New Testament
Matthew 28:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus commands His followers to spread His teachings to all people around the world.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Plain Meaning
The risen Jesus commands His eleven disciples to go and make disciples of all nations — not just Israel. Two actions follow: baptizing new believers and teaching them (verse 20). Baptizing 'in the name of' means bringing someone under the authority and identity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three are named together as a single name, not three separate names.
Read It in Context
Jesus has just declared that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him (verse 18). The word 'therefore' connects directly to that claim — because He holds all authority, He can send them to all nations with that authority behind them.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Matthew 28:19 and any verse in the Bible.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus commands His followers to spread His teachings to all people around the world. The instruction to 'go' emphasizes the active role believers must take in sharing their faith. The act of baptizing signifies the initiation of new believers into the Christian faith, symbolizing their commitment to God. The mention of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit highlights the importance of the Trinity in Christian belief. This verse is often referred to as the Great Commission, as it outlines the mission of the church to evangelize and make disciples of all nations. It encourages Christians to not only teach but also to guide others in their spiritual journey, fostering a community of faith that reflects the teachings of Jesus. This call to action is foundational for the growth of Christianity and emphasizes the importance of outreach and discipleship in the life of a believer.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 28:19 to your life
As believers, we are called to actively share our faith with others. This can be done through personal conversations, community service, or participating in mission trips. Engaging with diverse cultures and backgrounds helps fulfill the command to teach all nations.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary · Matthew 28:19 Meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 28:19 mean?
Matthew 28:19 is a command from Jesus to His followers to spread His teachings and baptize new believers. It emphasizes the importance of sharing faith with all nations and highlights the role of the Trinity in Christian belief.
What is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19?
The Great Commission refers to Jesus' instruction in Matthew 28:19 for His disciples to go out, teach, and baptize people from all nations. It serves as a foundational mandate for evangelism and discipleship in Christianity.
What does baptizing mean in Matthew 28:19?
In Matthew 28:19, baptizing refers to the act of initiating new believers into the Christian faith. It symbolizes their commitment to God and their acceptance of the teachings of Jesus.
Why is the Trinity mentioned in Matthew 28:19?
The mention of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Matthew 28:19 underscores the significance of the Trinity in Christian doctrine. It reflects the belief in one God in three persons, which is central to the faith.
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