Matthew 28:20

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 28:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 28

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Teaching them--This is teaching in the more usual sense of the term; or instructing the converted and baptized disciples. to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I--The "I" here is emphatic. It is enough that I am with you alway--"all the days"; that is, till making converts, baptizing, and building them up by Christian instruction, shall be no more. even unto the end of the world. Amen--This glorious Commission embraces two primary departments, the Missionary and the Pastoral, with two sublime and comprehensive Encouragements to undertake and go through with them. First, The MISSIONARY department (Mat 28:18): "Go, make disciples of all nations." In the corresponding…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Lo, I am with you - That is, by my Spirit, my providence, my attending counsel and guidance. I will strengthen, assist, and direct you. This also proves that Christ is divine. If he is a mere man, or a creature, though of the highest order, how could he promise to be “with” his disciples “always,” or at all? They would be scattered far and wide. His disciples would greatly increase. If he was “with them” always, he was God; for no finite creature could thus be present with many people scattered in different parts of the world. Unto the end of the world - The word rendered “world,” here, sometimes means “age or state” and by some it has been supposed to mean, I will be with you until the end…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“28:20 Teach: The disciples’ curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, chs 5–7). The church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus’ commands (5:17-20; 7:13-27). Jesus’ authority and presence are the basis for the disciples’ mission (see also 1:23; 18:20).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“them: Mat 7:24-27; Deu 5:32, Deu 12:32; Act 2:42, Act 20:20, Act 20:21, Act 20:27; Co1 11:2, Co1 11:23, Co1 14:37; Eph 4:11-17, Eph 4:20-32; Col 1:28; Th1 4:1, Th1 4:2; Th2 3:6-12; Ti1 6:1-4; Tit 2:1-10; Pe1 2:10-19; Pe2 1:5-11, Pe2 3:2; Jo1 2:3, Jo1 2:4, Jo1 3:19-24; Rev 22:14 I am: Mat 1:23, Mat 18:20; Gen 39:2, Gen 39:3, Gen 39:21; Exo 3:12; Jos 1:5; Psa 46:7, Psa 46:11; Isa 8:8-10; Isa 41:10; Mar 16:20; Joh 14:18-23; Act 18:9, Act 18:10; Ti2 4:17; Rev 22:21 unto: Mat 13:39, Mat 13:40, Mat 13:49, Mat 24:3 Amen: Mat 6:13; Kg1 1:36; Ch1 16:36; Psa 72:19; Rev 1:18, Rev 22:20 Next: Mark Chapter 1”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification