What does Matthew 28:19 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 28:19 is a pivotal verse within the Christian New Testament, often referred to as the Great Commission.

The verse encapsulates Jesus' directive to his disciples after his resurrection, instructing them to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world.

The command includes making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded.

Literally, it is a call to evangelism and discipleship.

The deeper meaning emphasizes the Trinitarian formula, where baptism is to be performed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This is significant as it encapsulates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, suggesting that these three are distinct but equal entities that form one God.

It also implies a sense of unity and community in the act of baptism, which was a foundational sacrament for early Christians.

Historical Context

The Book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and is commonly attributed to Matthew the Apostle, writing for a primarily Jewish audience. This commission occurs at the end of Matthew's Gospel and is thought to have been written in the late first century AD.

Historically, this time was marked by tension between Jewish Christians and the Roman Empire, as well as a struggle to define Christian identity separate from Judaism.

The directive to spread teachings "to all nations" reflects the expanding viewpoint of Christianity, moving from a sect within Judaism to a global religion. The call for baptism indicates a ritual separation from traditional Jewish practices, symbolizing a new birth into the Christian faith.

Theological Insights

The Great Commission is foundational to many Christian denominations and influences several theological domains:

• Missiology: The study of missions and the mandate for evangelism.
• Ecclesiology: Understanding the nature and function of the church, which is to make disciples.
• Trinitarian Theology: Affirmation of the Trinity; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are explicitly mentioned as a single entity in Christian faith.

Different denominations may interpret the Great Commission differently, with some focusing on the imperative to evangelize vigorously, while others might emphasize living a life that exemplifies Christian teachings as a form of quiet evangelism.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 28:19 urges Christians to share their faith with others and to invite people into the Christian community through baptism.

It encourages nurturing a spiritual life and teaching others about the moral and ethical teachings of Christianity.

For many Christians, this verse inspires missionary work, local community service, and personal lifestyle choices that reflect their faith.

It also provides a framework for Christian education programs and the mentorship of new believers.

Cross-References

• Mark 16:15-16: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
• Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
• John 20:21: "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to examine include:

• "Go" (πορευθέντες - poreuthentes): More than just physical movement, it implies being sent with authority and purpose.
• "Nations" (ἔθνη - ethne): Typically translated as "Gentiles" in other contexts, indicating people outside the Jewish faith.
• "Baptizing" (βαπτίζοντες - baptizontes): To immerse or to wash, symbolizing purification and initiation.
• "Name" (ὄνομα - onoma): Represents authority and character, more than just a label or title.

Understanding these words within their original context can give depth to the commissioning of the disciples and the mission of the church.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a divine figure commissioning followers to spread teachings can be found in various religious traditions.

In Hinduism, the guru-disciple tradition has some similarity with disseminating spiritual teachings.

In Buddhism, the Dharma must be shared for the benefit of all sentient beings.

However, the baptism ritual and the Trinitarian formulation are distinct to Christianity. The binding of these elements within a single verse is unique to the Christian Great Commission.

Scientific Perspectives

Science does not typically intersect directly with religious mandates.

However, the concept of spreading teachings globally as highlighted in the Great Commission presents an interesting parallel to cultural diffusion, which can be studied sociologically and anthropologically.

The spread of Christianity can be traced and analyzed, similarly to the migration of language or technology.

Commentaries

Opinions on Matthew 28:19 among biblical scholars and theologians vary:

• Some emphasize the historical mission of the church and see this verse as a literal and ongoing command.
• Others interpret it metaphorically, underscoring the importance of living a life that bears witness to Christian values.
• Trinitarian scholars cite this verse as crucial evidence for the early Christian understanding of the Trinity.
• Still, some criticize the verse as being used to justify colonialism in the guise of missionary work.

Overall, while scholarship often agrees on the centrality of the Great Commission in Christian theology, the methods and implications of carrying it out remain diverse.