Matthew 28:16-20 Part 1

The Central Idea of the Text is that the resurrected Jesus shows Himself to the apostles and commands them to go into all the world and make disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives one command to make disciples.  The three participles (going, baptizing and teaching) are subordinate to the command (to make disciples), expressing the means for accomplishment.  The world often does not come to the church, so believers must go out to the world and share the gospel message (Rom. 10:12-15).  Once saved, a person is water baptized, which symbolically identifies him with the Triune God.  The primary purpose of the apostles was to teach what had been communicated to them, both concerning the gospel message about Christ (1 Cor. 2:1-2; 15:3-4), and the life-commands pertaining to sanctification (NT teaching).  Believers participate in God’s ministry to the world, knowing He is revealing Himself and working in the hearts of men everywhere (John 16:7-11).