MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:1 The Resurrection and Commission of the Messiah. Matthew’s concluding chapter recounts Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. His resurrection confirms his identity and shows that God accepted Jesus’ death for others’ sins. Jesus now lives as the faithful companion, master, a... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:2 GREAT EARTHQUAKE, FOR AN ANGEL OF THE LORD. The earthquake either occurred simultaneously with the appearance of the angel or was the way the angel rolled away the stone. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:3 FEAR OF HIM. The guards are probably battle-hardened soldiers, but they have never witnessed anything like this. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:7 HIS DISCIPLES. Probably the Eleven. GALILEE. The central location of Jesus’ earthly ministry continues to be important during his post-resurrection ministry. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:9 TOOK HOLD OF HIS FEET shows that this is no vision or hallucination. It is a physical resurrection. By allowing this act of worship, here and in v. Matthew 28:17, Jesus accepts their confession of his deity, for only God is to be worshiped. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.g... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:10 MY BROTHERS. Perhaps the Eleven, but more likely the broader group of disciples who had followed Jesus (compare Matthew 12:49; Matthew 25:40). If so, this is the larger group of disciples who will see the risen Lord (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:6). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:11 The SOLDIERS faced possible execution for neglecting their guard duty. In cooperating with the Jewish religious leaders, they at least have a chance to save themselves. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:17 SOME DOUBTED probably refers to people other than the 11 disciples (see note on v. 10). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:18 ALL AUTHORITY. In his risen state, Jesus exercises absolute authority throughout heaven and earth. This shows his deity. His authority HAS BEEN GIVEN by the Father, which indicates that he remains under the Father’s authority (see note on 1 Cor. 15:28). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var image... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:19 The command (MAKE DISCIPLES) explains the central focus of the Great Commission. The Greek participles (translated GO, BAPTIZING, and “teaching” [v. Matthew 28:20]) describe the process by which disciples are made. ALL NATIONS. All the peoples of the earth. The NAME (si... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 28:20 OBSERVE. Obey. I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS. Jesus is “God with us” (see Matthew 1:23). This is a fitting way for Jesus to conclude his charge to the disciples and for Matthew to conclude his Gospel. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=im... [ Continue Reading ]