The Mystery of Matthew 28:19

[Mike R. Prevost]

Mat 28:18-20 KJV And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. {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: {20} 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. Amen.

 

I know that the words of this passage are somewhat in controversy -- this may not be exactly what Jesus said.  But when writing about baptism, it's almost impossible to not talk about this verse, and it's usually not very effective to argue that Jesus didn't say these words.  It seems like we usually want to talk about what Jesus DIDN'T mean or COULDN'T have meant.  E.g., "He COULDN'T have meant for us to say these exact words at baptism because the word "name" is singular!", etc.  It seems like we should have a good, convincing explanation of what He DID mean and WHY He chose to use these words -- an explanation that fits with our understanding of baptism.

 

Assuming that He did say to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost", what was He trying to convey by using these three titles in the context of baptism?

 

I've wondered about this for a long time.  Hopefully someone out there has a satisfying answer.  Any ideas?

 

[Stan Hallett]

Mike,

I do think a desire for truth has a lot to do with it.  A lot of so-called "Trinitarians" believe that they have the truth, or just want to defend what they believe, without really hearing or seeing the truth that is being presented to them. 

"A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still."

I believe that a man with a hunger and thirst for truth will be filled. God knows the heart.

[David Huston]

Does this passage have any bearing on the special revelation discussion?

At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.  26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.  27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. (Matthew 11:25-27).