Matthew 28:1-10 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

The Empty Tomb (Mark 16:1-8 *, Luke 24:1-12). Mt. is here not so close to Mk., except in Matthew 28:5-7. The note of time in Matthew 28:1 is not clear; the Sab bath would end at sunset on Saturday. began to dawn ought perhaps to be rendered drew on (cf. Luke 23:54 * and mg.). In this case Mt. describes a resurrection on Saturday evening. (See Allen, Comm. on Mk., pp. 188- 190.) He mentions only the two Maries (omitting Salome), and says nothing about their desire to anoint the body: the sealed and guarded tomb prevented this. None of the Gospels record the actual exit of Jesus, and it is not clear whether Mt. means us to understand that the earthquake and the angel came before or simultaneously with the women. Became as dead men (Matthew 28:4)=fainted. Matthew 28:9 f. is peculiar to Mt., though there is a link with John 20:17, where we should render Do not keep clinging to me. There is a certain redundancy in these verses after Matthew 28:5-7.

Matthew 28:1-10

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2 And, behold, there wasa a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying,All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10 Then said Jesus unto them,Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.