Matthew 28:18

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 28:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 28

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, etc.] To the eleven disciples and apostles; for though there might be so large a number as before observed, yet the following words were only spoken to the apostles: saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth; which is to be understood of him, not as God, who has the same original and underived power and authority over all creatures, and things in heaven and earth, as the Father has; but as mediator, to whom all things are delivered by the Father; and not of a power of doing this, or the other thing, or of omnipotence, being the Almighty; nor of doing miracles, and forgiving sins, which he had, and exercised before his death and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth - The “Son of God,” as “Creator,” had an original right to all things, to control them and dispose of them. See John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:8. But the universe is put under him more particularly as Mediator, that he might redeem his people; that he might gather a church; that he might defend his chosen; that he might subdue all their enemies, and bring them off conquerors and more than conquerors, Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Corinthians 15:25-27; John 5:22-23; Philippians 2:6-11. It is in reference to this, doubtless, that he speaks here power or authority committed to him over all things, that he might redeem, defend, and save the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“All power is given to me - Even as man. As God, he had all power from eternity. Matthew 28:19”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“28:18 Jesus’ authority is power delegated from the Father (see 7:29; 9:6-8; 21:23-27; 26:64; John 3:35).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“All: Mat 11:27, Mat 16:28; Psa 2:6-9, Psa 89:19, Psa 89:27, Psa 110:1-3; Isa 9:6, Isa 9:7; Dan 7:14; Luk 1:32, Luk 1:33, Luk 10:22; Joh 3:35, Joh 5:22-27, Joh 13:3, Joh 17:2; Act 2:36, Act 10:36; Rom 14:9; Co1 15:27; Eph 1:20-22; Phi 2:9-11; Col 1:16-19; Heb 1:2, Heb 2:8; Pe1 3:22; Rev 11:15, Rev 17:14, Rev 19:16 Matthew 28:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification