"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. (17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."
The only circumstance here of note to be attended to is, what is said that some doubted. What some? We read of no more but the eleven disciples being present, and how many can be supposed to be included in the phrase of some doubting? And what is to be understood by the doubting of any? Not surely that Christ was risen from the dead. For this interview at the mountain Jesus had appointed them, must have been some days after the day of our Lord's resurrection during which time they had all seen Christ and all had had testimonies upon testimonies of the certainty of it. The unbelief of Thomas had been removed before this, and which was eight days, or rather the eighth day, from the day of Christ's resurrection. John 20:26. The doubting here spoken of, therefore can mean no more; than, that notwithstanding this meeting in Galilee was by the Lord's own appointment, (see Mark 14:28. and Mark 16:7.) and the whole eleven had seen Christ before (John 20:26.); yet, now again, some of them for the moment doubted the reality of what they saw, overcome with holy joy and surprize, and supposing, as upon the former occasion, that they had seen a spirit when they cried out for fear, Luke 24:37. This must be the meaning of the phrase.
They beheld the Lord Jesus with the rest; and they had before received ample proof of his resurrection from the dead; but when Jesus appeared and the greater part immediately worshipped him with divine adoration, some were so struck with consternation as to appear like men in a state of suspense.