Critics argue that Matthew 28:19-20 represents a late theological development. However, reasons for dating it late are unpersuasive:

• The passage reflects numerous verses in the OT regarding future blessings for the Gentiles.
• Some suggest that it reflects a fixed code for baptism, and is therefore late, but one may question whether the triune composition was intended to be a fixed code. To be sure it has a certain structure, but it offers no instructions saying, "This is a formula to be used over baptism." At most it tells the disciples what authority they have to teach and to baptize. The meaning is essentially to baptize in fundamental reference to the three, and is placed in contrast to the authority for baptism placed in John the Baptist.
• The claim that the passage's appeal to the Trinity reflects a late development must wrestle with Trinitarian-compatible concepts found earlier in Judaism, and Paul's Trinitarian concepts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 and 2 Corinthians 13:14.
• Finally, the objection is made that if this verse had been known, then the Apostles would not have debated the legitimacy of the Gentile mission nor assigned it to two non-apostles like Barnabas and Paul. This overlooks the historical reality. The legitimacy of the Gentile mission was not debated, just its methods (e.g., do they need to follow the law?), and none of the Apostles would have been suited as well to a Gentile mission as Paul and Barnabas (especially Paul, who shows signs of having received a classical education).