Mat 28:16-20 | TNotes

28:17 ^a some of them doubted: This might be a veiled reference to Thomas (John 20:24-29 ^b), but all eleven might have experienced a mixture of both worship and doubt (see also Matt 14:31 ^c; Luke 24:10-11 ^d; John 20:24-29 ^e).
28:18 ^f Jesus’ authority is power delegated from the Father (see 7:29 ^g; 9:6-8 ^h; 21:23-27 ⁱ; 26:64 ^j; John 3:35 ^k).
28:19 ^l go and: Literally going, a participle that supports the main imperative, make disciples. Matthew probably intended go to be understood as a separate command (as it is translated) and not as a circumstantial modifier (i.e., while you go; cp. the same construction in 9:6 ^m; Acts 10:20 ⁿ).

• make disciples: A disciple is one who repents of sin, trusts in Jesus for salvation, and obeys his teachings.

• all the nations: The mission to the Gentile nations formally began here (see Matt 10:5-6 ^o; 15:24 ^p; see also 1:1 ^q; 2:1-12 ^r; 8:5-13 ^s; 21:43 ^t; 24:14 ^u; 26:13 ^v).

• Two aspects of making disciples are baptizing and teaching (28:20 ^w).. Baptism indicates public identification with, and surrender to, Jesus and the work he has done for salvation (see 3:13-17 ^x; 10:32-33 ^y; 20:28 ^z; 26:28 ^aa; Acts 2:38 ^ab; Rom 6:1-11 ^ac; 1 Pet 3:21 ^ad).

• In the name of means entrance into a relationship and its benefits, which come to those who truly believe.

• Father ... Son ... Holy Spirit: This is a formulaic expression for the nature of God as a trinity (see also 1 Cor 12:4-6 ^ae; 2 Cor 13:14 ^af; Eph 4:4-6 ^ag; 2 Thes 2:13-14 ^ah; 1 Pet 1:2 ^ai; Rev 1:4-6 ^aj).
28:20 ^ak Teach: The disciples’ curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, chs 5–7 ^al). The church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus’ commands (5:17-20 ^am; 7:13-27 ^an). Jesus’ authority and presence are the basis for the disciples’ mission (see also 1:23 ^ao; 18:20 ^ap).