What does Matthew 28:18 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 28:18 is part of the event known as the Great Commission, where Jesus, after His resurrection, speaks to His disciples.

In this verse, He declares His divine authority over all realms – both celestial and terrestrial.

The primary implication of Jesus saying "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" is the recognition of His supreme authority.

This is not merely a claim of leadership or power over people but is a profound statement asserting His deity and sovereignty over all of creation, which is consistent with Christian theology that acknowledges Jesus as part of the Holy Trinity.

Historical Context

The verse is found within the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, which is part of the New Testament.

Written in the first century A.D., this Gospel is one of four canonical gospels that chronicle the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The historical context is post-resurrection, prior to Jesus' ascension into heaven.

At the time, Jewish and Roman authorities may have exerted their own forms of power, but here Jesus is establishing His authority as surpassing all earthly powers following the validation of His divine mission through the resurrection.

Theological Insights

From a Trinitarian perspective, this verse is often cited to affirm the co-equality of the Son with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.

The 'all power' (sometimes translated as 'all authority') is indicative of the divine right and capability to rule and command obedience in both the natural and supernatural realms.

Some theologians also see in this statement a precursor to the universal proclamation of the Gospel, signaling that the message of salvation through Christ is not limited to the Jewish people but is extended to all nations.

Practical Applications

In daily life, believers may find solace and confidence in Jesus' authority, which can be a source of strength in facing life's challenges.

Christians are also encouraged to obey and follow Jesus with the understanding that His commands come with divine authority.

Moreover, this verse can inspire believers to engage in evangelism and discipleship, aware that their commission is backed by Jesus' supreme power.

Cross-References

• Matthew 11:27: "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him."
• Ephesians 1:20-22: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,"
• Philippians 2:9-11: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;"

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text is "ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία" which translates as "all power is given unto me." The term for 'power' or 'authority' here is 'ἐξουσία' (exousia), which conveys the concept of someone who has the right or jurisdiction to execute power or command.

The use of the verb 'ἐδόθη' (edothē), which is the aorist passive indicative form of the verb 'to give', suggests that this authority is conferred or bestowed, underlying the divine source of Jesus' power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, gods and demigods were often portrayed as having dominion over specific domains, such as the sky, the sea, or the underworld.

Jesus' claim to power in both heaven and earth could be seen as an assertion that transcends the more fragmented authority of pagan deities, unifying the spiritual and material realms under one sovereign.

In contrast to temporal and regional deities of surrounding cultures, Jesus' claim to global and cosmic authority aligns with the Jewish monotheistic view of God's universal sovereignty.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself is theological and spiritual in nature, it touches indirectly on themes that may intersect with scientific inquiries, such as discussions about the nature of authority and power in social structures, and the understanding of the universe - both physical (earth) and beyond our present knowledge or dimension (heaven).

Scientific perspectives would typically not address the supernatural elements of such a verse but might explore the human understanding of leadership, governance, and the psychological implications of belief systems that recognize higher powers.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and commentators have noted the significance of Matthew 28:18 in Christian doctrine.

John Calvin saw this as affirming the necessity of Christ's sovereign power being recognized for the execution of the commission given to the disciples.

Matthew Henry commented on the reassurance that this verse provides to missionaries, knowing that they act under the authority of Christ.

More recent commentators like R.T.

France have emphasized that the authority of Jesus is linked with the mission of the church, calling believers to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth and to obey all of Jesus's teachings.