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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
28:1-20 The Resurrection and Commission of the Messiah. Matthew's concluding chapter recounts Jesus' resurrection from the dead. His resurrection confirms his identity and that his accomplishment at the cross was accepted by God the Father. Jesus now lives as the faithful companion, master, and Lord of those who respond to his great commission (vv. 16-20).
28:1-10 An Empty Tomb and the Risen Jesus. The female disciples of Jesus discover an empty tomb (vv. 1-4). After an angel announces Jesus' resurrection and instructs them (vv. 5-7), they meet the risen Jesus (vv. 8-10).
28:1 first day of the week. Sunday morning. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (cf. 27:61). The women remain courageously faithful. Cf. note on 26:31.
28:2 great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord. The earthquake either occurred simultaneously with the appearance of the angel or was the means the angel used to roll away the stone.
28:3-4 fear of him. The appearance of angels often produced fear (cf. Judg. 13:19-20). The guards are probably battle-hardened soldiers, but they have never witnessed anything like this.
28:7 his disciples. Probably the Eleven. Galilee. The central location of Jesus' earthly ministry continues in importance during his post-resurrection ministry.
28:9 Took hold of his feet shows that this is no mere vision or hallucination but a physical resurrection. By allowing this act of worship, here and in v. 17, Jesus accepts the acknowledgment of his deity, as only God is to be worshiped.
28:10 my brothers. Perhaps the Eleven, but more likely the broader group of disciples who had followed Jesus (cf. "my brothers" in 12:49-50; 25:40). If so, this is the larger group of disciples who will see the risen Lord (e.g., 1 Cor. 15:6).
