Matthew 28:4 meaning
In the aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion, the scene at the tomb is charged with supernatural activity. An angel appears, marked by a brilliant countenance and clothing white as snow, signaling the momentous event of Christ's resurrection. This narrative is not just a moment of divine intervention; it serves as a profound declaration of victory over death. The very earth shakes, responding to the cosmos' significant event. When this angel descended, the guards—seasoned Roman soldiers—were rendered powerless and fell as if dead, underscoring the overwhelming glory of the divine presence.
This passage illustrates the terrors of those opposing Christ juxtaposed with the reassurance offered to Jesus' followers. The angel's command to "not be afraid" reflects God’s desire to comfort those seeking Jesus, affirming the truth of the resurrection. This scene aligns closely with the overarching theme of God's sovereignty over life and death, highlighting the victory contained in the resurrection. The frightened guards symbolize the futility of opposing God’s plan, as emphasized in Matthew 28:4, leaving a significant impact on both believers and skeptics alike.
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 28:11-15 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.
- 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.
- 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.