What does “all authority in heaven and earth” mean (Matthew 28:18)?

Following His resurrection, Jesus gathered His disciples—some of whom were still experiencing doubt and fear—and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18–20).

In this passage, Jesus identifies Himself as having supreme authority over all creation. Christ’s authority was a theme Matthew emphasized throughout his Gospel (see Matthew 7:29; 9:6; 10:1; 21:23). The prophet Daniel prophesied of the Messiah’s authority “over all the nations of the world” (Daniel 7:13–14). This moment in Matthew 28:18 is pivotal in the New Testament, setting the stage for the church to begin its mission of evangelizing the world.

When Christ claimed to have “all authority in heaven and earth,” He was declaring the fullness of His power and dominion. The word translated as “authority” in Matthew 28:18 is exousia in the original Greek. It refers to “ruling power over a domain or sphere of influence.” Christ’s total and complete ruling authority encompasses both the spiritual (“heaven”) and physical realm (“earth”).

“Heaven” or the spiritual domain includes angels, spiritual forces, heavenly beings and activities, and all that pertains to God’s kingdom. “Earth” represents the physical world, including humanity, animals, nature, weather, governments, and all earthly affairs. Jesus Christ’s authority encompasses every aspect of life and creation (see Colossians 1:15–20; 2:9–10; 1 Peter 3:18–22). Scripture declares, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9–11). The apostle Paul explains that it has always been God’s “good plan” to “bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:9–10, NLT).

When God the Father raised Christ from the dead, He seated Him in the place of honor at His right hand in heaven (see Matthew 26:64; Romans 14:9; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3–4; 1 Peter 3:22). Now Jesus “is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church” (Ephesians 1:21–22, NLT). Christ’s authority is unlimited and eternal. No power in heaven nor on earth is outside His control.

Christ’s declaration that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Him is the basis of the Great Commission. Jesus was about to instruct His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. The Great Commission was not a small challenge; it was an immense undertaking that would span the globe and reach through the centuries. The disciples needed to understand that Jesus was not just a great teacher or prophet but the sovereign Lord over the whole world. With His words, Christ sought to impart comfort, courage, and confidence and to dispel doubt and fear.

The foundation of the Great Commission is Jesus Christ’s authority. Believers who respond in obedience operate under His directive. His authority formally legitimizes the mission, providing His followers with confidence and assurance to carry it out. The absolute King of all creation appoints the members of His kingdom to be His delegates. In His supreme ruling authority, He grants us full rights and privileges to preach His message of truth and make disciples.

All authority in heaven and on earth reveals Jesus Christ’s ultimate power over every realm of existence. This authority is the basis for His commission to the disciples and to all believers. We preach the gospel not on our own authority but on Christ’s. Our trust in His lordship and sovereignty underpins everything we do to further His kingdom.