The Significance of Doubt in Matthew's Ascension Account
In Matthew's account of the Ascension, the presence of doubt among some of the disciples (Matthew 28:17) is a significant detail that highlights the human element within divine revelation. While Jesus appeared to the disciples, and they worshipped him, "some doubted" [6]. This detail is not unique to Matthew; other Gospel accounts also suggest initial disbelief or questioning among those who witnessed the resurrected Christ [5, 6].
The nature of this doubt is not explicitly defined in Matthew's text. It could refer to Thomas's initial skepticism, as recorded in John 20:24-29, or it might indicate a broader, mixed reaction among all eleven disciples, encompassing both worship and uncertainty [6]. The concept of doubt in the Bible often relates to a lack of faith or conviction, particularly when faced with challenges or difficult truths [1, 4]. For instance, the "full assurance of faith" is described as a fullness of belief that leaves no room for doubt [2].
The inclusion of doubt in the Ascension narrative serves several interpretive purposes. It underscores the reality of the resurrection appearances, as the disciples were not easily convinced, lending credibility to their eventual testimony [3]. Even after witnessing Jesus, some still struggled to fully grasp the magnitude of what they were seeing. This human struggle with belief is a recurring theme; for example, Jesus "upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart" even at the general meeting in Galilee [5].
The presence of doubt among the disciples also provides a point of connection for future believers. It suggests that faith is not always an immediate or unwavering state, but can coexist with questions and uncertainties. The apostles themselves, despite their close relationship with Jesus, experienced moments of wavering conviction [7]. This detail in Matthew's account acknowledges the psychological complexity of encountering the divine and the process of coming to full assurance [2].
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 13:21 (BBE) — But having no root in himself, he goes on for a time; and when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, he quickly becomes full of doubts.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Assurance — The resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31) is the "assurance" (Gr. pistis, generally rendered "faith") or pledge God has given that his revelation is true and worthy of acceptance. The "full assurance [Gr. plerophoria, full bearing'] of faith" (Heb. 10:22) is a fulness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. The "full assurance of understanding" (Col. 2:2) is an entire unwavering conviction of the truth of the declarations of Scripture, a joyful steadfastness on the part of any one of conviction that he has grasped the very truth. The "full assurance ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Resurrection of Christ — One of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (Acts 2:24-28). In his own discourses, also, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19-22). The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event, and the apostles, ”
- Mark “Mark 4:17 (BBE) — And they have no root in themselves, but go on for a time; then, when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, they quickly become full of doubts.”
- Mark (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Mark 16:14: Here is, I. The conviction which Christ gave his apostles of the truth of his resurrection (Mar 16:14); He appeared to them himself, when they were all together, as they sat at meat, which gave him an opportunity to eat and drink with them, for their full satisfaction; see Act 10:41. And still, when he appeared to them, he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, for even at the general meeting in Galilee, some doubted, as we find Mat 28:17. Note, The evidences of the truth of the gospel are so full, that those who receive it not, may justly be upb”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:17: 28:17 some of them doubted: This might be a veiled reference to Thomas (John 20:24-29), but all eleven might have experienced a mixture of both worship and doubt (see also Matt 14:31; Luke 24:10-11; John 20:24-29).”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 6:69: And we believe,--(See on Mat 16:16). Peter seems to have added this not merely--probably not so much--as an assurance to his Lord of his heart's belief in Him, as for the purpose of fortifying himself and his faithful brethren against that recoil from his Lord's harsh statements which he was probably struggling against with difficulty at that moment. Note.--There are seasons when one's faith is tried to the utmost, particularly by speculative difficulties; the spiritual eye then swims, and all truth seems ready to depart from us. At such seasons, a clear”