Matthew 28:16
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Galilee, about 80-100 miles north of Jerusalem, was the region where Jesus conducted most of His ministry. Most disciples were Galileans (Acts 1:11, 2:7). Returning to familiar territory where Jesus had taught, performed miracles, and called them to discipleship was fitting for this climactic encounter.
The specific mountain is unidentified. Some suggest it was the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, creating bookends for His public ministry—beginning with kingdom ethics (Matthew 5-7) and ending with kingdom mission (Matthew 28:18-20). Others propose Mount Tabor (traditional site of Transfiguration) or mountains near Capernaum. The location's anonymity may be intentional; what matters is not the site but the commission given there.
This appearance to 'the eleven' likely corresponds to Paul's reference in 1 Corinthians 15:6: Jesus 'was seen of above five hundred brethren at once.' The mountain gathering may have included the eleven plus many other disciples who had followed Jesus during His Galilean ministry. The convergence of Gospel and Epistle testimony strengthens historical reliability.
The forty days between resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3) involved multiple appearances in different locations (Jerusalem, Emmaus road, Galilee), teaching about the kingdom. This Galilean appearance was likely near the end of that period, shortly before the ascension from the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem (Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9-12).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the specification of 'eleven disciples' (not twelve) teach us about the sobering reality of apostasy and the need for persevering faith?
- How does Jesus's appointment of the meeting place demonstrate His sovereign control over His church and mission, and how should this shape our confidence in ministry?
- Why is it significant that the Great Commission was given on a mountain, recalling other mountain revelations in Jesus's ministry?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. Narrative shifts from the guards' deception to the disciples' obedience. 'The eleven disciples' (οἱ δὲ ἕνδεκα μαθηταί/hoi de hendeka mathētai)—no longer twelve since Judas's betrayal and suicide (Matthew 27:3-5). This detail underscores the tragedy of apostasy: one who walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, heard His teaching, ultimately fell away. Yet Christ's purposes prevail despite human failure; the eleven became foundation of His church.
'Went away into Galilee' (ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν/eporeuthēsan eis tēn Galilaian)—they obeyed the angel's and Jesus's instructions (Matthew 28:7, 10). This obedience despite confusion and fear marked their transition from scattered, frightened fugitives to apostles. True discipleship involves obeying Christ's word even when understanding is incomplete.
'Into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them' (εἰς τὸ ὄρος οὗ ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς/eis to oros hou etaxato autois ho Iēsous)—Jesus had predetermined this meeting place and time. The verb ἐτάξατο (etaxato) means to arrange, appoint, order. Christ sovereignly orchestrates events; He is never caught off guard or improvising. His resurrection appearances were planned, purposeful encounters designed to commission and equip His church.
Mountains hold significance in Matthew's Gospel: the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), and now the Great Commission. Mountains represent places of divine revelation and encounter. This unnamed mountain in Galilee becomes the site of Christ's final instructions to His apostles before ascension.