What does Matthew 28:7 mean?

Explanation

The passage from Matthew 28:7 is part of the account of Jesus Christ's resurrection.

After Jesus's crucifixion, his body was placed in a tomb, which was later found empty by Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" as described earlier in Matthew 28.

As they approach the tomb, an angel appears to them and gives them a message: Jesus has risen from the dead, as He promised He would.

The angel instructs the women to go quickly and tell the disciples this news.

Additionally, the angel informs them that Jesus will go ahead of the disciples into Galilee, where they will see Him. The angel concludes by reaffirming that he has delivered this message to the women.

The verse conveys urgency and the imperative for the disciples to be informed of the resurrection. Also, by stating that Jesus would meet them in Galilee, it sets the stage for the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus that are detailed later in the Gospels.

Historical Context

Matthew 28:7 is set in the context of the first-century Judeo-Roman world, specifically within days following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

This event occurred during the time of the Passover festival, a significant Jewish celebration that commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt.

The burial customs of the time typically involved placing the body in a tomb, which was then sealed.

The concept of a messiah rising from the dead was not a widely accepted notion in Jewish belief at the time, making the claim of Jesus's resurrection both radical and controversial.

Theological Insights

Different Christian theological perspectives may emphasize various facets of this verse:

• Evangelical Christian perspective might accentuate the literal historical truth of the resurrection and the necessity of witnessing and sharing the Gospel, the 'Good News' of Jesus Christ's victory over death.
• A Catholic viewpoint could focus on the divine authority of Jesus' prophetic teachings and the angel's role as a messenger of God's plans.
• Liberal theologies may interpret the verse symbolically, seeing the angelic message as a metaphor for the transformative power of Jesus's teachings and His abiding spiritual presence.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Matthew 28:7 can influence the daily lives of individuals in several ways:

• It encourages promptness and initiative in sharing important news, especially concerning faith.
• The verse inspires hope in believers for the reality of life after death, as exemplified by Jesus's own resurrection.
• It suggests that followers of Jesus can anticipate personal encounters with Him, whether seen as spiritual or physical experiences.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:5-6: The angel's message about Jesus's resurrection precedes this verse.
• John 20:17: Jesus sends Mary Magdalene to inform the disciples of His ascension.
• Mark 16:7: A parallel account where the angel instructs the women to tell the disciples about Jesus going ahead to Galilee.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: Paul recounts the appearances of the risen Christ.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Matthew 28:7 include:

• "ἐγείρω" (egeirō): often translated as "has risen," indicating that Jesus was raised up from the dead.
• "ταχύ" (tachu): often translated as "quickly," indicating the urgency of the task.
• "προάγω" (proagō): meaning "go before" or "precede," denoting Jesus's leading presence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The resurrection narrative has parallels to various resurrection or rebirth myths found in different cultures:

• Ancient Egyptian mythology speaks of the resurrection of Osiris, who became the god of the afterlife.
• In Greek mythology, the story of Persephone involves themes of death and return from the underworld.

However, a key difference in the Christian narrative is the uniqueness of Jesus's resurrection being a historical event with a profound theological significance relating to salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, resurrection as a reversal of biological death is not supported by empirical evidence.

However, scientists acknowledge the psychological and sociological impact of religious beliefs on individuals and communities and their role in shaping morals, ethics, and social structures.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse interpretations of Matthew 28:7:

• Classic commentaries, such as those by John Calvin, typically emphasize the historical reality of the resurrection and the fulfillment of prophecy.
• More contemporary scholars like N.T.

Wright focus on the resurrection as the foundational event for the Christian faith and the hope of future resurrection for believers.

• Other commentators may explore the literary structure of Matthew's Gospel and how this verse serves as a pivotal moment linking Jesus's ministry to His death and resurrection.