What does Matthew 28:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 28:17 provides a concise account of the response of the eleven disciples when they saw the resurrected Jesus. Upon encountering Christ, their immediate reaction was worship, indicating recognition of His divinity and acknowledging the fulfillment of prophecies regarding His Resurrection.

However, the verse also candidly notes that despite the miraculous nature of the event, "some doubted." This acknowledgment of doubt adds a human element to the narrative, some of Jesus's closest followers experienced uncertainty even when confronted with the risen Savior.

This doubt may reflect the struggle between their prior understanding of death as final and the reality of Jesus’s Resurrection.

Historical Context

Matthew 28:17 is part of a larger section commonly referred to as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).

This passage was written in the context of first-century Judaic culture, following the events of the crucifixion and reported resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Jewish tradition, worship was typically reserved for God alone, so the act of worshiping Jesus is significant in affirming His divine status.

The historical context of this verse includes the Roman occupation of Judea and the Jewish expectation of a messiah who would lead a physical liberation.

These events were occurring in a Greco-Roman world, where resurrection was not typically believed to be possible.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Matthew 28:17 raises discussions about faith, doubt, the nature of the resurrected body, and the identity of Jesus.

Christian theology often interprets the worship of Jesus as an acknowledgment of His divine nature and His oneness with God the Father.

The presence of doubt is a topic of great interest to theologians as it reflects the genuine human response to the miraculous.

This doubting can be seen as a precursor to a more profound faith as the disciples moved from uncertainty to becoming the founders of the early Church.

Practical Applications

Matthew 28:17 serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in the face of doubt.

Believers can find comfort in knowing that even the apostles had moments of uncertainty, which suggests that doubt is a natural part of spiritual growth.

The practical takeaway is that individuals may express faith through worship even while grappling with questions and uncertainties.

This verse also encourages Christians to seek truth and clarity through worship and prayer, suggesting that faith can coexist with intellectual inquiry and doubt.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:9 - "And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.

And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him."

• John 20:28 - "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
• Luke 24:36-43 – The disciples doubt Jesus' physical resurrection until He eats in front of them.
• Matthew 14:33 - "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Language Study

The key phrase within this verse is "but some doubted" (Greek: οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν, hoi de edistasan).

The Greek verb "ἐδίστασαν" (edistasan) is derived from "διστάζω" (distazó), which means to doubt, waver, or hesitate. It indicates an inner conflict or hesitation rather than outright disbelief.

It is essential to note this distinction, as it enriches the interpretation of the disciples' reactions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing the resurrection account of Jesus to other ancient myths, we find that while the idea of a rising god (such as Osiris in Egyptian mythology or the dying-and-rising god motif found in some Near Eastern religions) is not unique, the Christian narrative distinguishes itself through the historical particularity and physical nature of Jesus' resurrection.

Unlike mythical analogs that symbolize seasonal cycles or spiritual truths, the Gospel accounts assert a literal and transformative event.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of physical resurrection conflicts with the scientific understanding that death is the final and irreversible cessation of biological functions.

Modern science has no empirical framework to validate events like resurrection, as it is considered a supernatural occurrence beyond the scope of natural laws.

Therefore, the scientific perspective would regard the resurrection as an article of faith rather than a demonstrable fact.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 28:17 offer various interpretations.

Some biblical scholars, like N.T.

Wright, emphasize the historicity of the resurrection and how the disciples' lives were transformed thereafter, leading to the birth of the church.

Others, like William Barclay, underscore the sincerity of the Gospel writers in acknowledging the human response of doubt.

Contemporary theologians often focus on the significance of worship in this passage as an act of faith in the divine Jesus, while acknowledging the realism the narrative provides by mentioning the disciples' doubts.