Matthew 28:19

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 28:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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:
Matthew 28:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 28

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19Go 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:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Go ye therefore, etc.] Into all the world; some into one place, and some into another; since his power and authority, and so now the commission he gave them, reached every where: before it was confined to Judea, but now it is extended to all the nations of the world; (see <401006> Matthew 10:6,7 <411615>Mark 16:15), and teach all nations; Jews and Gentiles, first the one, and then the other, the doctrines of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it; whatever they had learned from Christ, or were ordered by him, or “disciple all nations”: make them disciples by teaching them; or, as the Persic version, by way of explanation, adds, “bring them to my religion and faith”: not that they were able to…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations--rather, "make disciples of all nations"; for "teaching," in the more usual sense of that word, comes in afterwards, and is expressed by a different term. baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost--It should be, "into the name"; as in Co1 10:2, "And were all baptized unto (or rather 'into') Moses"; and Gal 3:27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ."”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Go ye therefore - “Because” all power is mine, go! I can defend you. The world is placed under my control. It is redeemed. It is given me in promise by my Father, as the purchase of my death. Though you are weak, yet I am strong! Though you will encounter many troubles and dangers, yet I can defend you! Though you die, yet I live, and the work shall be accomplished! Teach all nations - The word rendered “teach,” here, is not the one that is usually so translated in the New Testament. This word properly means “to disciple, or to make disciples of.” This was to be done, however, by teaching, and by administering baptism. All nations - This gracious commission was the foundation of their…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Disciple all nations - Make them my disciples. This includes the whole design of Christ's commission. Baptizing and teaching are the two great branches of that general design. And these were to be determined by the circumstances of things; which made it necessary in baptizing adult Jews or heathens, to teach them before they were baptized; in discipling their children, to baptize them before they were taught; as the Jewish children in all ages were first circumcised, and after taught to do all God had commanded them. Mar 16:15. Next: Mark Chapter 1”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“28:19 go and: Literally going, a participle that supports the main imperative, make disciples. Matthew probably intended go to be understood as a separate command (as it is translated) and not as a circumstantial modifier (i.e., while you go; cp. the same construction in 9:6; Acts 10:20). • make disciples: A disciple is one who repents of sin, trusts in Jesus for salvation, and obeys his teachings. • all the nations: The mission to the Gentile nations formally began here (see Matt 10:5-6; 15:24; see also 1:1; 2:1-12; 8:5-13; 21:43; 24:14; 26:13). • Two aspects of making disciples are baptizing and teaching (28:20).. Baptism indicates public identification with, and surrender to, Jesus and…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“ye therefore: Psa 22:27, Psa 22:28, Psa 98:2, Psa 98:3; Isa 42:1-4, Isa 49:6, Isa 52:10, Isa 66:18, Isa 66:19; Mar 16:15, Mar 16:16; Luk 24:47, Luk 24:48; Act 1:8, Act 13:46, Act 13:47, Act 28:28; Rom 10:18; Col 1:23 teach all nations: or, make disciples, or Christians, of all nations baptizing: Act 2:38, Act 2:39, Act 2:41, Act 8:12-16, Act 8:36-38, Act 9:18, Act 10:47, Act 10:48, 16:15-33, Act 19:3-5; Co1 1:13-16, Co1 15:29; Pe1 3:21 the name: Mat 3:16, Mat 3:17; Gen 1:26; Num 6:24-27; Isa 48:16; Co1 12:4-6; Co2 13:14; Eph 2:18; Jo1 5:7; Rev 1:4-6 Matthew 28:20”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification