Matthew 28:1-8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:1

In the end of the Sabbath - Οψε δε σαββατων . After the end of the week: this is the translation given by several eminent critics; and in this way the word οψε is used by the most eminent Greek writers. Thucydides, lib. iv. chap. 93, της ημερας οψε ην - the day was ended. Plutarch, οψε των βασιλεως χρονων - after the times of the king. Philostratus οψε των Τροικων - after the Trojan war. See Rosenmuller. In general the Jews divided their natural day, which consisted of twenty-four... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:2

A great earthquake - Σεισμος , a shaking or commotion of any kind: probably the word means no more than the confusion caused among the guards by the angel's appearance. All this had taken place before the women reached the sepulchre. The angel of the Lord descended from heaven - Matthew is very particular in this, to show that the word angel is not to be taken in the sense of an ordinary messenger, who might have come from Joseph of Arimathea, or from any other; but in the sense of an... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:3

His countenance - His appearance, ἡ ιδεα αυτου ; or, his face, for so the word is used in some of the best Greek writers. It seems, from Mark 16:5 , that this angel had assumed the appearance of a young man. Like lightning - Coruscations of glory continually flaming from his face. This might produce the confusion mentioned Matthew 28:2 . His raiment white as snow - He was clothed in garments emblematical of the glad tidings which he came to announce. It would have been... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:4

The keepers - became as dead men - God can, by one and the same means, comfort his servants, and terrify his enemies. The resurrection of Christ is a subject of terror to the servants of sin, and a subject of consolation to the sons of God; because it is a proof of the resurrection of both, the one to shame and everlasting contempt - the other to eternal glory and joy. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:5

I know that ye seek Jesus - Speaking after the manner of men, these women deserved to be the first witnesses of the resurrection of Christ: during life they ministered to him, and in death they were not divided. They attended him to the Cross, notwithstanding their attachment to him exposed them to the most imminent danger; and now they come to watch and weep at his Tomb. The common opinion is, that women are more fickle and less courageous than men. The reverse of this I believe to be the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:6

Come, see the place - The tomb in which our Lord was laid was no doubt like the rest of the Jewish burying places, a receptacle for the several dead of a whole family, divided into separate niches, where each had his place. Come and see the place - was tantamount to, Come and see the niche in which he was laid - it is now empty; nor was there any other body in the place, for the tomb was a new one, in which no man had ever been laid, John 19:41 ; so there could be no deception in the case. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:7

Go quickly and tell his disciples - Thus these faithful women proclaim the Gospel to those who were afterwards to be the teachers of the whole human race! Behold what honor God puts upon those who persevere in his truth, and continue to acknowledge him before men! That he is risen from the dead - There is a remarkable saying of R. Judah Hakkodesh, which some critics quote on this subject: "After Three Days the Soul of the Messiah shall Return to its body, and he shall Go Out of that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:8

They departed quickly from the sepulchre - At the desire of the angel they went into the tomb, to have the fullest certainty of the resurrection. Fear and great joy - Fear, produced by the appearance of this glorious messenger of God; and great joy occasioned by the glad tidings of the resurrection of their Lord and Master. At the mention of unexpected good news, fear and joy are generally intermingled. - Vix sum apud me, ita animus commotus est metu, Spe, gaudio, mirando hoc... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:1

Verse 1 We now come to the closing scene of our redemption. For the lively assurance of our reconciliation with God arises from Christ having come from hell as the conqueror of death, in order to show that he had the power of a new life at his disposal. Justly, therefore, does Paul say that there will be no gospel, and that the hope of salvation will be vain and fruitless, unless we believe that Christ is risen from the dead, (1 Corinthians 15:14.) For then did Christ obtain righteousness for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 28:2

Verse 2 Matthew 28:2.And, lo, a great earthquake. By many signs the Lord showed the presence of his glory, that he might more fully prepare the hearts of the holy women to reverence the mystery. (304) For since it was not a matter of little consequence to know that the Son of God had obtained a victory over death, (on which the principal point of our salvation is founded,) it was necessary to remove all doubts, that the divine majesty might be openly and manifestly presented to the eyes of the... read more

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