Does Matthew 28:19 contradict Acts 2:38?

The command says name, singular

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are revelatory titles. The apostles understood the one saving name to be Jesus.

Acts is the inspired execution

Every recorded apostolic baptism that names a formula points to Jesus Christ or the Lord Jesus.

Matthew 28:19 gives the command; Acts shows how the apostles carried it out

The passages should be read together rather than treated as competing baptism formulas. Jesus commands baptism in the singular name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Beginning at Pentecost, the apostles repeatedly baptize in the name of Jesus Christ or the Lord Jesus. Acts is the inspired record of the same apostles executing the commission they received from Christ.

Why the singular word “name” matters

Matthew says “in the name,” singular, before naming Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. That wording invites the reader to ask what name is being revealed. Apostolic preaching consistently centers salvation, remission of sins, authority, and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:19...baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 24:47 is the bridge between the Great Commission and Acts 2:38

Luke records the risen Jesus commanding that repentance and remission of sins be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Acts 2 is that Jerusalem beginning. Peter's command to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ therefore follows the language and location of the commission itself.

The Jesus-name pattern continues after Pentecost

Acts does not record Jesus-name baptism only once. Samaritans are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, Gentiles are commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord, and disciples at Ephesus are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The repeated pattern makes Acts 2:38 part of a consistent apostolic practice rather than an isolated wording choice.