Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} came {G4334} and spake {G2980} unto them {G846}, saying {G3004}, All {G3956} power {G1849} is given {G1325} unto me {G3427} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} and {G2532} in {G1909} earth {G1093}.

Yeshua came and talked with them. He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

Commentary

Matthew 28:18 presents a foundational declaration from the resurrected Jesus Christ to His disciples, establishing the ultimate authority upon which the entire Christian mission is built. This verse serves as the preamble to what is famously known as the Great Commission.

Context of Matthew 28:18

This powerful statement occurs during one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, likely on a mountain in Galilee, where He had instructed His disciples to meet Him (Matthew 28:16). The disciples, having witnessed His crucifixion and now His miraculous resurrection, are gathered to receive their final instructions. Jesus' words here are not a casual remark but a solemn declaration of His new, exalted status and the universal scope of His dominion after His victory over sin and death.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Authority of Christ: The phrase "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" signifies Jesus' absolute, comprehensive authority over all creation, both spiritual and physical. This is not merely power (strength) but authority (the right to rule and command). It encompasses all realms, leaving no domain outside His control.
  • Post-Resurrection Exaltation: The resurrection validated Jesus' claims and demonstrated His triumph. This verse declares the Father's full investiture of authority in the Son, confirming His supreme Lordship. This resonates with Old Testament prophecies regarding the Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:14) and finds fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ being highly exalted by God (Philippians 2:9-11).
  • Foundation for Mission: Jesus' declaration of universal authority is the bedrock for the subsequent command to make disciples of all nations. The disciples are not sent out on their own strength or wisdom, but by the explicit authority and power of the risen Lord. Their mission is His mission, executed under His sovereign mandate.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "power" in KJV is exousia (ἐξουσία). This term denotes not raw strength or might (which would be dynamis, δύναμις), but rather authority, right, or jurisdiction. It implies the inherent right to act, to rule, and to command. The passive voice "is given" (edothē, ἐδόθη) indicates that this authority was bestowed upon Him by God the Father, particularly in light of His completed redemptive work and resurrection. This divine bestowal underscores His rightful reign as the Son of God and King.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 28:18 offers profound comfort and confidence:

  • Assurance in Difficulties: Knowing that Christ holds all authority provides immense comfort in a chaotic world. No earthly power or spiritual force can ultimately thwart His will or purposes.
  • Boldness in Witness: Our call to share the Gospel and make disciples is not based on human ability or persuasion, but on the supreme authority of the One who sends us. This empowers believers to face opposition with courage, knowing the power of the Holy Spirit works through them under Christ's command.
  • Call to Submission: If Jesus has all authority, then His followers are called to complete submission to His Word and His will. His commands are not arbitrary but flow from His rightful position as Lord over all.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew: Jesus the King Matthew (Levi): The Tax Collector Turned Apostle The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares The Great Commission: A Closer Look at Matthew 28:18-20 The 12 Disciples: Who Were They?

Cross-References

  • John 3:35

    The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

  • 1 Peter 3:22

    Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

  • Matthew 11:27

    All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

  • Ephesians 1:20

    Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],

  • Ephesians 1:22

    And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

  • Hebrews 2:8

    Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:27

    For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under [him, it is] manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
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