ACC ~ Matthew 28 v7 - 8

TELL HIS DISCIPLES HE HAS RISEN

CHRYSOSTOM: He calls upon them not only to behold the evidence but to attest it further to others: “Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.” The angel here is preparing the women to take the good news to the other disciples. They are to tell of the evidence that made them believe—the empty tomb. Furthermore, “he is going before you to Galilee.” He says this to relieve them from anxieties and the fear of danger, that their faith not be hindered. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 89.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:784; NPNF 1 10:527.

BEFORE YOU INTO GALILEE

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: The angel goes on to say, “Go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen; and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; you will see him there.” The angel here sends not merely the women but the church in the two women. He sends the one so that by sending her he may spread the news far and wide. Here the angel is sending the bride to the bridegroom. SERMONS 76.2. [1]

[1] CCL 24a:465-66.

THEY RAN TO TELL THE DISCIPLES

CHRYSOSTOM: Why “with fear and great joy”? They had seen an amazing event. It was beyond all their expectations. The tomb had been empty where they had just before seen him laid. The angel led them to the tomb that they might become witnesses both of his tomb and his resurrection. It is evident that no one could have stolen his body, when so many soldiers were sitting nearby him. Hence he raised up himself. For this reason they rejoiced and stood in awe. The women received the reward of continuing with him. They were first to see and gladly declare not only what had been said to them but also what they themselves had seen. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 89.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:784; NPNF 1 10:527.

BOTH FEAR AND JOY

AUGUSTINE: It may be asked how Mark could say, “And going out, they fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid,” [1] whereas Matthew says, “They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, running to tell his disciples.” The apparent discrepancy between the two accounts is resolved if we understand that the women dared to say nothing either to the angels (that is, to respond to what they had heard from them) or to the guards whom they had seen lying on the ground. For the joy of which Matthew speaks is not opposed to the fear which Mark recounts. We ought to understand that both fear and joy were at once awakened in their minds, even if Matthew had failed to speak of fear. But the question is settled when he says, “They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy.” HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 3.64. [2]

[1] Mk 16:8.

[2] PL 34:1197; NPNF 1 6:210.