Matthew 28:19 is one of the most well-known scripture passages among Christians worldwide. It records Jesus' command to his disciples to baptize people "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." For many Christian denominations, this verse is fundamental to their understanding of the Trinity and their baptism practices. However, Jehovah's Witnesses interpret this verse differently from mainstream Trinitarian churches. This article explores how Jehovah's Witnesses explain Matthew 28:19, their doctrinal reasoning, and the implications for their beliefs and practices.
Understanding Matthew 28:19 in Context
To fully grasp Jehovah's Witnesses' interpretation of Matthew 28:19, it is essential to understand the verse within its biblical and historical context. The verse is part of the so-called Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his disciples after his resurrection to spread his teachings worldwide. The verse reads in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, used by Jehovah's Witnesses:
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
In Greek, the phrase "in the name of" is "εἰς τὸ ὄνομα," which literally means "into the name" or "in the authority of." The verse emphasizes baptizing individuals into the name or authority of the three divine persons.
Jehovah's Witnesses' View of the Trinity
Central to understanding Jehovah's Witnesses' explanation of Matthew 28:19 is their rejection of the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Mainstream Trinitarian churches believe that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three persons in one Godhead, co-equal and co-eternal. Jehovah's Witnesses, however, hold a strict non-Trinitarian view.
- God the Father: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the only true God, the Creator of all things, and the supreme being.
- Jesus Christ: They regard Jesus as God's first creation, the Son of God, but not as God himself. They believe Jesus is a separate, subordinate being who was given authority by Jehovah.
- The Holy Spirit: They interpret the Holy Spirit not as a person but as God's active force used to accomplish his will.
This doctrinal stance leads Jehovah's Witnesses to interpret biblical references to the "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit" as referring to distinct entities with different roles, rather than a single divine essence.
The Explanation of Matthew 28:19 by Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses explain Matthew 28:19 through the lens of their understanding of God's name and the nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Their primary points include:
1. The Significance of "In the Name"
Jehov's Witnesses emphasize that the phrase "in the name of" indicates authority, not a literal listing of persons within a single divine being. They argue that baptizing "in the name" signifies acting under the authority or power of that name, which is Jehovah's name.
They believe that the triad of "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit" in the verse is not an indication of a three-in-one God but a reference to the three distinct divine persons involved in the baptismal act, each with their own identity and role.
2. The Use of Singular "Name" vs. Plural "Names"
Many Trinitarian translations use "name" in the singular, implying a unity of the divine persons. Jehovah's Witnesses point out that the Greek text uses the singular "ὄνομα" ("name") and interpret this as emphasizing the unity of God's purpose and authority, rather than a triune God concept.
They contend that the phrase "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" is a way of referring to the authority of Jehovah, exercised through his Son and the Holy Spirit, rather than indicating three persons in one God.
3. The "Name" as Jehovah
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's personal name is Jehovah, which appears over 6,800 times in their translation of the Bible. They assert that baptizing "in the name" refers to baptizing in Jehovah's authority, with Jesus and the Holy Spirit acting under Jehovah's direction.
They interpret the verse as a command to recognize Jehovah's sovereignty and to dedicate believers to him through baptism, with Jesus and the Holy Spirit serving as representatives or agents of Jehovah's will.
4. The Role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit
In their explanation, Jehovah's Witnesses stress that Jesus is not to be worshiped as God but as God's Son, obedient and subordinate. The Holy Spirit is seen as God's active force, not a person with consciousness or independence.
This view influences their understanding of the baptismal formula, which they see as a way of acknowledging the authority of Jehovah through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, rather than a formula for invoking a triune God.
5. Biblical Support for Their View
Jehovah's Witnesses cite other scriptures to support their interpretation:
- John 17:3: They interpret "this means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ," as distinguishing Jehovah from Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus is sent by Jehovah, not equal to him.
- Acts 4:12: "For there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved," which they interpret as referring specifically to Jehovah's name.
- Colossians 1:15-20: They see this passage as demonstrating Jesus' subordinate role in creation and salvation, reinforcing their view that Jesus is a divine creature, not part of a triune God.
Implications for Baptism and Worship
Due to their understanding of Matthew 28:19, Jehovah's Witnesses baptize converts "in the name of Jehovah" and emphasize the importance of recognizing Jehovah's sovereignty. Their baptismal practice is distinct from many Christian denominations that baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" as a formula invoking the triune God.
They believe that this approach aligns with their interpretation of scripture and underscores their monotheistic belief in Jehovah as the sole true God.
Conclusion
In summary, Jehovah's Witnesses interpret Matthew 28:19 as a clear instruction to baptize in the name of Jehovah, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. Their understanding rejects the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, viewing the "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit" as distinct persons with unique roles rather than a single divine essence. This interpretation influences their baptismal practices, worship, and overall theology, setting them apart from many other Christian groups.
By focusing on biblical context, the original Greek text, and their doctrinal principles, Jehovah's Witnesses present a distinctive explanation of Matthew 28:19 that underscores their commitment to monotheism and their understanding of God's name and authority.