Matthew 28:11-20

A. 11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

B. 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

A’. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught:

B’. and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

2A. 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

2B. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

2C. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

2B’. 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

2A’. and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

One thought on “Matthew 28:11-20”

  1. I wonder if the Great Commission might have a more detailed chiasm than shown here. I’d propose the following:

    16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,

    2A All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

    2B. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,

    2C. baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

    2B’. 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

    2A’. and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    Reasons I think this may be more accurate: Jesus having all power in Heaven and on Earth feels naturally tied to His reassurance of being with the apostles, and commanding that the nations be taught clearly links to teaching them to obey. I also think there’s a lot of power in the central piece of the Great Commission being baptism in the name of Father, Son, and Spirit.

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