![[article cover study.wiki.png]] **[Practical Christianity Wiki Home page]( https://publish.obsidian.md/practical-christianity/About/Biblical+Studies)** [Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) **Cross Reference**: #theology, #resurrection_of_christ, #great_commission, #kingdom_of_heaven #Matthew # A Comprehensive Exegesis of Matthew 28 ## Introduction Matthew 28 is the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the resurrection of [[Jesus]] and His post-resurrection appearances, culminating in the giving of the [[Great Commission]]. This chapter serves as the climactic conclusion to [[Jesus]]’ earthly ministry, highlighting the triumph of His victory over death and His divine authority to send His disciples to spread the gospel. The themes of resurrection, divine authority, and the global mission of the church are paramount throughout the chapter. This exegesis will explore the historical context, perform a lexical analysis of key terms, and highlight the theological themes within the text. The authorial intent of the Gospel of Matthew will be examined to understand its implications for both the original audience and modern believers. --- ## The Resurrection of Jesus **Scripture Reference**: [Matthew 28:1-10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.1-10&version=AMP) ### Historical Context The resurrection of [[Jesus]] takes place early on the first day of the week, following the Sabbath. The women, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, go to the tomb to anoint [[Jesus]]' body, but instead, they find an angel who announces that [[Jesus]] has risen from the dead. This event marks the fulfillment of [[Old Testament]] prophecies, such as [Psalm 16:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+16.10&version=AMP) and [Isaiah 53:10-12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53.10-12&version=AMP), which foretold the [[Messiah]]'s resurrection. The empty tomb serves as evidence of [[Jesus]]' victory over death, and the angel’s message emphasizes the new reality of the [[Kingdom of Heaven]], in which death is defeated and new life is offered through [[Jesus]]. ### Lexical Analysis - **“Resurrection” (ἀνάστασις)**: The term signifies the act of rising from the dead. In this context, it refers specifically to [[Jesus]]' bodily resurrection, which is central to Christian faith and theology, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. - **“Angel” (ἄγγελος)**: In this passage, the angel acts as a divine messenger, delivering the good news of [[Jesus]]' resurrection to the women. Angels frequently appear in Scripture as heralds of [[God]]'s activity, particularly in redemptive history. - **“Fear not” (φοβεῖσθε)**: This phrase, spoken by the angel, reassures the women, indicating that the resurrection is not a cause for fear but a source of joy and hope. ### Textual Variants The text of Matthew 28:1-10 is consistent across most manuscript traditions. Minor variations in the wording do not affect the essential meaning of the passage, and the resurrection account remains intact in all traditions. ### Theological Themes - **Victory over Death**: The resurrection of [[Jesus]] is the ultimate victory over death, fulfilling the promise of eternal life for believers. This theme is central to Christian theology, as it affirms the reality of the [[Resurrection]] and the hope of life after death for all who believe in [[Jesus]]. - **The Role of Women in the Gospel**: The women who witness the empty tomb and receive the first announcement of the resurrection highlight the important role women play in the early Christian movement. Their faithfulness and testimony are foundational to the spread of the gospel message. - **The New Reality of the [[Kingdom of Heaven]]**: The resurrection signals the dawn of a new era in [[God]]'s redemptive plan, in which the power of sin and death is broken, and the [[Kingdom of Heaven]] is fully inaugurated through the risen [[Messiah]]. ### Authorial Intent Matthew’s account of the resurrection emphasizes the divine power and authority of [[Jesus]] as the risen Lord. By focusing on the women’s encounter with the angel and their subsequent meeting with [[Jesus]], Matthew highlights the faithfulness of the witnesses and the transformative impact of the resurrection on the early followers of [[Jesus]]. This passage also sets the stage for the [[Great Commission]], in which the risen [[Messiah]] sends His disciples to proclaim the gospel to all nations. #### Call to Action: - Rejoice in the victory of [[Jesus]] over death, knowing that His resurrection offers you eternal life. - Reflect on the faithfulness of the women at the tomb, considering how their witness challenges you to share the good news of the resurrection. - Live in the reality of the [[Kingdom of Heaven]], embracing the hope and power that come through the risen [[Messiah]]. --- ## The Guards' Report **Scripture Reference**: [Matthew 28:11-15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.11-15&version=AMP) ### Historical Context Following the resurrection, the Roman guards who were stationed at the tomb report the events to the chief priests. In response, the religious leaders bribe the soldiers to spread a false narrative, claiming that [[Jesus]]' disciples stole His body during the night. This episode reflects the continued opposition of the Jewish authorities to the message of [[Jesus]] and their attempts to suppress the truth of the resurrection. The guards' report and the subsequent cover-up highlight the tension between the proclamation of the resurrection and the efforts of the religious leaders to maintain control and discredit the emerging Christian movement. ### Lexical Analysis - **“Bribe” (ἀργύρια)**: The term used here refers to the money given to the guards as a form of payment to spread a false story. This highlights the corruption of the religious leaders, who resort to deception to protect their interests. - **“Steal” (κλέπτω)**: The religious leaders claim that [[Jesus]]' disciples stole His body. This false accusation attempts to undermine the truth of the resurrection and discredit the testimony of the disciples. ### Textual Variants There are no significant textual variants in this passage that alter the meaning of the guards' report. The narrative of the religious leaders' attempt to cover up the resurrection is consistent across manuscript traditions. ### Theological Themes - **Opposition to the Truth**: The religious leaders' actions demonstrate the lengths to which people will go to suppress the truth of the gospel. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the resurrection, they choose to propagate lies to protect their power and position. - **Divine Vindication**: While the religious leaders attempt to discredit the resurrection, their efforts ultimately fail, as the message of the risen [[Jesus]] spreads throughout the world. [[God]] vindicates His Son through the resurrection, and no human effort can thwart His redemptive plan. - **The Power of False Narratives**: This passage serves as a warning about the power of deception and false narratives. The religious leaders' lies continue to be spread, but the truth of the resurrection prevails, reminding believers to stand firm in the truth of [[God]]'s Word. ### Authorial Intent Matthew includes this account to highlight the opposition faced by the early Christian movement and the efforts to suppress the truth of the resurrection. By exposing the deceit of the religious leaders, Matthew emphasizes the contrast between the truth of the gospel and the lies of those who reject [[Jesus]]. This passage also serves to affirm the authenticity of the resurrection, as it shows that even the enemies of [[Jesus]] could not deny the empty tomb. #### Call to Action: - Stand firm in the truth of the resurrection, recognizing that opposition to the gospel is inevitable but ultimately powerless against [[God]]'s plan. - Be aware of the dangers of false narratives and lies, and commit to seeking and proclaiming the truth in all circumstances. - Rejoice in the vindication of [[Jesus]] through the resurrection, knowing that [[God]]'s truth will always prevail. --- ## The Great Commission **Scripture Reference**: [Matthew 28:16-20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.16-20&version=AMP) ### Historical Context The final verses of Matthew’s Gospel record the [[Great Commission]], where the risen [[Jesus]] meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations. [[Jesus]] declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, and He instructs His followers to baptize and teach new disciples, promising to be with them always, even to the end of the age. This passage is foundational to Christian mission and theology, as it establishes the global mandate for evangelism and discipleship, rooted in the authority of the risen [[Messiah]]. ### Lexical Analysis - **“Authority” (ἐξουσία)**: [[Jesus]] declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This term underscores His sovereign rule as the risen Lord and His divine right to commission His disciples to continue His work. - **“Make disciples” (μαθητεύσατε)**: The Greek verb used here means to make learners or followers. [[Jesus]] commands His disciples to not only proclaim the gospel but to teach and mentor others in the faith, leading them into a deep relationship with Him. - **“Baptizing” (βαπτίζοντες)**: Baptism is the outward sign of entrance into the community of faith. [[Jesus]]' instruction to baptize in the name of the [[Father]], the [[Son]], and the [[Holy Spirit]] reflects the Trinitarian nature of Christian faith and the believer’s identification with the [[Godhead]]. ### Textual Variants There are no significant textual variants in this passage. The [[Great Commission]] is consistently attested across manuscript traditions, underscoring its importance in the Gospel narrative. ### Theological Themes - **The Authority of [[Jesus]]**: [[Jesus]]' declaration of authority over heaven and earth emphasizes His divine sovereignty and His role as the [[Messiah]]. This authority undergirds the mission of the church, as it is [[Jesus]] Himself who commissions His followers to carry out His work. - **Global Mission**: The [[Great Commission]] expands the scope of the gospel from the Jewish people to all nations, reflecting the universal nature of [[God]]'s plan of salvation. [[Jesus]]' disciples are tasked with bringing the message of the [[Kingdom of Heaven]] to the ends of the earth. - **The Promise of [[Jesus]]' Presence**: [[Jesus]]' promise to be with His disciples always, even to the end of the age, provides comfort and assurance as they carry out their mission. This theme echoes [[God]]'s presence with His people throughout the [[Old Testament]] and now finds fulfillment in the presence of [[Jesus]] through the [[Holy Spirit]]. ### Authorial Intent Matthew concludes his Gospel with the [[Great Commission]] to emphasize the ongoing mission of the church and the authority of the risen [[Messiah]]. This passage serves as a call to action for all believers to participate in the work of making disciples and spreading the gospel to all nations. The [[Great Commission]] also highlights the centrality of discipleship in the Christian life, as it calls for both the proclamation of the gospel and the teaching of all that [[Jesus]] has commanded. #### Call to Action: - Embrace the [[Great Commission]] as your personal mandate, recognizing that every believer is called to make disciples and share the gospel. - Trust in the authority of [[Jesus]] as you carry out His mission, knowing that He has sovereign power over all things. - Rely on the promise of [[Jesus]]' presence, knowing that you are never alone in your work for the [[Kingdom of Heaven]]. --- ## Conclusion Matthew 28 brings the Gospel of Matthew to a triumphant close, highlighting the resurrection of [[Jesus]] and His commissioning of the disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. Through the resurrection, [[Jesus]] demonstrates His victory over death and establishes the foundation of Christian faith. The [[Great Commission]] provides the framework for the mission of the church, emphasizing the global nature of the gospel and the responsibility of all believers to participate in making disciples. This chapter calls believers to rejoice in the resurrection, stand firm in the truth of the gospel, and commit to the mission of making disciples, trusting in the authority and presence of the risen [[Messiah]]. --- ## Related Concepts: - [[Resurrection]] - [[Great Commission]] - [[Kingdom of Heaven]] - [[Authority of Jesus]] - [[Trinity]]