Book of Matthew - Chapter 28 - Verse 16

After Jesus' resurrection, he instructed his disciples to meet him in Galilee on a mountain. This meeting was significant as it marked a time of renewal and reconnection between Jesus and his disciples. Galilee held a special place in Jesus' ministry as it was where he performed many miracles and preached to large crowds. By appointing this specific location for their meeting, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of their continued mission in spreading his teachings to the world. The mountain setting also symbolizes a place of spiritual significance and divine revelation. It was on mountains that Jesus often went to pray and connect with God, so this meeting on a mountain in Galilee carried a deeper spiritual meaning for both Jesus and his disciples. This verse serves as a reminder of the disciples' dedication to following Jesus and spreading his message, even after his death and resurrection.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse 'Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them,' it is important to note the significance of the location. Throughout the Bible, mountains often serve as places of divine encounter, where important events in the life of Jesus and his disciples take place. In this particular verse, the mountain in Galilee where Jesus appointed the disciples holds symbolic importance as the setting for a pivotal moment in the disciples' journey. Additionally, the act of Jesus appointing the disciples at this specific location underscores the authority and commissioning they received from him. Furthermore, the number 'eleven' mentioned in the verse is significant as it represents the remaining disciples after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and subsequent death. This number emphasizes the restoration and unity amongst the disciples as they gather in Galilee to receive instructions from Jesus.