Matthew 28:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The only ten disciples descended into Galilee, where some worshipped Him while others who beheld Him were filled with distress. This moment likely marked His final appearance in Galilee, during which He instructed them to baptize. Despite some harboring doubts, it is commendable that they did not hide their uncertainties, even as they faced the final days of their experiences. Indeed, some of them were reassured through His appearance. What was His message to them? "Unto me is given all power in heaven and on earth." He spoke to them in a manner relatable to their understanding, for they had not yet received the Holy Spirit, which would elevate them further.

The eleven primary disciples, along with all other believers, offered their worship to Christ. It is important to note that while some experienced doubt, this reflects a broader context. The eleven disciples journeyed to Galilee, and there, they worshipped Him; "others," likely among the seventy, had uncertainties about Christ. Ultimately, these individuals were also fortified in their faith. Some interpret that while Matthew did not specify who the doubters were, John clarified that the one with doubt was Thomas. However, it is also possible that all the disciples may have had moments of doubt, as indicated by Luke. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that when the disciples arrived in Galilee, they worshipped Christ, even though many had previously struggled with doubt in Jerusalem, as noted by Luke.

The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain designated by Jesus. Upon seeing Him, they worshipped, although some harbored doubts. After His resurrection, Jesus manifested Himself in Galilee on the mountain, where He was honored in worship, despite the uncertainty of some; nonetheless, their skepticism serves to deepen our faith. Thomas later received a clearer revelation of the side pierced by a spear and the hands that were nailed to the cross.

Certain individuals experienced doubt due to their concern about being misled. There is no need to identify who these individuals were, as they are not specified in this context; what matters is that they too were persuaded when Jesus Christ appeared to them.

Upon seeing Him, they bowed in humble worship, recognizing Him as God. Meanwhile, the others—not the eleven disciples, but the five hundred who believed in the Lord of Galilee and had not been prepared by the previous encounters with the Risen Christ—felt uncertain and were conflicted in their faith. They questioned whether they truly beheld the resurrected Lord. The apostles themselves experienced similar doubts when they first encountered Him in the locked room on the day after the Resurrection, believing at first that they had seen a ghost. St. Chrysostom notes the sincerity of their quest for truth, highlighting their willingness to acknowledge their uncertainties, even in those pivotal moments. Nevertheless, even those who wavered were reassured by the appearance of Christ.

According to the Gospels of Mark and Luke, among the numerous manifestations of the Risen Christ to His disciples, only one is detailed, which occurred on the evening of the first day of the week. In the account of Matthew, he also selects a single instance from this series, specifically reporting on Christ’s appearance to the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. The disciples journeyed to Galilee from Jerusalem following the feast, responding to the specific direction of the Risen Lord Himself. Additionally, there was a divine instruction regarding the timing and location of their gathering in Galilee. However, the exact time and place of this meeting remain unknown.

Upon seeing Him, some acknowledged Him and offered Him their worship, while others were uncertain if He truly was the Messiah.

On a solitary mountain, they gathered in anticipation, filled with joy, although their joy was accompanied by deep reflection. Their contemplation was soon disrupted by the arrival of the Lord. When the disciples beheld Him, they offered their worship; however, some experienced uncertainty. This doubt arose from the unexpected nature of the Lord's manifestation before them. Lacking an understanding of the spiritual essence of their Teacher, now glorified through the resurrection, they still regarded Him as the familiar Jesus, clad in earthly form.

Some harbored uncertainties: “If some were uncertain, admire their devotion to the truth, as they did not conceal their shortcomings, even in those final days that had come upon them. Yet, these too were reassured through appearances” (Zlat.). The doubts expressed by the disciples, frequently referenced in the Gospels, serve as compelling evidence that they were not swept away by mere visions or caught in a state of ecstasy, but were diligently seeking to understand the reality of the resurrection.

The Lord manifested Himself not merely to reassure His followers but also to empower the sacred apostles for the global proclamation of His message, establishing the sacred 'foundation' of His Church through the sacrament of baptism, as noted by St. Athanasius of Alexandria. Additionally, He sought to fortify the believers with the assurance of His eternal presence. The apostles, having witnessed the risen Lord and assembled on the mountain at His directive, appropriately worshipped Him. Yet among the multitude of Galileans gathered, some harbored doubts regarding the miraculous sight of the One who was no longer considered among the living. This moment of uncertainty, however, soon transformed into a profound and steadfast belief in the great truth. The holy Apostle Paul, while recounting those who beheld the Risen Lord, referred to five hundred brethren, the majority of whom were still living at that time, though some had already passed away (1 Cor. 15:6).