Matthew 28:16

KJV

¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} the eleven {G1733} disciples {G3101} went away {G4198} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}, into {G1519} a mountain {G3735} where {G3757} Jesus {G2424} had appointed {G5021} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the eleven talmidim went to the hill in the Galil where Yeshua had told them to go.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated.

American Standard Version

But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:16 serves as the pivotal geographical and relational setup for Jesus' Great Commission, detailing the obedient journey of the eleven disciples to a pre-arranged mountain meeting in Galilee. This verse highlights the disciples' faithful response to Jesus' post-resurrection instructions, establishing the scene for the momentous charge that would define their future mission and the expansion of the early church, underscoring both divine initiative and human obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the resurrection accounts and Jesus' direct instructions to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to tell His "brethren" (the disciples) to go to Galilee, where they would see Him ([Matthew 28:7](/matthew/28-7 "Matthew 28:7 - Angel's Instruction to Disciples") and [Matthew 28:10](/matthew/28-10 "Matthew 28:10 - Jesus' Instruction to Disciples")). It also fulfills Jesus' earlier prophecy made before His crucifixion, that after His resurrection He would go before them into Galilee ([Matthew 26:32](/matthew/26-32 "Matthew 26:32 - Jesus' Prophecy of Meeting in Galilee")). The "eleven disciples" specifically excludes Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and died ([Matthew 27:3-10](/matthew/27-3-10 "Matthew 27:3-10 - Judas' Betrayal and Death")). This gathering is therefore a divinely orchestrated reunion, setting the stage for the climactic commissioning found in the subsequent verses ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Galilee, a region in northern Israel, was largely Gentile territory and often considered less religiously pure by the Jewish elite in Jerusalem. It was, however, the primary setting for much of Jesus' earthly ministry, where He called most of His disciples and performed many miracles. This return to Galilee for a post-resurrection meeting underscores Jesus' universal mission, extending beyond the religious confines of Jerusalem. Mountains often served as significant locations for divine encounters and revelations in biblical narratives (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount of Transfiguration), lending a sense of solemnity and importance to this appointed meeting place. The disciples' journey from Jerusalem to Galilee (a distance of approximately 60-70 miles) demonstrates their commitment and obedience, likely traveling on foot, which was the common mode of transport for ordinary people.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine appointment and human obedience**. Jesus had specifically "appointed" this meeting, and the disciples' journey to Galilee demonstrates their faithful response to His post-resurrection command, highlighting the importance of heeding and acting upon Christ's instructions. It also reinforces the **significance of Galilee** as the launching pad for Jesus' ministry and now, for the global mission of His followers, indicating that God's work is not confined to traditional religious centers but extends to all peoples and places, echoing the universal scope of the gospel. Furthermore, this gathering serves as a crucial **preparation for mission**, as it immediately precedes the Great Commission, signifying that obedience and communal gathering are prerequisites for receiving and fulfilling God's greater purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From *manthano*, meaning "a learner, i.e., pupil." This term emphasizes their ongoing role as students of Jesus, even after His resurrection. Their journey to Galilee is an act of learning and obedience, demonstrating their continued commitment to His teachings and person.
* **went away (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** From a derivative of *peira*, meaning "to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively)." This highlights the physical act of movement, a deliberate journey undertaken by the disciples in response to a command, signifying their active participation and readiness to follow God's plan.
* **appointed (Greek, _tássō'_):** A prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning "to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)." This word underscores the pre-arranged, divinely orchestrated nature of the meeting, emphasizing Jesus' sovereign control and intentionality in gathering His followers for a specific, vital purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the eleven disciples":** This phrase immediately clarifies the group's composition, distinguishing them from the original twelve by the absence of Judas Iscariot. It emphasizes the continuity of the core group of followers who remained faithful and were now ready to receive further instruction from their resurrected Lord.
* **"went away into Galilee":** This describes their obedient action, a journey from Jerusalem to the northern region of Galilee. It signifies their faithful response to Jesus' prior instructions and prophecy, demonstrating their commitment to Him even after His death and resurrection, and their willingness to follow His lead.
* **"into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them":** This specifies the precise location and, crucially, highlights the pre-arranged nature of the meeting. The mountain setting often carries symbolic weight in biblical narratives, suggesting a place of divine encounter, revelation, and the giving of significant mandates. The phrase "where Jesus had appointed them" underscores His sovereign initiative and the deliberate, purposeful nature of this gathering.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Progression**, moving the story forward from the resurrection accounts to the climactic commissioning. The specific mention of "the eleven disciples" uses **Synecdoche** (a part representing the whole) to refer to the remaining faithful apostles, highlighting the continuity of the apostolic band despite Judas's absence. The phrase "into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them" utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as it prepares the reader for the significant events that will unfold at this very location, namely the giving of the Great Commission. The choice of Galilee, a region associated with Jesus' earthly ministry, also serves as a form of **Symbolism**, linking the beginning of His public work with the beginning of His disciples' global mission, emphasizing the continuity and expansion of His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:16 serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the reality of Jesus' resurrection with the imperative of His global mission. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty in orchestrating encounters and the necessity of human obedience in responding to God's call. The disciples' journey to Galilee, a region often overlooked by the religious elite, signifies that God's redemptive plan is not confined to traditional centers of power but extends to all corners of the earth and involves ordinary people. This meeting on the mountain, a place historically associated with divine revelation, prepares the disciples for a new covenant mandate, transforming them from learners into commissioned agents of the Kingdom, ready to proclaim the good news.

* [Mark 16:7](/mark/16-7 "Mark 16:7 - Angel's Instruction to Disciples to Go to Galilee")
* [John 21:1-14](/john/21-1-14 "John 21:1-14 - Jesus Appears to Disciples by the Sea of Tiberias")
* [Acts 1:4](/acts/1-4 "Acts 1:4 - Jesus Commands Disciples to Wait in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief verse holds profound implications for contemporary believers. Just as the disciples were called to a specific place for a divine appointment, we too are called to respond with intentionality and obedience to God's leading in our lives. This might involve a physical journey, a shift in priorities, or simply dedicating time and attention to spiritual disciplines. The disciples' faithful journey to Galilee, despite potential uncertainties or fears, models a trust in Jesus' word and a willingness to step out in faith. Their gathering on the mountain emphasizes the importance of communal assembly, where believers can receive corporate instruction, encouragement, and empowerment for service. Our readiness to meet with Christ, whether in personal devotion, corporate worship, or active ministry, prepares us for the greater purposes and missions God has for us, equipping us to participate in His ongoing work in the world and to be His witnesses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might Jesus be "appointing" you to go or what might He be calling you to do in your life today?**
* **How does your obedience to God's specific instructions, even when they seem challenging, prepare you for greater purposes He has for you?**
* **In what ways does gathering with other believers, as the disciples did, strengthen your faith and equip you for mission in your community and beyond?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose Galilee for this meeting instead of Jerusalem?**

Answer: Jesus chose Galilee for several significant reasons. First, it fulfilled His own prophecy made before His crucifixion ([Matthew 26:32](/matthew/26-32 "Matthew 26:32 - Jesus' Prophecy of Meeting in Galilee")). Second, Galilee was the primary region of His earthly ministry, where most of His disciples were from and where He had spent the majority of His time teaching and performing miracles. This return to Galilee underscored the universal nature of His mission, demonstrating that His kingdom was not confined to the religious and political center of Jerusalem but extended to the "Gentile" regions and ordinary people. It also provided a more private and less hostile environment for this crucial post-resurrection instruction compared to Jerusalem, where religious authorities were actively seeking to suppress the news of His resurrection.

**Who were "the eleven disciples"?**

Answer: "The eleven disciples" refers to the original twelve apostles, excluding Judas Iscariot. Judas had betrayed Jesus and subsequently took his own life ([Matthew 27:3-10](/matthew/27-3-10 "Matthew 27:3-10 - Judas' Betrayal and Death")). Therefore, the remaining faithful apostles — Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (or Jude), and Simon the Zealot — comprised this group of eleven who went to meet Jesus in Galilee. This group would later be restored to twelve with the addition of Matthias ([Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:16, though seemingly a simple geographical detail, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The "appointed" meeting on the mountain in Galilee is not merely a logistical arrangement but a direct expression of Christ's sovereign authority and His ongoing redemptive plan. Jesus, having triumphed over death and ascended to the right hand of the Father ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand")), actively orchestrates this gathering to commission His followers, demonstrating His role as the resurrected Lord who continues to lead His people. This moment foreshadows the universal reach of the gospel, initiated by Christ's sacrifice and empowered by His resurrection, extending beyond the Jewish heartland to the very ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Disciples to be Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Just as Jesus gathered His disciples to empower them for mission, so too does He, as the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), continue to call, equip, and send His followers today, ensuring that His saving work continues until His glorious return ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise to be with His Disciples")). This verse, therefore, is a testament to Christ's enduring Lordship and His commitment to building His church through the faithful obedience of His disciples, fulfilling the eternal purpose of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:32

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Matthew 28:10

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Matthew 28:7

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Mark 16:14

¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

Acts 1:26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

1 Corinthians 15:15

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.