Westminster Annotations, Matthew 2 · Chapter 28
CHAP. XXVIII.
Vers. 1. IN the end of the sabbath] Mark 16. 1. Joh. 10. 1. After it was ended. Or, at the weeks end.
as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week] When the morning of the Lords-day, so called, Rev. 1. 10. began to dawn.
the other Mary] See on chap. 27. 61.
to see the sepulchre] To see if Christ were buried with spices and ointments; else they would do it to him, Mark 16. 1.
V. 2. there was] Or, there had been.
a great earthquake] A forerunner of some future apparition, Psal. 68. 8, 9. and 99. 1. and 114. 7. which seems to have fallen out as the women were in their way.
the angel] Or, an angel. Two are mentioned, Luke 24. 4. Joh. 20. 12. Either one was neerest at hand, and spake for both, or one appeared at first, two when they came back.
rolled back the stone from the door] Performing the office of a porter or door-keeper; not out of any necessity, as if Christ could not have risen without it; but out of respectfull regard and honour to Christ. Or, he removed it, that the women might go into the sepulchre, and see that Christ was gone, and that the souldiers might see what he came for.
V. 3. his countenance was like lightning] As Dan. 10. 6. Chap. 17. 2.
white as snow] As Acts 1. 10. Psal. 51. 7. Lam. 4. 7. Dan. 7. 9. 3. 4, 5, 18. and 4. 4. and 6. 11. and 7. 9, 13.
V. 4. the keepers did shake] At the sight of his glory, and in conscience of their own guilt.
V. 5. the angel answered] To the womens fear, v. 8. or, he spake, as chap. 22. 1.
Fear not ye] Though the souldiers be afraid of me, yet be not ye dismaid; for they watch Christ for evil; ye seek him for good.
V. 6. as he said] Chap. 6. 21. and 17. 23.
see the place] Believe your own eyes, Mark 16. 14. 1 Joh. 1. 1.
where the Lord lay] The angels acknowledge Christ to be the Lord, as well as we, Heb. 1. 6.
V. 7. go quickly and tell his disciples] To put them out of their heavinesse.
he goeth before you into Galilee] See Mic. 2. 13. So had Christ foretold them, Mark 16. 7. Chap. 26. 32.
so, I have told you] Assure your selves of it … not to do your errand, for I have done mine.
V. 8. with fear] Being affrighted at the sight of the angel.
and great joy] At the good tidings of Christs resurrection.
V. 9. Jesus met them] Christ contented not himself to send an angel to publish his resurrection, but appears himself to the women, and sends them to tell his disciples: so great was his love to his members.
held him by the feet] In way of worship, and with familiar approach to him. They endeavoured to do it, but were forbidden by Christ, Joh. 20. 17. unlesse Christ first appeared to Mary Magdalene alone, and forbade her to touch him, and gave them leave to do it now.
V. 10. my brethren] His disciples, Psal. 22. 21. Joh. 20. 17. Heb. 2. 11. Rom. 8. 29. This title as Christ did afford them before, chap. 12. 50. so now also, after his resurrection, to shew the continuance of his affection to them.
V. 12. large money] Gr. sufficient money.
V. 13. His disciples stole him away] Pilate might the rather believe this, because they had given an hint of it before to him, chap. 26. 64.
while we slept] Very credible witnesses, that could tell what was done while they were asleep.
V. 14. come to the governours ears] Gr. be heard by the governour. As they might well fear it would, though they would do what they could to keep it wholly from his hearing.
secure you] Gr. make you without care. By preventing the danger that may come to you thereby: for it was punishable to fail in the due performance of such like trusts, Act. 12. 19.
this saying is commonly reported] Thus any groundlesse report will go for currant against the truth, with those that are obstinately bent not to believe it. See v. 13.
V. 16. went into Galilee] As they were bidden, v. 10.
into a mountain] It is not known what mountain it was: but it was not the mount of Olives, from whence he ascended, Acts 1. 12. for that was neer Jerusalem.
V. 17. when they saw him] This is thought by some to be that great vision spoken of, 1 Cor. 15. 6. wherein our Saviour appeared to more then five hundred brethren at once: for this onelyonly was foretold by the angel, and promised by Christ, v. 7. 10. and it is no where intimated in the Gospels, unlesse it be intended here. It might also be a great confirmation of the apostles power, to have it committed to them before so many witnesses.
they worshipped him] Acknowledging his resurrection and divine power, by bowing to him.
but doubted] Till he came neerer to them, and spake to them, v. 18.
V. 18. All power] His authority is full, then, and compleat.
is given] It is a just and lawfull power given by God.
unto me] As man, Joh. 5. 27. Acts 17. 31. or, as mediatour.
in heaven] Which comprehends power of sending the holy Ghost, Acts 2. 33. power over the angels, Phil. 2. 10. Heb. 1. 4. Eph. 1. 10. Col. 1. 16. power to give heaven to all his, chap. 25. 34.
in earth] Power to gather a Church out of all nations, Psal. 2. 8. Joel 2. 32. Mark 16. 15, 16.
V. 19. Go ye therefore] Mark 16. 15. Be ye my legats to this purpose, shewing them, and administring, or being instruments of executing this my power among them.
teach] Gr. make disciple… of, as Joh. 4. 1.
all nations] Not Jews alone, but Gentiles also, Acts 10. 34, 35, 47.
baptizing them] Washing them in or with water.
in the Name, &c.] Gr. into the Name. By that rite initiating them, and receiving them into the profession of the service of one God in three persons, and of depending for salvation on Christ alone, 1 Cor. 1. 13, 15. and 10. 2. with Exod. 14. 31.
V. 20. to observe] Obedience then is required of believers.
all things] Not some onelyonly.
I have commanded] Not what ye please to command.
I am with you] Your work will be hard, but I will uphold you and your successours in the ministery at all times, without intermission, to the worlds end.
Amen] See on chap. 6. 13.