09-03-2008, 10:32 PM
The "Name" in Matthew 28:19
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WHAT DO YOU MAKE ABOUT THIS ?
PART 1) A Restoration Light Publication
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name [Greek, onoma] of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." -- Matthew 28:19, New American Standard Version
This scripture is often used by trinitarians to make it appear that that there are three persons in God. Others refer to the scripture as meaning that Jesus is expressed as three modes, manifestations, etc. What we want to know is exactly what does this scripture say, what does it not say, and how does harmonize with the rest of the scriptures.
We first note that there is nothing in Matthew 28:19 that says the three mentioned are co-equal or co-eternal. We know many try to say that since it says "name" -- singular -- that this means that there are three persons being spoken of with one name, and that this proves that there is a trinity of persons in one God. Matthew 28:19 does not say that these are three persons, although two of those mentioned are persons. But even if it was speaking of three persons, it does not say or imply that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three persons in one Supreme Being.
It is apparent that the word "name" here does not refer to any separate appellations of the three mentioned. We have the personal name of the Father -- Yahweh. We have the personal name of the Son -- Jesus. But the scriptures do not give a personal name for the holy spirit. Therefore the word "name" is either used in the sense of authority or of character.
And the Bible does use of the word "name" in the Bible is that of authority or power. Thus David sent his men to Nabal in his name, that is, with his authority. (1 Samuel 25:5,9) In Matthew 7:22, many are described as claiming to have done many works in the Master's name, that is, with his authority. Peter and Paul were asked by the priests: "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) These references all show that by coming in the name of another means to come with the authority given by that person. It does not necessarily refer to the word or appelation itself that is used to distinguish that person. In reference to this Robertson states concerning Matthew 28:19:
read part 2
SOME BIBLE STUDENT DID SEND ME THIS ARTICLE ?
WHAT DO YOU MAKE ABOUT THIS ?
PART 1) A Restoration Light Publication
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name [Greek, onoma] of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." -- Matthew 28:19, New American Standard Version
This scripture is often used by trinitarians to make it appear that that there are three persons in God. Others refer to the scripture as meaning that Jesus is expressed as three modes, manifestations, etc. What we want to know is exactly what does this scripture say, what does it not say, and how does harmonize with the rest of the scriptures.
We first note that there is nothing in Matthew 28:19 that says the three mentioned are co-equal or co-eternal. We know many try to say that since it says "name" -- singular -- that this means that there are three persons being spoken of with one name, and that this proves that there is a trinity of persons in one God. Matthew 28:19 does not say that these are three persons, although two of those mentioned are persons. But even if it was speaking of three persons, it does not say or imply that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three persons in one Supreme Being.
It is apparent that the word "name" here does not refer to any separate appellations of the three mentioned. We have the personal name of the Father -- Yahweh. We have the personal name of the Son -- Jesus. But the scriptures do not give a personal name for the holy spirit. Therefore the word "name" is either used in the sense of authority or of character.
And the Bible does use of the word "name" in the Bible is that of authority or power. Thus David sent his men to Nabal in his name, that is, with his authority. (1 Samuel 25:5,9) In Matthew 7:22, many are described as claiming to have done many works in the Master's name, that is, with his authority. Peter and Paul were asked by the priests: "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) These references all show that by coming in the name of another means to come with the authority given by that person. It does not necessarily refer to the word or appelation itself that is used to distinguish that person. In reference to this Robertson states concerning Matthew 28:19:
read part 2