Matthew 28

Matthew 28:1

THE OF JESUS AND EVENTS OF THE DAY V. 1-15

1. “In the end of the sabbath,” (opse de sabbaton) “Th en late of sabbaths,” as the sabbaths were ending, about the time of sundown, at the end of the seventh day of sabbaths, of the sabbaths of that full week. As the sabbaths of a weekend, the first day of a new week arrives, John 20:19.

2. “As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week,” (te epiphoskouse eis mian sabbaton) “At the drawing on the first of the week,” Mark 16:1-2; Luke 24:11; John 20:1. This first day of the week was a new beginning, of the week; And as observed by new covenant church people thereafter, that one seventh of time is especially sacred, for 1) Commemoration of the resurrection, 2) Of finished redemption, and 3) For a time of voluntary worship and service, not a legal, mandated one, as under the law, Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25; Revelation 1:10.

3. “Came Mary Magdalene,” (eithen Mariam he Magdalene) “There came the Mary Magdalene,” from Magdala of Galilee, out of whom Jesus cast seven demons or unclean spirits, after which she ministered unto Him, following Him from Galilee into Judea, Matthew 15:39; Mark 16:9. To her Jesus made His first post-resurrection appearance, John 20:1; John 20:16].

4. “And the other Mary to see the sepulchre.” (kai he alle Maria theoresai ton taphon) “And the other Mary to view or observe the grave,” believed to be Mary, the mother of James and Joses, Matthew 27:56; Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:19-20.

Matthew 28:2

1. “And behold, there was a great earthquake,” (kai idou seismos egeneto megas) “And behold a great earthquake occurred,” a seismographic earth shock, had occurred before the woman arrived, similar to that one described Matthew 27:51.

2. “For the angel of the Lord descended from heaven,” (angelos gar kuriou katabas eks ouranou) “For an angel of the Lord descending out of heaven,” in readiness to serve the Lord of angels, by rolling away the stone, Matthew 26:53; John 20:1.

3. “And came and rolled back the stone from the door,” (kai proselthon apekulisen ton -lithon) “And upon approaching it, rolled away the stone from the entrance,” to the tomb, where it had been sealed by the Roman signet, at the request of the Jews, Matthew 27:66. Where now, were the seal and watch? Had they fled at the voice of God’s earthquake? Mark 16:3-4. The Marys had discussed who would roll away the very great stone, but found it already rolled away, Luke 24:2.

4. “And sat upon it.” (kai ekatheto epano autou) “And he (the angel) sat upon it,” John 20:1, rested or reclined upon it, as master over it; hadn’t our Lord certified that He had held or possessed power to lay down and take up His life again? And He had done it, John 10:18; John 11:38-39. Jesus had come to set the captive free, and could not Himself be held by the king of death, Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:16-19; Hebrews 2:14-15.

Matthew 28:3

1. “His countenance was like lightning,” (en de he idea autou hos astrape) “Then his appearance was as lightning,” brilliant as lightning, reflecting his character of holy service to the Redeemer, Revelation 1:13-18; there were two angels, but only the one spoke, Luke 24:4-5.

2. “And his raiment white as snow:” (kai to endura autou leukon hos chion) “And his dress, robe, or garment, was white as snow,” Mark 16:5; suited to His liberation message of righteousness, Mark 16:6; much as the appearance of the risen Christ, whom he served, Daniel 12:6; Revelation 10:1.

Matthew 28:4

1. “And for fear of him,” (apo de tou phobou autou) “Then from the fear of him;” Even military hardness and boldness shudder in fear at the presence or words of majestic powers of the heavens, 1 John 4:18. The voice of God’s angel shocked them speechless, Mark 16:5-6.

2. “The keepers did shake,” (eseisthesan hoi terountes) “Those who were guarding him were shaken,” emotionally disturbed, trembled as by an earthquake.

3. “And became as dead men.” (kai egenethesan hos nekroi) “And they became as dead corpses,” pallid, frozen, stupefied, petrified, in their tracks for the moment, as when every knee shall one day bow and every tongue confess before God, Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:11-12; Revelation 1:17. These Roman soldiers were powerless to prevent what happened right before their eyes, Acts 2:24.

Matthew 28:5

1. “And the angel answered,” (apokritheis de ho angelos) “Then the angel answered,” (apokritheis de ho angelos) “Then the angel answering,” responding to their visible fear. The angel-servants of God respond to the fears and needs of His children, to meet their needs and dispel their fears, Romans 8:15; Hebrews 2:14; Psalms 34:7.

2. “And said unto the women,” (elpen tais gunaiksin) “Said to the women,” who had come to the grave, Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1.

3. “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.” (me phobeisthe humeis) “You all fear not,” be comforted, Luke 12:32; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. (oida gar hoti lesoun zeteite) “Because I know that you seek Jesus,” (ton estauromenon) “The one who has been crucified,” a thing that was known to angels, 1 Peter 1:11-13.

Matthew 28:6

1. “He is not here,” (oulk estin hode) “He is not here.” He wasn’t supposed to be, Matthew 16:4; Matthew 20:19.

2. “For he has risen, as he said,” (egerthe gar kathos eipen) “Because he was raised, just as he said he would,” from the early days of His public ministry, to the end, John 2:19; Matthew 26:31-32; He thus confirms believers faith in their own resurrection, Revelation 1:18; Job 19:25; Romans 8:11.

3. “Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (deute idete ton topon hopou ekeito) “You all come, just look at the place where he lay,” Matthew 28:1. Observe the evidence, as witnesses, so that you may go and tell in full assurance, Mark 16:6; John 15:27; Acts 1:8.

Matthew 28:7

1. “And go quickly and tell his disciples,” (kai tachu poreuthesai eipate tois mathetais autou) “And going quickly (without delay), tell ye his disciples.” This first post-resurrection “go-mandate” was given to the faithful women who had come to the tomb so very early in the morning, Matthew 28:1 Mark 16:1; Mark 16:7.

2. “That he is risen from the dead;” (hoti egerthe apo ton nekron) “That he was raised from the dead corpse,” Mark 16:6. He was not stolen away and hidden by the enemy, as later circulated by paid false witnesses, Matthew 28:13-15.

3. “And, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee;” (kai edou proagei! humas eis ten Galilaian) “And behold, He goes before you all (even now) into Galilee,” Mark 16:7, exactly as He had told them the nite of His betrayal, Matthew 26:31-32.

4. “There shall ye see him:” (ekei auton opsesthe) “Out there you all will see him,” a message of direction and assurance, as He had said to them, Mark 16:7; as foretold also Mark 14:28; Luke 24:6.

5. “Lo, I have told you.” (edou eipon humin) “Behold gust reflect) I told you,” Matthew 28:5, and have done my job, as God’s angel messenger to you. The going is your obligation, John 15:27; Acts 1:8; Hebrews 1:14; and they remembered His words, Luke 24:8.

Matthew 28:8

1. “And they departed quickly from the sepulchre,” (kai apelthousai tachu apo tou mnemeiou) “And they, upon going away from the tomb quickly,” as directed by the angel, Matthew 28:7. Mark adds that they “fled,” ran with determined fervor, Mark 16:8.

2. “With fear and great joy;” (meta phobou kai charas megales) “With emotions of both fear and great joy,” with fear and amazement, mingled with joy, at what they had seen and heard. They had good news, for sad hearts, for their own dear friends; So do we, Proverbs 25:25; Mark 16:8; Mark 16:10.

3. “And did run to bring his disciples word.” (edramon apangeilai tois mathetais autou) “They ran (like dromedaries) to bear the message to His disciples,” who in turn came running to the empty tomb, as “show me” disciples, to see for themselves, Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-9. Let their running, obedient concern, spark every believer to be a dispenser of the resurrection and new life message, testimony, and service of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Ecclesiastes 11:1-7; John 4:35-38.

Matthew 28:9

1. “And as they went to tell his disciples,” (kai) “And as they were on their way to tell his disciples,” that they, as a church, were to be favored to meet the Lord in Galilee, in a mountain He had appointed them, Matthew 26:31; Matthew 28:7; Matthew 28:10; Matthew 28:16; Mark 16:7.

2. “Behold, Jesus met them, saying,” (idou lesous hupentesen autois legon) “Behold, Jesus, met or intercepted them saying,” revealing himself to the two Marys, and other women who had joined them at the tomb, Mark 16:1; Mark 16:8; John 20:1.

3. “All hail.” (chairete) “Hail ye,” or O Joy! It was an ordinary form of joyful Greek greeting, the first recorded spoken words of the risen Lord. As they went to bear the message of Jesus to others He came to them in the way, Galatians 6:2.

4. “And they came and held him by the feet,” (hai de proselthousai ekratesan autou tous podas) “Then they approaching, held him of and by the feet,” a gesture of sentimental love; Often the kissing hand, feet, and hem of a garment is mentioned in the Scriptures as a Mark of respect, Job 31:27; Luke 7:45; Luke 8:44.

5. “And worshipped him.” (kai prosekunesan auto) “And worshipped toward him,” in sincerity and truth, in the spirit, John 4:24.

Matthew 28:10

1. “Then said Jesus unto them,” (tote legei autais no lesous) “At that moment Jesus said to them,” to those faithful women who had followed and ministered to Him, from Galilee, Matthew 27:55-56.

2. “Be not afraid:” (me phobeisthe) “You all fear not,” much as He had already spoken to them, Matthew 28:5. This is an echo of what the angel of the Lord had already told them to do, see? Matthew 28:5-8.

3. “Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee,” (hupagete apangeilate tois adelphois mou hina apelthosin eis ten Galilaian) “You all go and announce (this) to my brethren, in order that they may go away into Galilee,” Psalms 22:22; Hebrews 2:11; as previously stated, Matthew 28:5-7. Neither His death nor their denial and forsaking Him caused Him to disclaim them as church brethren. He was still interested in using them, in spite of their doubts and falls. How heartening it should be to us! 1 John 1:9.

4. “And there shall they see me.” (kakei me opsontai) “And up and out there they will see me,” Matthew 28:6; Matthew 28:9; He pledged that their faith would be rewarded by His presence, if they went where He told them to go; So will the faith of every obedient servant of God find his faith-labors rewarded, 1 Corinthians 3:9; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; 1 Corinthians 2 T i 4:8.

Matthew 28:11

THE COVER-UP SCHEME V. 11-15 1)_ “Now when they were going, behold,” (poreuomenon de auten idou) “Then as they (the women) were going, behold;” Note this, a change, strong contrast to the message of Jesus and the angel of God, Matthew 28:1-10.

2. “Some of the watch came into the city,” (tines tes koustodias elthontes eis ten polin) “Certain ones of the guard, (the security sea]) upon coming into the city,” having aroused from their fearsome earthquake-swoon, they found the tomb empty, vacated or void of the body of Jesus.

3. “And shewed unto the chief priests,” (apangeilan tois archiereusin) “Announced to the administrative priests,” the priests who presided at worship and on religious, festive occasions; they reported directly to the chief priests.

4. “All the things that were done.” (apanta ta genomena) “All the things that had happened,” in connection with the burial, sealing of the tomb, and to the appointed guards who stood sentinel at the tomb, when the earthquake came, When Jesus came forth from the tomb. This story is exclusively told by Matthew. The crux of what had been done was that Jesus had arisen from the dead and thereby mocked their story of Him, Matthew 27:62-64.

Matthew 28:12

1. “And when they were assembled with the elders,” (kai sunachentes meta ton presbuteron) “And when they, the guards at the tomb, were assembled with the elders,” and with the chief priests who had raised “hit money” to get Judas to betray Jesus into their hands, Matthew 26:14-16. While the women went obediently to bear the good news to the brethren, the sentinel ‘soldiers went with fearful reports to the wicked.

2. “And had taken counsel,” (sumboulion te labontes) “Then when they had taken counsel,” regarding. the report in the letter of the law, in keeping the tomb of Jesus sealed, Matthew 27:62-65.

3. “They gave large money unto the soldiers,” (arguria hikana edokan tois stratiotais) “They doled out enough silver to the soldiers,” or bribed the sentry guard furnished by Pilate, with a substantial bribe or pay off, to warrant their security from imprisonment for letting Jesus escape. See 1 Timothy 6:10-11; 1 Timothy 6:17.

Matthew 28:13

1. “Saying, Say ye,” (legontes eipate) “Repeatedly saying, Say ye,” or you all say, as sentinel soldiers, putting a lie into their mouths. Note these administrative priests and elders of Israel joined in collusion with the Roman guard that Pilate had given them, to try to cover up the fact of our Lord’s resurrection, a dastard deed, but note Proverbs 28:13; Psalms 2:1-3.

2. “His disciples came by night,” (hoti hoi mathetai autou nuktos elthontos) “That the disciples upon coming by night,” by means of darkness, by nighttime, under cover of darkness. It was a matter of premeditated collusion in an attempt to cover up their wickedness (in slaying Jesus) by lying and hiring others to lie to protect their hides, 1 Timothy 6:10-11; Acts 12:19. For one was subject to death for letting a prisoner escape.

3. “And stole him away while we slept.” (eklepsan auton hemon koimomenon) “They stole him while we were sleeping.” If they were asleep, how did they know it was His disciples? And how could they have slept through the noise of the rolling away of the great stone? And how could anyone have broken the seal of the tomb without their being awakened? Lying is an abomination to the Lord, entailing judgement without escape, or excuse, Romans 2:1; Ecclesiastes 12:12; Matthew 12:36-37; Psalms 31:18; Psalms 120:2; Proverbs 12:22; Jeremiah 7:4.

Matthew 28:14

1. “And if this come to the governor’s ears,” (kai ean akousthe touto epi tou hegemonos) “And if this be heard before the governor,” or if it goes far enough to bring you all before the governor, before Pilate, for dereliction of duty; Little did these wicked, conniving, religious demagogues seem to realize that they would meet God for this wickedness, Romans 2:4-9; Psalms 7:11.

2. “We will persuade him,” (hemeis peisomen) “We will persuade him;” These pious, religious, political chameleons might influence, turn away justice by a Roman judge, by a big pay off, but their persuasion will wilt at the judgement of the Governor of the universe one day. Matthew 7:22-23; as surely as that of the rich man in hell’s appeals were too late, and of no avail, Luke 16:19-31; 1 Timothy 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:17; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

3. “And secure you.” (kai humas amerimnous poiesomen) “And we will make you all free from anxiety,” from anything to worry about. They would need securing, since sleeping on guard was so great an offence, Acts 12:19. These administrative priests were so callous and wicked that they would have perhaps deserted and laughed at the soldiers, as they did at Judas, if they themselves had gotten in a corner, Matthew 27:44.

Matthew 28:15

1. “So they took the money,” (hoi de labontes arguria) “Then they taking silver,” as a bribe from the administrative priests and elders of Israel. They, the mercenary soldiers, entered a compact by collusion with these Jews to try to conceal the fact that Jesus had risen and was alive. They, like Esau, like Lot’s family, and like Judas Iscariot, sold the truth for a mess of pottage.

2. “And did as they were taught:” (epoeiasan hos edidachthesan) “Did as they were taught,” or they lied for silver, the love of money, on behalf of false leaders of Israel, and for fear of Pilate, and to save their own necks, but it will all come up again, Hebrews 9:26-27.

3. “And this saying is commonly reported,” (kai diephemisthe ho logos houtos) “And this saying was spread about,” rumored, commonly and willingly circulated, given out as an explanation, a fictitious and farcical report of what happened to the body of Jesus.

4. “Among the Jews until this day.” (para loudaiois mechri tes semeron hemeras) “By Jews until today,” at least until the time this gospel was written, perhaps more than thirty years after the resurrection. Those who believe it, in spite of available truth, are given over to a reprobate mind to believe a lie and be damned, Proverbs 29:1; Romans 1:28; 2 Thessalonians 2:12!

Matthew 28:16

GREAT GIVEN IN GALILEE V. 16-20

1. “Then the eleven disciples,” (hol de endeka mathetai) “So then the eleven disciples,” who also were apostles, minus Judas who had hanged himself, the future apostles to whom Matthaias was added, by church election, Acts 1:26.

2. “Went away into Galilee,” (eporeuthesan eis ten Galilaian) “Went into Galilee,” in faith, hope, and love, as they had been directed, 1) By Jesus, Matthew 26:30-32 before His betrayal, 2) By the angels, Matthew 28:5-7; Matthew , 3) By the women first at His empty tomb, Matthew 28:9-11.

3. “Into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” (eis to oros hou etaksato autois ho lesous) “Into the mountain where Jesus had pointed out to them,” perhaps on that night of His betrayal, as He walked with them from the upper room, across Kedron, up to Gethsemane to pray, Matthew 26:31-32. The mountain in Galilee is not identified, but it is believed that He chose the same mountain where He had privately delivered the Inaugural address to His church (known as the Sermon on the Mount), Matthew 5:1 to Matthew 7:29. It seems that such would be appropriate, as He now delivers to them The Great Commission, Matthew 28:17-20.

Matthew 28:17

1. “And when they say him,” (kai idontes auton) “And upon seeing and recognizing him,” “And other of the disciples,” 1 Corinthians 15:5-6; Above five hundred brethren seem to have seen Him while He was in Galilee, for this resurrection occasion.

2. “They worshipped him:” (prosekunesan) “They (the majority) worshipped,” Him, toward and before Him, John 4:24. That is most of them, while some doubted.

3. “But some doubted.” (hoi de edistasan) “Yet some doubted,” or wavered, James 1:6, as described John 20:24-29; Among them was Thomas. Luke 24:25-26, indicates that Emmaus road disciples also doubted or had wavering faith, until Jesus opened to them the Scriptures concerning His prophesied resurrection, Luke 24:44-48. See also Mark 16:11; Mark 16:13-14; Luke 24:11.

Matthew 28:18

1. “And Jesus came,” (kai proselthon ho lesous) “And Jesus approaching,” in majestic steps, as risen king, and yet in a friendly manner meant to set them free of fear and doubt, Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 1:18.

2. “And spake unto them, saying,” (elalesen autois legon) “He talked to and with them, saying,” asserting with majestic dignity and royal power.

3. “All power is given unto me,” (edothe moi pasa eksousia) “All administrative authority was (and is) doled out to me,” for my use and your service-needs, John 3:35; John 5:22; John 17:2.

4. “In heaven and in earth.” (en ourano kai eip tes ges) “In heaven and upon the earth.” He spoke as if He had already been to His celestial throne, at the right hand of the Father in heaven, Ephesians 1:19-22; Hebrews 1:3.

Matthew 28:19

1. “Go ye therefore,” (poreuthentes oun) “Therefore you all going forth;” Let it be understood that this company of “ye” to whom Jesus spoke, gave this mandate, was a company that He had chosen, John 15:16; John 15:27; that had been with Him through all His ministry, from John’s Baptism, Acts 1:15; Acts 1:22; in Galilee, Acts 10:37; He had addressed them as His flock, Matthew 26:31-32; Luke 12:32; The kingdom of heaven, Matthew 13:1-58; and His church, Matthew 16:18-19.

2. “And teach all nations,” (matheteusate panta ta ethne) “You all disciple all the races,” or cause all races to be disciples, beginning the world-wide mission at Jerusalem, Luke 24:45-48. The charge was not given to individuals, or to the apostles as such, but to the “church ye,” company, or house of God which Jesus built, Hebrews 3:1-6; Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15. It was to the church, as an orderly, organized organism, as an institution on earth, not the sum total of the saved that the mandate was given, Ephesians 3:21.

3. “Baptizing them,” (baptizontes autous) “Baptizing or immersing them,” as disciples who have been led to believe in me, baptizing the saved, Acts 2:41; John 1:11-12; note it was the church “ye” that the mandate to baptize was given, not to individuals or ministers in isolation from the church.

4. “In the name of,” (eis to onoma tou) “Into, or with reference to,” to the call and leadership of: Such is therefore to be done by the church, under the executive and administrative authority of the church, Colossians 3:17; as directed by Jesus who is head of and over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:22-23.

5. “The Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” a) (Patros) “The Father;” He calls and leads.b) (Kai tou huiou) “And the Son,” who calls and leads. c) (Kai tou hagiou pneumatos) “And with reference to the Holy Spirit,” who calls and leads in His Divine Service and work, through the church, Ephesians 3:21. All therefore, that is done, in and through the church, is to be done by authority of the Holy Trinity.

Matthew 28:20

1. “Teaching them to observe,” (didaskontes autous terein) “Continually teaching them, as baptized and learning disciples, to guard, observe, and respect,” to keep in mind, obey, and respect.

2. “All things whatsoever I have commanded you:” (panta hosa eneteilamen humin) “All things whatever I mandated, directed, or commanded you all,” as a “called and chosen people,” as my New Covenant fellowship church, and my house that I built, which is better than that one Moses built, Hebrews 3:1-19; Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15; Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25; Ephesians 3:21.

3. “And lo, I am with you always,” (kai edou ego meth’ humon elmi) “And behold I, I am (I exist) with you all,” as my church, my house, my work and worship agency institution. (pasas tas hemeras) “All the days,” of your existence and testimony.

4. “Even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (heos tes sunteleias tou aionos) “Until the consummation of the age,” the Gentile and the church age, in the vice-gerency of the Holy Spirit, to remain in the church, (as an institution) forever. John 14:16-17. Just as every believer is sealed in Christ forever, so is the “church ye” to exist forever, because of the baptismal seal that came upon her on Pentecost, to denote His Divine ownership forever, Acts 2:1-4; Ephesians 3:21.