Bible Commentaries

Matthew 28:1-10). Meanwhile the chief priests and elders bribed the soldiers to

say that the disciples stole the body ( Matthew 28:11-15). When the disciples met

Jesus in Galilee, He charged them to go and make disciples of all the

nations ( Matthew 28:16-20).

POINTS TO PONDER

* The circumstances of Jesus' resurrection

* The details of the Great Commission

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

- The resurrection of Jesus - Matthew 28:1-10

- The soldiers are bribed - Matthew 28:11-15

- The Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20

2) Who came to the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week? ( Matthew 28:1)

- Mary Magdalene and the "other" Mary (cf. Matthew 27:56; Matthew 27:61)

3) What had happened by the time they got there? ( Matthew 28:2)

- An earthquake, and the stone from the door removed by an angel of

the Lord

4) What were the two women instructed by the angel to do? ( Matthew 28:7)

- Tell Jesus' disciples that He is risen from the dead and for them

to go to Galilee

5) Who appeared to the two women on their way to the disciples? ( Matthew 28:9-10)

- Jesus Himself, who gave them the same instructions as did the angel

6) What makes the soldiers' lie about the body of Jesus fatally flawed?

( Matthew 28:13)

- If the soldiers were asleep, how did they know it was the

disciples?

7) When the disciples saw Jesus in Galilee, what was their reaction?

( Matthew 28:16-17)

- They worshiped Him (cf. Matthew 28:9), though some doubted

8) What did Jesus claim had been given to Him? ( Matthew 28:18)

- All authority in heaven and on earth

9) What did Jesus charge His disciples to do? What did that involve?

( Matthew 28:19-20)

- To go and make disciples of all nations; baptizing and teaching

10) What did Jesus promise His disciples? ( Matthew 28:20)

- "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:1-20

, Matthew 28:1-20

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST ALIVE THE SANHEDRIN's FALSEHOOD THE FINAL INTERVIEW AND THE GREAT COMMISSION

Now late on the sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. ( Matthew 28:1)

Matthew in this place obviously used the Roman method of counting days, making the first day of the week begin at dawn, contrary to the Jewish usage which made it begin the night before at sunset.

Verse2
And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.

The Emphatic Diaglott makes clear that the earthquake in this place was different from that while Christ was upon the cross and which tore the rocks apart. The earth is not mentioned, but it says, "There was a great shaking." The other passage notes that the earth "trembled." Just what the difference was is not known. Mark 16:3). Apparently they had no knowledge of the seal and the guard.

Matthew 26:53). How easily were the designs of the Pharisees countermanded by the Eternal. A solitary messenger from heaven appeared, and his simple presence struck the whole band into the semblance of death.

Verse5
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified.

Criticism of the gospel narratives in their various accounts of the angels is well known, being founded on the fact that Matthew mentions "one angel seated," Luke mentions "two standing" ( Luke 24:4), and John tells of "two seated" ( John 20:12). All such fault-finding ignores the truth that none of the gospel writers gave all the incidents attending the wonder of our Lord's resurrection. On the other hand, the divine accounts are supplementary, each to the others, and focused upon different people, at different times, and totally void of that glib, verbatim parroting which unspiritual men seem to expect, and which, if it existed, would be the occasion for far more serious objections than may be fairly lodged against such wholesome and natural variations as necessarily occur in the writings of independent witnesses. Haley properly noted that:

Ebrard, with other critics, has made it clear that these passages relate to different persons and times ... One angel appeared at one time, two at another time. The position assumed, also, may have varied at different times. Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 20:17-19), besides many other detailed references to it. See notes on those passages. The true gospel is not merely that Christ arose, but that he did so "even as he said, and according to the Scriptures" (see 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Come see the place where the Lord lay. That admonition indicated something profoundly important and observable was to be seen in the tomb, and such is a necessary inference from an angel of God in calling attention to it. See more on the undisturbed grave-clothes under the title of "Phenomena Attending the Crucifixion," as outlined in the preceding chapter. Those undisturbed grave-clothes were themselves incontrovertible evidence that Christ had risen through them and through the tomb to life again.

ENDNOTE:

Matthew 26:32). Robertson identified the appearance there with the one mentioned by Paul ( 1 Corinthians 15:6) in which Christ was seen by more than five hundred brethren at one time. Luke 23:24; 1 Corinthians 15:5).

5. To the Ten Apostles, when Thomas was absent ( John 20:20)

6. To the Apostles, when Thomas was present ( John 20:26)

7. To the seven by the lake ( John 21:1-25)

8. To more than five hundred people ( 1 Corinthians 15:6)

9. To James and all the apostles ( 1 Corinthians 15:7)

10. To all the disciples with the Great Commission in different Words ( Luke 24:44; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:3-8)

The first five of those appearances occurred on the day of his resurrection, and the other five later, during the interval before his ascension. Of overriding importance is the appearance to "above five hundred brethren at one time," mentioned by Paul who stated that many who had seen the Christ on that occasion were still living when he wrote1Corinthians. It has been observed that such a statement was a monstrous error on Paul's part unless it had been widely known as true. His mention of it, therefore, makes it certain that his words were provable. Certainly they were never challenged by the only generation that could have done so, namely, Paul"s.

ENDNOTE:

Acts 12:19).

Verse14
And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and rid you of care.

There was a small chance, of course, that Pilate would intrude into the thing, especially since it was a Jewish matter; and the governor had had more than enough of such things already.

Verse15
So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continueth until this day.

Thus it came out why Satan wanted a watch in the first place. By that means, the evil one provided suborned testimony to deny the resurrection after the fact. The resurrection seems to have been fully anticipated by Satan. Why, in all ages before or since, has there never been another case of guarding a grave to prevent a report of resurrection from the dead? There is a uniqueness about this solitary case of grave-guarding that truly identifies it as a part of that supernatural struggle between light and darkness on Calvary.

Second only to the betrayal by Judas was this conduct of the soldiers of infamy. For money, they circulated a lie concerning the most important truth the human race would ever know, even if the race of man should continue a million years. That the lie was not even contrived by them but by the priests, and that it was scandalously implausible even on its face, and actually unbelievable, made no difference.

So they took the money! What an indictment! How perfidious was their shameful compliance with the mandate of the priests! There would, of course, be men in all ages who would consent to believe it. There at the grave of Jesus, the BIG lie was born; and it is the ancestor of every big lie since then. Holy men, fired with heavenly zeal, would girdle the earth with the "good news" of the gospel! They would endure hardships unspeakable and finally seal every word with the blood of martyrdom; but alongside the apostles, there always slithered that child of the serpent, the lie that the disciples stole the body. For men who WILL disbelieve, Satan provides more than enough opportunity.

Verse16
But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Matthew in this place recorded the official appearance of Christ to his disciples after the resurrection. There were other appearances, as already noted; but the others were more personal or incidental. This meeting, scheduled in advance, at a prearranged place, mentioned twice by Jesus and once by an angel - this meeting was the great appearance. It was attended by over five hundred disciples, as related by Paul ( 1 Corinthians 15:6), and even infidels have been impressed by Paul's affirmation of that stupendous fact. He mentioned it as an undeniable truth and appealed to the hundreds then living who were witnesses of it, conceding at the same time that some had "fallen asleep." If Paul could so boldly affirm Christ's appearance to so many, it had to be true. The enemies of the Lord and of his holy religion would have welcomed nothing so much as a statement that they could challenge and prove to be false. They certainly would have challenged Paul's statement if they could have done so, but they could not; and it is a mountain fact that all of the denials of Christ's resurrection came long, long after the death of that entire generation that witnessed it. It is not certainly known where that mountain in Galilee was located, nor, for that matter, why Christ should have selected any location in Galilee.

Christ made an appointment to meet his disciples in Galilee, and that appointment HE KEPT. He kept it in spite of: (1) his sleeping disciples, (2) his betrayal, (3) their forsaking him, (4) his death, (5)his burial, (6) Peter's denial, (7) the big lie, and (8) the unbelief of many. The only persons who did not meet Christ on that mount in Galilee are those who did not go there to keep their appointment. In like manner, now Christ keeps his appointments with his disciples, in spite of similar lapses on their part; and what are those appointments? They are: (1) to meet him in baptism, (2) at the Lord's table, (3) in the trials of life, (4) in death, and (5) in the judgment to come. Only those who will not obey him shall miss the joy of meeting the Lord in those appointments; but in the case of the judgment, all shall keep that appointment, whether they desire to do so or not.

Verse17
And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.

It is a strong witness to the candor and accuracy of Matthew's account that the doubters should have been mentioned at that particular confrontation with Jesus. Only one passionately concerned with giving all the facts would have done so. The reason for their doubt was not recorded, but one probable explanation of it is in the next verse.

Verse18
And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

This indicates that Christ was first visible from a distance, and then "came to them," leaving the probability that some recognized him at once while some doubted, and that as soon as he came to them, all believed. All present on that mountain were there for the specific purpose of meeting Christ, as he had appointed them; and it is a safe conjecture that as soon as he came near, all believed.

All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

THE GREAT COMMISSION

The surpassing magnificence of this grand conclusion to Matthew's gospel is unrivaled by anything even from the sacred pages of inspiration. This Great Commission, as the saints of all ages have consented to call it, constitutes the marching orders of his church for a day and to all eternity. It is a whole galaxy studded with many of the biggest stars in the firmament of Christian doctrine. It may well be doubted if many passages of similar length are more freighted with divine truth than are these words of the Commission. They are exactly what one should have expected, only far more, from the lips of a supernatural, divine Saviour, on point of departure to the eternal world of the spirit, and uttering one last comprehensive command to his disciples for all generations to come.

One may observe the stormy band of Orion reflected in a drop of water at night, because both were created by Almighty God and there is a unity in all his creation. That strange interrelation of all created things was marked by the poet Tennyson who said,

Flower in the crannied wall, I pluck you out of the crannies; I hold you here, root and all, in my hand, Little flower, - but if I could understand What you are, root and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is. John 1:1; John 20:28; Acts 20:28; Romans 9:5; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 1:8; also Colossians 2:9 and John 14:9). This says nothing of the countless passages in which he laid claim to attributes of deity, as for example when he said, "Before Abraham was, I am!" Christ is God come in the flesh. That is the central meaning and message of Christianity. Anything less than this regarding Christ is blasphemous.

2. And upon earth. Christ is head of the church upon earth as well as in heaven. There is no true head on earth, otherwise the church is a two-headed monster. This indicates the reign of Christ is now going on. These are the times of the regeneration when he is reigning with the Twelve in his kingdom, the Israel of God. Christ was not defeated on Calvary but was there victorious over death, hell, and the devil. He will continue to reign until all his enemies have been put under foot, notwithstanding, the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death ( 1 Corinthians 15:24-25).

3. Go ye therefore and make disciples ... Disciples can be made only by teaching; therefore the KJV did no violence to the meaning with the translation, "Go teach all nations." Mark's account makes it crystal clear that that is what was said. Thus, teaching, as a prerequisite of discipleship, is evident as one of the basic principles of the faith. Infants cannot be taught, and therefore, in the true view, they cannot become disciples until they are old enough to be taught. The Great Commission is clearly opposed to infant church membership.

4. Of all nations ... Here is the world-wide missionary program of the church. Here is the world-wide brotherhood of all nations and races in Christ. God made of "one" all the families of the earth ( Acts 17:26), and that universal kinship and brotherhood appear in the Great Commission. No limitation or abridgment is permitted. All the nations ... not merely all "the English-speaking nations" or "all the white nations," but all the nations!

5. Baptizing them ... If nothing else appeared in all the Bible relative to the ordinance of baptism, Christ's mention of it in this circumstance would have been more than sufficient to bind it upon all people for all time to come. That Jesus Christ, the Head of our holy faith, in this grand finale of his earthly teaching, should be charged with having introduced secondary, subordinate, non-essential, and unnecessary commands is a reflection upon his divinity. Added to that is the sacred triple name of "Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" in which baptism was commanded to be administered. Where else in all the Scriptures is there another commandment that enjoys the distinction conferred by those solemn words? The commandment of baptism, subjoined by the sacred name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is in this Great Commission elevated to a priority that men have been very reluctant to allow; and yet the inclusion of baptism in this Commission dispels any view that it can be considered optional or permissive; it is commanded, not for one or for a few, but for all, "every creature" ( Mark 16:15).

6. Into the name ... Three names are given, yet they are one name. God's unity and oneness are taught by this. There are three persons in the Godhead, and each has a name; but their name is one!

7. Of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Here is the doctrine of the Trinity. Although not stated in the Scriptures under that terminology, the doctrine of the Trinity is nevertheless a true one, and appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The pronouns for God in Genesis are plural, as in "Let us make man in our image" ( Genesis 1:26). Even the passages affirming that God is "one" employ a word which means a compound rather than an abstract unity. That Hebrew word is [~"echad] and is also used in such passages as that which says a man and his wife shall be "one" flesh ( Genesis 2:24), and in "the people is one" ( Genesis 11:6). Thus, the "oneness" of God is like the "oneness" of a man and his wife, or of the people. In the New Testament, the doctrine of the Trinity appears in this passage, and at Christ's baptism ( Matthew 3:16). Also, the benediction of 2 Corinthians 13:14 likewise establishes the Trinity.

8. Teaching them to observe all things ... The perpetual mission of the church as a teacher is implicit in these words. Here is the necessity for indoctrination and grounding all the disciples in the Saviour's teaching. Here is the divine authority for the Bible School, the cottage meeting, the mid-week service, the evangelistic campaign, and whatever else may be useful in carrying out the divine injunction to teach the taught and to teach the baptized to do all that Christ commanded.

9. Whatsoever I have commanded you ... This establishes the identity of the true doctrine; it is what Christ commanded, nothing else. The most important fact of Christianity is that it is "of Christ." The true faith was "first spoken" by him ( Hebrews 2:3), and not by any other: Whatsoever was not first spoken by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard him can have no valid claim as a part of Christianity. Not even the Holy Spirit came to reveal new truth to the apostles but to "bring all things to their remembrance" ( John 14:26; John 16:13). In practical fact, this limits true Christianity to what is taught in the New Testament, for that is the only book that contains the authenticated teachings of the Master. With the death of the last of the apostles who heard and confirmed to others what Jesus taught, the revelation of God's true will for mankind was concluded. Many passages in the New Testament make that crystal clear. People are commanded not to go beyond what is written ( 1 Corinthians 4:6); the apostles gave all "things that pertain" to life and gods ( 2 Peter 1:3); the true faith was "once for all" delivered to the saints ( Jude 1:1:3), etc. In the light of this, how much of present-day Christianity is valueless? Auricular confession, baptizing of babies, countless innovations in the worship, the doctrine of purgatory, penances, redemption of penances, and literally scores of doctrines, devices, and presumptions of men, are all identified as forming a part of Christianity, but it is not so. Christ knew none of those things. They were not first spoken by him; on the other hand, we know the place, and the time, and the name of the man or men who initiated those things and brought them into God's worship. Therefore, all such things must be rejected by those who would walk after the oracles of God.

10. And lo, I am with you always ... This teaches the providence of God. God has not wound up his universe, or his church, and left them to run of their own accord. He "upholdeth all things by the word of his power" ( Hebrews 1:3). Christ promised to be with his disciples always. A solicitous and loving providence always watches over the fortunes of God's church.

11. Even unto the end of the world. This teaches immortality. It would have been a vast comfort if Christ had promised to be with his disciples until they die; but this promise far exceeds that. He is still with Peter, James, and John, and all who ever truly served him in all generations. He is the God of the living and not of the dead; he brought life and immortality to light through the gospel ( 2 Timothy 1:10).

12. The end of the world. This is the doctrine of the final liquidation of the entire material creation, specifically of the earth and all that is in it. The apostle Peter elaborated on this ( 2 Peter 3:1-13). This earth is destined to burn, whether by nuclear fires kindled by man himself, or by some catastrophic judgment of God, is not known. Even as recently as a generation ago, men scoffed at the idea that the earth could burn; but in the light of what is now known, it is safe to say that scientific knowledge has finally caught up with revelation. The sun itself is a "nova" and is a type of star that is capable of exploding to a million times its present size and intensity (see National Geographic magazine, November, 1965 , article on the sun by Herbert Friedman). When and if such a thing happens, our poor earth will be millions of miles deep in the flaming periphery of the sun itself. In the light of Christ's word in this place, and in view of Peter's words on the same subject, the end of this world is certain. "No man knoweth the day nor the hour" ( Matthew 24:36). The conclusion that thoughtful men should derive from these considerations is well stated by Peter who said, "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace" ( 2 Peter 3:14).

ENDNOTE:

Mark 16:2 refers to the same event as being "at the rising of the sun," all of which indicates that at least in some cases the24-hour day was from sunrise to sunrise. However, we should not overlook that it was after the sabbath was past for the text says end of the sab-bath which Thayer defines, "the sab-bath having just past." The two Marys were the same as those mentioned in Matthew 27:61; Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus.

There was a great earthquake. The marginal renders it "had been," which is correct, for Mark 16:4 says that when the women arrived at the tomb they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. The angel was not afraid to break the seal that the Jews had caused to be placed upon the tomb, for he did not flee but rather remained and sat upon the stone.

Lightning is very bright and penetrating and a fitting comparison for the counterance of an angel. Snow-whiteness is an emblem of purity and well represents the kind of being who would come down from heaven.

The keepers were the members of the watch who were stationed there to see that no person would disturb the tomb. When this angel ignored the entire setup and removed the stone it was a great surprise to the watchers who were soldiers. No wonder it filled them with fear and trembling and rendered them helpless.

As far as the text shows, the angel paid no attention to the members of the watch, but he addressed encouraging words to the women. Being on a mission from heaven he was endowed with the information that would be useful in his work. By this he was aware of the purpose of the women who appeared at this time.

Not only had Jesus risen, but he had left the scenes of the tomb. As a visual evidence of the Lord's resurrection, the women were invited to come and see the place where he bad lain.

After a look at the empty tomb they were bidden to go qiuckly and tell the good news to the disciples. They were later to see Jesus in Galilee, the district where he had lived until he was ready for his public ministry.

The fear of these women was the same as profound respect, and the great joy was caused by the wonderful fact that their Lord was alive again. Their joy would not let them be selfish, but they went running to bring the word to the disciples.

Jesus had left the tomb before the women arrived, and as they were leaving he met theme and gave them a joyous greeting. The reader should see the note on the subject of "worship" at chapter2:2 and note the various shades of meaning of the word. In our present verse the only outward demonstration indicated was their grasping the feet of the Lord. This act of respectful condescension could very properly be called one of worship and is included in the definition of the word.

This is the same message the angel gave the women at the tomb. Christ's brethren means his disciples (John 20:17-18), and they were promised to be met by him in his home country of Galilee.

Some of the watch means the men who had been on duty at the tomb. They doubtless did their duty in seeing that no man disturbed the tomb, but they were powerless to prevent what the angel did. As faithful watchmen they made a true report of what had transpired. However, this was before they had been approached on the bribery proposition and agreed to make the foolish statement mentioned above.

Gave the money unto the soldiers means the men who had been appointed to guard the grave from disturbance by the disciples.

The absence of the body of Jesus from the tomb could not be denied, hence the story of stealing it was made up to account for the empty tomb. There are at least two weak points in this story. If they were asleep they could not know what was going on; also, such a lack of faithfulness as watchers was punishable by death and they would not likely have risked it. But money will do wonders and it seems to have had its effect on these soldiers.

Thayer says to persuade means "to win one's good will." Pilate was a wavering sort of governor as had been shown in this case, and they felt sure they could influence him to let the soldiers off without punishment. Another thing, they said if this come to the governor's ears; there is no proof that he ever heard the report.

This foolish report was circulated among the Jews which is very significant. They were the ones who wanted to believe it and pretended to do so. There is no account of any knowledge of it among the people in general.

The women were told by the angel (verse7) to give the disciples the word, and in verse10 Jesus gave them the same message. Hence this verse reports the journey to Galilee, the very mountain spot for the meeting having been designated. Eleven disciples were in the group because Judas had taken his own life before the crucifixion of his Lord (Matthew 27:5).

All we can say of this worship is that what they did comes within the definition of the word as given at chapter2:2. Thayer defines the original of doubt, "to doubt, to waver." It indicates a frame of mind that might be expressed by a familiar saying, "it is too good to be true."

In the Authorized Version the word "power" comes from two Greek words, with only a few exceptions, which are DUNAMIS and EXOUSIA. There is a partial blending of these words in their meaning so that they are used somewhat interchangeably, but each has its main or proper meaning. According to Thayer the first word means, "strength, ability, power; inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature." He defines the second word, "power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases; leave or permission." For convenience the first may be defined as "personal strength or ability," the second as, "the right or privilege bestowed on one." The word in this verse is EXOUSIA, which means that God be-stewed upon Christ full right to rule over his kingdom.

Teach is from MATHETEUO and is defined by Thayer, "to make a disciple; to teach, instruct." Its main application is to bring persons into a relationship with Christ that they never had before. All nations is equiva lent to "every creature" in Mark 16:15. The Mosiac system was given to the Jews only, while the Gospel was given to both Jew and Gentile. To do this teaching among all nations would require ability to speak in every

language, and none but the apostles had that ability. It is a perversion of scripture, therefore, to apply this commission to preachers of today. In is from EIS which means "into" as used here. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are a unit in the Godhead and hence "name" is singular. Whoever is baptized into one is baptized into all

three, therefore one baptism is all that is necessary and right. The scripture in no place presents this as a formula to be spoken by the administrator of baptism, and when he says these words he is merely announcing to the hearers what he is doing.

Teaching is from DIDASKO and means to instruct in general. The ones to be instructed were those that Christ had commanded. In order that no mistake would be made, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) was to be sent to "bring all things to their remembrance" (John 14:26). I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. The .authority of the apostles was to be in force to the end of the world. Christ is not with them in person any more than he is with all Christians in person. But the words of the apostles are written in the New Testament and they are as binding on us now as if they were here in person and as if Jesus also had remained on earth in person. So there can be no successors to the apostles in this world because they are still in their own proper place of authority under Christ and will be until the end.