Bible Verse

Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus' final words to His disciples before ascending to heaven, spoken on a mountain in Galilee after His resurrection.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

— Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

— ESV

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

— KJV

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Matthew 28:16-20 is the conclusion of Matthew's Gospel. After the resurrection account, Jesus commissions His followers to continue His mission worldwide.

Historical Background

Around 30 AD, shortly after the resurrection. Jesus transforms a small group of Jewish disciples into missionaries to all nations, establishing the church's global mission.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations"

'Therefore' connects to Jesus' authority (v. 18). 'Go' isn't the main command—'make disciples' is. The mission: create followers of Jesus who follow and obey Him. 'All nations' (Greek: ethne—all ethnic groups) shows the gospel is for everyone, not just Jews.

"baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

Baptism marks entry into Christian community and identification with Christ. 'Name' (singular) of three persons reveals the Trinity—one God in three persons. Baptism declares allegiance to the triune God.

"and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you"

Discipleship isn't just conversion but transformation. Teaching leads to obedience, not just knowledge. 'Everything' means the whole counsel of God, not selective teaching. Making disciples is comprehensive spiritual formation.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"

Jesus promises His empowering presence for the mission. 'Always' means continuously, not occasionally. 'End of the age' means until His return. We never go alone—Christ goes with us through the Spirit.

Key Themes

The Great CommissionMaking disciplesGlobal missionThe TrinityChrist's presence

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Actively participate in making disciples—not just attending church but helping others follow Jesus.

  2. 2

    View every Christian as called to make disciples, not just pastors or missionaries.

  3. 3

    Teach new believers to obey Christ, not just know about Him—discipleship includes application.

  4. 4

    Embrace cross-cultural mission, recognizing the gospel is for all nations and peoples.

  5. 5

    Rely on Christ's promised presence as you step out in obedience to make disciples.

Questions for Reflection

  • Who are you currently discipling or helping grow in their faith?
  • How are you obeying Christ's command to make disciples in your everyday life?
  • What ethnic or cultural group might God be calling you to reach with the gospel?
  • Are you relying on Christ's presence and power as you share your faith?

Related Scripture

Acts 1:8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth."

Mark 16:15

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'"

2 Timothy 2:2

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."

John 20:21

"Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'"

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