And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Ver. 5. Fear not ye] As the wicked are forbidden to rejoice for joy as other people, Hosea 9:1; so the godly to fear, so long as they have Christ by the hand; no, though the earth be removed, and the mountains cast into the midst of the sea,Psalms 46:2. David would not fear the shadow of death, the darkest side of death, death in its most hideous and horrid representations, because God was with him, Psalms 23:4; when Manasseh, that faced the heavens in his prosperity, in trouble basely hides his head among the bushes, and is there hence set, and bound with fetters, 2 Chronicles 33:11. These desperate soldiers run away as dastards, when the women stand it out, and as true daughters of faithful Sarah they are not afraid with any amazement, 1 Peter 3:6 .
I know that ye seek Jesus] God and his angels know our goodness, why then should we hunt after men's applause? Caesar hoc ipso veram laudem meruit, quod falsam conternsit, saith Lipsius: It should suffice us to know that our faith, how little soever seen or set by the world, shall be found to praise, and honour, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:7. The eclipsed moon shall by degrees wade out of the shadow.