake, for a messenger of the Lord, having come down out of heaven, having come, did roll away the stone from the door, and was sitting upon it, 3and his countenance was as lightning, and his clothing white as snow, 4and from the fear of him did the keepers shake, and they became as dead men. 5And the messenger answering said to the women, 'Fear not ye, for I have known that Jesus, who hath been crucified, ye seek; 6he is not here, for he rose, as he said; come, see the place where the Lord was lying; 7and having gone quickly, say ye to his disciples, that he rose from the dead; and lo, he doth go before you to Galilee, there ye shall see him; lo, I have told you.'

8And having gone forth quickly from the tomb, with fear and great joy, they ran to tell to his disciples; 9and as they were going to tell to his disciples, then lo, Jesus met them, saying, 'Hail!' and they having come near, laid hold of his feet, and did bow to him. 10Then saith Jesus to them, 'Fear ye not, go away, tell to my brethren that they may go away to Galilee, and there they shall see me.'

The Report of the Guards

11And while they are going on, lo, certain of the watch having come to the city, told to the chief priests all the things that happened, 12and having been gathered together with the elders, counsel also having taken, they gave much money to the soldiers, 13saying, 'Say ye, that his disciples having come by night, stole him -- we being asleep; 14and if this be heard by the governor, we will persuade him, and you keep free from anxiety.' 15And they, having received the money, did as they were taught, and this account was spread abroad among Jews till this day.

The Great Commission

(Mark 16:14-18)

16And the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mount where Jesus appointed them, 17and having seen him, they bowed to him, but some did waver. 18And having come near, Jesus spake to them, saying, 'Given to me was all authority in heaven and on earth; 19having gone, then, disciple all the nations, (baptizing them -- to the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all, whatever I did command you,) and lo, I am with you all the days -- till the full end of the age.'

The Resurrection of Jesus

¹ As the first light of dawn radiated the darkness of Saturday into Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary walked through the silent streets to visit the tomb. ² Without warning, the earth convulsed with a violent earthquake as an angel of יהוה (Yahweh) descended from heaven. He effortlessly rolled back the massive stone sealing the tomb and sat upon it. ³ His appearance blazed like lightning and his clothes were as white as snow. The guards stationed at the tomb shook violently with terror and collapsed like dead men – Rome's finest warriors rendered helpless before such power.

The angel spoke to the women, "Do not be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified." "He is not here! He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay." "Then go quickly and tell His disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.' Now I have told you what you must know." The women hurried away from the tomb, their hearts pounding with an explosive mixture of fear and overwhelming joy. They ran to tell His disciples, their feet barely touching the ground as they carried history's greatest news.

Jesus Appears to the Women

Suddenly Jesus Himself met them on their path! "Shalom!" He said. They ran to Him, clasped His feet in worship, their hands touching solid flesh that proved this was no ghost story. ¹⁰ Then Jesus spoke to them: "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me."

The Guards’ Report

¹¹ While the women were running to tell the news, some of the guards went into the city to report to the chief priests everything that had happened – their terror-stricken faces confirming their incredible story. ¹² When the chief priests met with the elders, instead of responding to truth with repentance, they devised a scheme to bribe the guards with a large sum of money. ¹³ They instructed them: "Tell people, 'His disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep.'" ¹⁴ "If this report reaches the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." Their conspiracy revealed how far religious leaders can go to maintain their power. ¹⁵ So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. This fabricated story spread widely among the Judeans and still circulates today – a testimony to humanity's capacity to reject truth in favor of comfortable lies.

The Great Commission

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshipped Him – though some were hesitant. Their honest struggle with doubt still comforts believers through all ages who wrestle with faith's mysteries. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and declared words that would forge a worldwide movement: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." ¹⁹ Wherever you go, make disciples of all unbelievers, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ And then keep teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And behold, I AM always with you, every single day, till the very end of time."

Footnotes:

Verse 1 (a) Literally Now after the Sabbaths, it being dawn toward the first of the Sabbaths,
Verse 6 (b) BYZ and TR where the Lord lay
Verse 9 (c) BYZ and TR They were going to tell His disciples, and suddenly
Verse 19 (d) Literally Having gone, therefore, make disciples

Special thanks to the BSB Translation for the above footnotes. 

The F.O.G Commentary:

What is the meaning of Matthew 28?

Imagine standing at the edge of history’s greatest moment—the very morning when death was defeated, and hope was forever secured. What if everything you believed about life, purpose, and eternity hinged on a single event? Matthew 28 isn’t just the final chapter of a Gospel; it’s the turning point of humanity through the finished work of the Messiah and His Body (the Church).

This chapter bursts with the triumphant resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus) and His final command—the Great Commission—setting in motion a worldwide movement that continues to this day. It’s more than ancient history; it’s the foundation of your faith, your mission, and your calling. Whether you’ve read this passage countless times or are encountering it anew, its significance cannot be overstated. Let’s step into the wonder, power, and purpose of Matthew 28 together.

Azrta box final advert

Context of Matthew 28

Within the immediate context of Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 28 serves as the triumphant conclusion to a narrative that began with Yeshua’s genealogy and birth. Matthew has carefully constructed his account to demonstrate that Yeshua is the promised Messiah, the son of David, and the fulfillment of Hebrew prophecy. The resurrection account in this chapter serves as the divine vindication of all of Yeshua’s claims and teaching, while the Great Commission flows naturally from His newly declared “all authority in heaven and on earth.”

In the broader biblical context, this chapter fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s victory over death (e.g., Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 53:10-12). The resurrection narrative here also parallels and complements the accounts in the other Gospels, while the Great Commission expands the covenant promise to Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

The chapter’s placement at the end of Matthew’s Gospel is particularly significant as it forms a bridge between the Gospels and Acts, setting the stage for the worldwide expansion of the Messianic faith. It provides the theological foundation and practical imperative for the church’s mission that would unfold in the book of Acts and continue throughout history.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • ἐγερθεὶς (egertheis) – “Risen” in Matthew 28:6. This passive participle emphasizes divine action in the resurrection. God the Father raised Yeshua, highlighting both His power over death and the vindication of His Son.
  • προάγει (proagei) – “Goes ahead” in Matthew 28:7. This present tense verb pictures Yeshua as the Good Shepherd leading His flock, a theme that would have resonated with Matthew’s Jewish audience.
  • ἐξουσία (exousia) – “Authority” in Matthew 28:18. This term denotes legitimate power and right to rule, not mere force. It’s the same word used in Daniel 7:14 (LXX) regarding the Son of Man’s eternal dominion.
  • πορευθέντες (poreuthentes) – “Going” or “As you go” in Matthew 28:19. This participle implies continuous action and carries the sense of “as you proceed through life.” It’s not just about specialized missionary journeys but about making disciples in the natural course of life’s journey.
  • μαθητεύσατε (mathēteusate) – “Make disciples” in Matthew 28:19. This is the only imperative verb in the Great Commission, emphasizing that discipleship is the central command, with baptizing and teaching being aspects of that process.
  • βαπτίζοντες (baptizontes) – “Baptizing” in Matthew 28:19. This present participle suggests ongoing action and implies full immersion, reflecting the Jewish mikvah tradition of ceremonial cleansing and spiritual transformation.
  • διδάσκοντες (didaskontes) – “Teaching” in Matthew 28:20. Another present participle indicating continuous action, emphasizing that discipleship involves ongoing instruction in Yeshua’s commands.
  • ἰδοὺ (idou) – “Behold” in Matthew 28:7, 28:20. This attention-getting word brackets the chapter’s main events, highlighting both the resurrection announcement and Yeshua’s promise of His presence.
  • συντελείας (syneleias) – “End” in Matthew 28:20. This term specifically refers to the consummation or completion of an age, not merely its termination, suggesting the fulfillment of God’s purposes.

Question the Text

  • Why did the angel roll away the stone if Yeshua had already risen? (Matthew 28:2) – Was this for Yeshua’s benefit, or was it meant to reveal something to the witnesses?
  • Why did the guards become ‘like dead men’ while the women were able to interact with the angel? (Matthew 28:4) – What does this suggest about spiritual perception and readiness?
  • Why does Yeshua meet the women before appearing to His disciples? (Matthew 28:9-10) – What significance does this hold in a cultural context where women’s testimony was often discounted?
  • How could the guards and religious leaders believe Yeshua’s disciples stole His body if they also knew about the supernatural events at the tomb? (Matthew 28:11-15) – Were they blinded by fear, power, or something else?
  • Why do some of the disciples still doubt when they see Yeshua? (Matthew 28:16-17) – What might this reveal about human nature, faith, and the challenges of believing even in the face of miracles?
  • What does it mean that ‘all authority in Heaven and on earth’ has been given to Yeshua? (Matthew 28:18) – How does this connect to previous biblical themes of divine rule and kingship?
  • Why does Yeshua command baptism in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? (Matthew 28:19) – How would this have been understood by first-century Jewish believers?
  • What does Yeshua mean when He says, ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age’? (Matthew 28:20) – How should believers understand His presence today?

Matthew 28 Unique Insights

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?
This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

The resurrection account in Matthew contains several unique elements not found in the other Gospels. The description of the angel’s descent and the earthquake (σεισμός) connects this event with the earthquake at Yeshua’s death (Matthew 27:51-54), suggesting cosmic recognition of these pivotal moments. The Greek word σεισμός is the same used in the Septuagint to describe God’s appearance at Sinai, linking this event to other major theophanies in Israel’s history.

The Jewish leaders’ attempt to cover up the resurrection by bribing the guards presents a fascinating historical detail preserved only in Matthew. This account would have been particularly relevant to Matthew’s Jewish audience, as it addresses a rumor that apparently circulated in Jewish communities (and is actually mentioned in early rabbinic literature). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) and Justin Martyr’s “Dialogue with Trypho” both reference various Jewish explanations for the empty tomb, inadvertently providing extra-biblical confirmation of the historical core of the resurrection account.

Early church father Ignatius of Antioch, writing around 108 AD, commented on the unique authority given to the disciples in this chapter, noting that they were commissioned not merely as witnesses but as authorities empowered to teach and baptize. This understanding shaped the early church’s view of apostolic authority and succession.

The reference to some disciples doubting (verse 17) even while worshiping the risen Messiah presents a profound psychological insight into the nature of faith. The Greek word used here (ἐδίστασαν) implies not intellectual doubt but hesitation or uncertainty in the face of something overwhelming. This honest admission of the disciples’ struggle actually strengthens the credibility of the account.

Matthew 28 Connections to Yeshua

The resurrection account in this chapter serves as the ultimate vindication of Yeshua’s messianic claims and teaching throughout Matthew’s Gospel. His resurrection fulfills His own predictions (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19) and validates His authority to forgive sins and grant eternal life. The empty tomb stands as the Father’s divine stamp of approval on Yeshua’s completed work of atonement.

The Great Commission reveals Yeshua’s divine nature through His claim to “all authority in heaven and on earth” and His promise to be present with His disciples “to the end of the age.” These claims would be blasphemous if made by a mere human but are appropriate for One who shares the divine nature. The trinitarian baptismal formula further emphasizes Yeshua’s deity by placing Him on equal footing with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes and prophecies:

  • The women’s early morning visit to the tomb echoes Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
  • The Great Commission fulfills Isaiah 49:6 – “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
  • Yeshua’s authority over heaven and earth reflects Daniel 7:14 – “And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.”
  • The promise of His continuing presence echoes Isaiah 41:10 and God’s promises to be with His people.

Matthew 28 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to live in the reality of the resurrection and the authority of our risen Messiah. The women’s response of “fear and great joy” provides a model for our own worship – combining reverent awe with delighted intimacy. Their immediate obedience to the angel’s command to “go and tell” reminds us that encountering the risen Messiah naturally leads to sharing the good news with others.

The Great Commission calls us to participate in God’s global mission, not as a burden but as a privilege flowing from Yeshua’s authority and empowered by His presence. The command to make disciples challenges us to move beyond superficial evangelism to the deeper work of helping others follow Yeshua fully. His promise to be with us “always, to the end of the age” provides the encouragement and empowerment we need for this mission.

Did You Know

  • The Greek word translated “angel” (ἄγγελος) in verse 2 is the same word used for human messengers, emphasizing the role rather than the nature of the being. The description of his appearance, however, clearly indicates a supernatural messenger.
  • The Guards at the tomb were likely Roman soldiers, not Temple guards, as suggested by the Greek terminology used and the fact that they reported to the chief priests rather than the Temple authorities.
  • The phrase “to this day” in verse 15 regarding the spread of the story about the disciples stealing the body provides internal evidence that Matthew’s Gospel was written while eyewitnesses were still alive to contest false narratives.
  • The word for “doubted” (ἐδίστασαν) in verse 17 is different from the usual word for doubt (ἀπιστέω) and suggests temporary hesitation rather than settled unbelief.
  • The trinitarian baptismal formula in verse 19 is one of the earliest clear expressions of trinitarian theology in Christian literature.
  • The word “go” in “go and make disciples” is actually a participle in Greek, meaning “as you are going,” suggesting that making disciples should be a natural part of life rather than a separate activity.
  • The phrase “end of the age” uses a specific Greek term (συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος) that refers to the completion or fulfillment of an era rather than simply its termination.
  • The women’s encounter with the risen Yeshua in this chapter makes them the first apostles (in the literal sense of “sent ones”) of the resurrection.
  • The command to baptize in verse 19 uses language that would have reminded Jewish readers of proselyte baptism, suggesting that entering the Messianic community was as significant as converting to Judaism.

sendagiftfinal
Have you been blessed?
This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources, made possible through the generosity of the 0.03% of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed today, please consider sending a gift.
Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46827
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments