And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.
Though the Son as Creator had original right over all things, His mediatorial government is given Him specifically to redeem His people, gather His church, defend His chosen, and subdue all their enemies. This power extends over the material world, angels, devils, wicked men, and His own saints, all placed under Him that He might purchase and preserve the church with His blood.
AI summary
Christ began by declaring His power before commanding them to teach, and for good reason. No ordinary authority suffices for one who must subdue the whole world to His gospel and promise eternal life; He must possess sovereign divine government. The Apostles would never have dared undertake so arduous an office without knowing their Protector sits in heaven with highest authority. When we hear the gospel from poor and despised preachers, we must lift our eyes to the Master Himself, whose power alone establishes the majesty of what is preached.
AI summary
The disciples went to Galilee after the second week and likely to the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Jesus had appointed them. The five hundred brethren who saw Him at once had assembled by the promise of this manifestation, which was His most conspicuous resurrection appearance.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 28:16-20