Matthew 28
AI Bible study · KJV · Grammatical-historical hermeneutics
Summary
Matthew 28 records the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, the subsequent failure of the authorities to suppress the truth through bribery, and the Lord's final commission to his disciples. It marks the definitive shift from Jesus' earthly suffering to his post-resurrection authority.
- The women arrive at the tomb, find it empty, and receive the angelic announcement of the resurrection (vv. 1-8).
- Jesus appears to the women, confirming their testimony and directing them to his disciples (vv. 9-10).
- The chief priests execute a bribery scheme to conceal the resurrection (vv. 11-15).
- The risen Jesus gathers his disciples in Galilee, claims universal authority, and mandates the mission to all nations (vv. 16-20).
- The great earthquake (v. 2)
- The angel's lightning-like appearance (v. 3)
- The guards becoming as dead men (v. 4)
- The distinction between those who worship and those who doubt (v. 17)
- The promise of Christ's presence until the end of the age (v. 20)
This chapter serves as the climax of Matthew's Gospel, where the sign of Jonah (the resurrection) is fulfilled, establishing Jesus as the One with all authority in heaven and earth who remains present with his people through their mission.
The resurrection is the vindication of Jesus' identity, authorizing the church to extend his teaching and baptism to all nations under his constant presence.
Themes
The narrative progresses from the darkness and fear of the tomb to the blinding light of the resurrection, culminating in the cosmic authority of the risen Lord. The flow shifts from the singular location of the grave to the universal reach of the Great Commission.
The narrative begins at the dawn of the 'first day of the week' and concludes with a promise reaching to the 'end of the world,' framing the new age established by the resurrection.
There is a sharp contrast between the fear of the soldiers who become 'as dead men' and the joy and worship of the women who are told to 'fear not.'
The resurrection solidifies Jesus' position as the ultimate authority, surpassing the political and religious powers of Jerusalem.
- All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth
The text contrasts the reality of the resurrection with the manufactured lies and bribery of the religious leaders.
- Gave large money
- Say ye, His disciples came by night
- Commonly reported among the Jews until this day
The movement of the disciples from Jerusalem to Galilee fulfills the command to witness and teach.
- Go ye therefore
- Teach all nations
- Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
- He goeth before you into Galilee (v. 7)
- There shall ye see me (v. 10)
- I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (v. 20)
- Fear not ye (v. 5)
- Come, see the place where the Lord lay (v. 6)
- Go quickly, and tell his disciples (v. 7)
- Go tell my brethren (v. 10)
- Teach all nations (v. 19)
- Baptizing them (v. 19)
- Observe all things (v. 20)
- Matthew Henry observes that the chief priests could not secure the soldiers from the sword of God's justice, which hangs over the heads of those that love and make a lie (vv. 11-15).
Context
- The role of the 'watch' (κουστωδία) indicates the attempt by religious leaders to use Roman military power to seal the tomb, which ironically serves to provide testimony to the emptiness of the tomb.
- The testimony of women in the first century was generally considered legally inferior, yet the Gospel accounts emphasize their role as the first witnesses, pointing to the historical event's counter-cultural nature.
- Matthew returns the focus to Galilee, closing the circle of Jesus' ministry which began in that region.
- The claim of 'all power' in heaven and earth echoes the exaltation of the Son of Man in Daniel 7:14. The Great Commission fulfills the promise that the light of the nations would extend from Israel to the whole world.
- The Great Commission (vv. 19-20) alludes to the calling of nations and the teaching of the Law, echoing Deuteronomy and prophetic expectations of universal worship.
- σάββατον (sábbaton) [G4521]: The Sabbath; used here to designate the boundary of the old law which Christ finished in his death.
- ἐπιφώσκω (epiphṓskō) [G2020]: To begin to grow light; a potent image for the dawn of the new age of the resurrection.
- τηρέω (tēréō) [G5083]: To guard/keep; Matthew uses this to show the inadequacy of human guardianship against the divine act.
- προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai) [G4334]: To approach; used throughout the chapter for those coming to Jesus, contrasting the mere 'seeing' with the act of 'worship' (proskuneō).
- The inclusion of the fact that 'some doubted' (v. 17) among the eleven provides a stark look at the fragility of human faith, even in the presence of the risen Lord.
- Scholars historically debate the nature of the 'doubt' in v. 17: whether it represents persistent skepticism, hesitation to worship, or an intellectual processing of the miraculous event.
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