Matthew 28:3 meaning
In the momentous setting of the resurrection, the angel who delivers the good news embodies divine glory. His appearance, described with features like lightning and garments white as snow, signifies not only purity but also the majesty of the resurrection event itself. The sheer terror this angel imposes on the guards, who become as dead men, juxtaposes the joy and wonder experienced by the women who visit the tomb. This contrast illustrates the multifaceted nature of encountering the divine—fear intertwined with awe.
Matthew 28:3 encapsulates this significant encounter, marking the genesis of hope and the profound realization that Jesus has triumphed over death. The angel's role serves to confirm the truth of Christ's resurrection and invites the expectant and fearful disciples to witness the empty tomb, reinforcing the promise of life beyond death—a central theme in Christian faith. Thus, the resurrection stands at the core of theological understanding, teaching believers about the hope found in Christ's victory over sin and death.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 28:2-4 meaning. The Opening of Jesus’s Tomb Matthew reports accompanying signs of Jesus’s resurrection: a severe earthquake, an angel of the Lord descends from heaven, and the stone sealing Jesus’s tomb is rolled away. The Roman soldiers guarding Jesus’s tomb were terrified and became like dead men at the sight of this brilliant and powerful angel.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 28:5-7 meaning. The Angel’s Announcement to the Women at the Empty Tomb When the women arrive at Jesus’s tomb, they find it empty. An angel addresses them stating that the reason Jesus is not here is because He has risen. The angel invites the women to see the empty tomb for themselves. He charges them to inform the disciples about what they have seen and to remind them of Jesus’s message to meet Him in Galilee.
- Matthew 27:27-30 meaning. The Scourging and Mocking of Jesus: Pilate’s Third Attempt to Release Jesus: Matthew records how the Roman soldiers physically abused and cruelly mocked Jesus during His civil trial. After they scourged Him, the soldiers dress Him up as a ridiculous king, complete with a robe, a crown of thorns, and reed for a scepter. They act out a charade of paying homage to "the King of the Jews" and beat Him with the "scepter" and spit on Him. This passage is Matthew’s account of the Roman Soldiers physical and social abuse of Jesus. It occurred within the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
- Matthew 28:11-15 meaning. The Resurrection Coverup Some of the soldiers who ran away from the tomb report to the chief priests about the angel who rolled away the stone. The priests confer with the elders and together they devise a scheme to cover up the resurrection. They bribe the soldiers with a large sum of money to tell the lie that Jesus’s disciples stole His body by night. The religious leaders assure the guards that they will keep them out of trouble if Pilate hears of their desertion or failure.