“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
My Notes
What Does Matthew 28:19 Mean?
The Great Commission: Jesus' final command to his disciples before his ascension, as recorded in Matthew. "Go ye therefore" — the "therefore" connects to the preceding verse where Jesus declares all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him. The command to go is backed by total authority.
"Teach all nations" — the Greek is matheteuo, meaning "make disciples." Not just teach information — form followers. The scope is universal: all nations (ethne — every ethnic group, every people).
Baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" is the most explicit Trinitarian formula in the Gospels. The three persons of the Trinity are named as one name — not three names, but the name. This has shaped Christian baptismal practice for two thousand years.
The verse that follows (28:20) completes the thought: teach them to observe everything I commanded, and I am with you always. The Commission isn't just about conversion — it's about ongoing formation. And it comes with a promise of presence.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does 'making disciples' look like in your context — not in missionary terms, but in your everyday life?
- 2.How does knowing Jesus has 'all authority' change your confidence in sharing your faith?
- 3.What does 'all nations' mean for you — where does that push you beyond your comfort zone?
- 4.How is making disciples different from just sharing information about God?
Devotional
Go. That single word has launched more missions, more churches, more cross-cultural movements than any other word in history.
But notice what comes before it: all authority has been given to me. Jesus doesn't send you out on your own strength. He sends you with his authority behind you. The going is empowered by who sent you.
All nations. Not your kind of people. Not people who look like you, speak your language, or share your background. All nations. Every ethnic group. Every culture. The gospel was never meant to stay in one room.
Baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The invitation into faith isn't intellectual agreement — it's entrance into relationship with the triune God. The Father who created, the Son who redeemed, the Spirit who empowers.
You may never go to another country. But this commission is still for you. Making disciples happens in your home, your workplace, your friendships. Every time you help someone take a next step in knowing God, you're fulfilling what Jesus asked for with his last breath on earth.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Go ye therefore,.... Into all the world; some into one place, and some into another; since his power and authority, and…
Go ye therefore - “Because” all power is mine, go! I can defend you. The world is placed under my control. It is…
therefore i. e. because Christ hath all power in heaven and earth. The word however is omitted in the leading MSS.
teach…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture