Matthew 28:19-20 Explained
"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 alway, even unto the end of the world." — Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Matthew 28:19-20 is the Great Commission — Jesus' final marching orders to the church, and one of the clearest Trinitarian statements in Scripture.
Context
These are the risen Jesus' last recorded words in Matthew, spoken on a mountain in Galilee. They close the Gospel by sending the disciples outward — from one mountain in Galilee to all nations.
What it means
The main verb is 'make disciples' (the Greek behind 'teach all nations'); 'going,' 'baptizing,' and 'teaching' are how. Note the Trinitarian formula — 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost' — one name, three persons. And the promise that makes the command bearable: 'I am with you alway.' The mission is global, the method is discipleship, the comfort is presence.
How to pray it
Pray this verse as a sending. Ask: who has God put in my life to disciple — even just one person? Then receive the promise: you do not go alone. 'I am with you alway.'
Carry this verse with you
Save Matthew 28:19-20 and a daily verse to your lock screen with Quiethaven. Read the surrounding chapter in the Bible app, pair it with a prayer timer, and turn Scripture into a daily habit.
Keep Matthew 28:19-20 close — free on iPhone.
Download on the App Store