ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 28

Matt. 28:1–20 The Resurrection and Commission of the Messiah. Matthew’s concluding chapter recounts Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. His resurrection confirms his identity and shows that God accepted Jesus’ death for others’ sins. Jesus now lives as the faithful companion, master, and Lord of those who respond to his great commission (vv. 16–20).

Matt. 28:1 first day of the week. Sunday morning. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Compare 27:61.

Matt. 28:2 great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord. The earthquake either occurred simultaneously with the appearance of the angel or was the way the angel rolled away the stone.

Matt. 28:3–4 fear of him. The guards are probably battle-hardened soldiers, but they have never witnessed anything like this.

Matt. 28:7 his disciples. Probably the Eleven. Galilee. The central location of Jesus’ earthly ministry continues to be important during his post-resurrection ministry.

Matt. 28:9 Took hold of his feet shows that this is no vision or hallucination. It is a physical resurrection. By allowing this act of worship, here and in v. 17, Jesus accepts their confession of his deity, for only God is to be worshiped.

Matt. 28:10 my brothers. Perhaps the Eleven, but more likely the broader group of disciples who had followed Jesus (compare 12:49–50; 25:40). If so, this is the larger group of disciples who will see the risen Lord (e.g., 1 Cor. 15:6).

Matt. 28:11–15 The soldiers faced possible execution for neglecting their guard duty. In cooperating with the Jewish religious leaders, they at least have a chance to save themselves.

Matt. 28:17 Some doubted probably refers to people other than the 11 disciples (see note on v. 10).

Matt. 28:18 All authority. In his risen state, Jesus exercises absolute authority throughout heaven and earth. This shows his deity. His authority has been given by the Father, which indicates that he remains under the Father’s authority (see note on 1 Cor. 15:28).

Matt. 28:19 The command (make disciples) explains the central focus of the Great Commission. The Greek participles (translated go, baptizing, and “teaching” [v. 20]) describe the process by which disciples are made. all nations. All the peoples of the earth. The name (singular) of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an indication of the Trinitarian Godhead and a clear statement of Jesus’ deity.

Matt. 28:20 observe. Obey. I am with you always. Jesus is “God with us” (see 1:23). This is a fitting way for Jesus to conclude his charge to the disciples and for Matthew to conclude his Gospel.