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Explanation for:
Matthew
28
:
7
And going quickly, tell ye his disciples that he is risen: and behold he will go before you into Galilee; there you shall see him. Lo, I have foretold it to you.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He is risen, and indeed, He leads you on the path to Galilee, where you will encounter Him. Truly, I have communicated this to you. In Galilee, which symbolizes a region among the Gentiles, was once a realm of error and a place prone to stumbling, yet here the steadfast and unshakeable made a mark that cannot be erased."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The angel instructed them, saying, \\"Go swiftly and inform His disciples that He has risen from the dead and will go ahead of you into Galilee; there you will encounter Him.” In this moment, the angel is not merely directing the women, but commissioning the Church through them. This dispatch serves to ensure that the message of His Resurrection disseminates widely. Here, the angel commissions the bride to seek the Bridegroom."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"In light of Israel's rejection, wise women, go forth and proclaim with great courage the good tidings of Him who has vanquished death, eradicated corruption, and through faith justifies those who have erred. He liberates those ensnared by sin and grants new life to all who turn to Him. He has revealed a new existence—the life of the gospel—to the inhabitants of the earth, abolished the function of the law, illuminated the path of truth, and demonstrated to those who revere Him the clear way to worship in spirit and truth. Proceed, then, for Israel has strayed from hope. They lack insight, their hearts are hardened, and they remain engulfed in darkness, surrendered to the shadows of sin; thus, they ignore Christ, who counsels, ‘Walk, while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you’ (John 12:35). It is indeed remarkable how the Saviour chose these wise women, as one might ponder, ‘Were there no holy disciples who could have been better suited to proclaim the resurrection first? Why did they not encounter Jesus, who shattered the chains of death, before they did? Instead, the Lord chose to reveal Himself to the women and conferred upon them the honor of apostleship. He commanded them to go and inform the disciples of His resurrection, that they might be the first to witness His glory.’ \\n\\nIn response, we affirm that the only begotten Word of the Father became flesh to heal the afflicted and deliver humanity from its ancient sins; thus, it was appropriate for the women to be the first to announce the glad tidings of the resurrection. The first woman, having heeded the serpent’s words, led Adam into disobedience and incurred the penalty of death. How could the root of such grave consequences not be addressed through the witness of the apostles? Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (Romans 5:20). Salvation’s gospel was entrusted to the very woman who contributed to death’s entry. Therefore, it is fitting to remind them, ‘Rejoice in Him who pronounced a curse in the beginning,’ for He said to her, “You shall bear children in pain” (Genesis 3:16). The first transgression finds its resolution in the second, and thus sickness is healed."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Lord rose from the dead while the stone remained at the entrance of the tomb. Following the resurrection, an angel arrived to move the stone, allowing the women to enter. The earthquake served to arouse the guards, making them aware of the miraculous event that had transpired. Thus, the Lord was in the tomb for three days. How are we to understand the count of these three days? He was crucified at the eighth hour, and there was darkness until the ninth hour, which we regard as night; thereafter, light returned, marking the day, thus completing a twenty-four hour cycle of night and day. Then we have the night that followed and the day of Sabbath, accounting for a second full day. Again, the night of the Sabbath and the morning of the Lord’s day, as indicated in Matthew: “on one Sabbath, at daybreak,” where the morning counts for the entirety of the day, completing the third twenty-four hour cycle. Alternatively, we can also count three days in this way: on Friday, the Lord surrendered His spirit, marking one day; on Saturday, He rested in the tomb, which is another day; and He rose again on the night before the Lord’s day, counting that night as a new day, thus totaling three days. This is similar to how we recognize the death of individuals; if one passes around the tenth hour and another around the first hour, it is said that both died on the same day.\\n\\nMoreover, another method for counting three days and three nights can be presented. When Thursday evening came, the Lord shared a meal with His disciples, saying, “Receive, eat My body.” Because He had the authority to lay down His own life, it is evident that He willingly offered Himself as He instructed His disciples about His body, for nothing can be consumed unless it has first been sacrificed. Reflect on this: He instructed them about His body that evening, which, along with the night and into Friday until the sixth hour, accounts for one twenty-four hour period. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour, darkness prevailed, and from the ninth hour to evening there was light, composing the second twenty-four hours. The night that followed and the Sabbath day constitute the third twenty-four hours. On the night of the Sabbath, the Lord arose, marking three complete twenty-four hour periods. \\n\\nConcerning the angel, Matthew mentions he was seated on the stone, while Mark notes that after rolling it away, he sat within the tomb on the right side. Are these descriptions contradictory? No! It appears that initially, the angel was seen sitting on the stone, and then, upon the arrival of the women, he moved and sat within the tomb on the right side. He addressed the women, saying: “Do not be afraid,” indicating that the guards had cause for fear, but the Lord’s disciples should not be alarmed. After alleviating their fears, he proclaimed the joyous tidings of the resurrection, as he first needed to dispel their fright before delivering the good news. He is unashamed to refer to the Lord who was crucified, proudly celebrating the cross as a glorious victory, which has brought us all blessings."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Soon, you will go and announce to His disciples that He will rise from the dead, and you will see Him in Galilee; there you will meet Him. This message was directed to the women by the angel, encouraging them to go to Galilee where they could encounter Jesus Christ without fear of the Jewish authorities. This declaration emphasizes the importance of the command given to them regarding the disciples; it should not be overlooked. The angel conveyed all these words to the women who were seated outside the tomb on a stone. When he urged them, who were hesitant, to enter the tomb—indicated by his invitation to \\"Come, see the place where the Lord lay\\"—they entered. However, Matthew, after recounting what took place before the women entered the sepulchre, chose not to include what followed, while Mark and Luke, omit what occurred prior to their entry but narrate subsequent events. This discrepancy can lead to confusion for those who do not fully grasp the sequence. Mark states, \\"And they that entered into the sepulchre saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe: and they were terrified. And he said unto them, Be not terrified. You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified: He is not here; behold the place where they laid Him: but go, tell His disciples and Peter that He goes before you into Galilee: there you shall see Him, as He said unto you.\\" \\n\\nUpon entering the tomb, the women observed another angel seated on the right side, and their unexpected sight of him filled them with astonishment. He reassured them, saying, \\"Do not be troubled,\\" addressing their fear, just as the angel outside had done. The first angel caused fear in light of the guards, while the angel within the tomb reassured the women. The mention of Peter's name was significant, signaling his forgiveness for denying Christ three times and offering him comfort amidst his deep sorrow. By affirming \\"as I say unto you,\\" he invoked Jesus Christ’s earlier words from the Mount of Olives, \\"But after My resurrection I will go before you into Galilee,\\" as recorded in Matthew 26:32. Luke shares that \\"And they that entered found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And behold, two men stood beside them in shining garments. And as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the ground, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’\\" \\n\\nThe angel seated to the right of the tomb, after communicating with the women as described by Mark, departed. This fact, not mentioned by Mark, adds to the confusion when compared with Luke’s account. The women, finding the body of the Lord Jesus missing, were troubled and could not yet comprehend His resurrection. Amidst their confusion, the two angels appeared to them—in all likely, one was the angel they had seen outside, and the other the one within, both now shining brightly, making them appear as heavenly beings. Due to the brilliance of their attire, the women were frightened and unable to look up, prompting the angels to question them, though with greater firmness than before, expressing their disbelief: \\"Why do you seek the living among the dead?\\" affirming that the risen Christ was no longer among the dead. They further encouraged the women by recalling Christ’s words, reminding them of His prior statement while He was still in Galilee: \\"The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.\\" The evangelist indicates that the women remembered His words, signifying that they eventually believed. Matthew records in chapter 17, verses 22 and 23, that while in Galilee, Jesus had warned them: \\"The Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall rise.\\" The angels did not issue any new commands to the apostles as they had already communicated their message."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Go swiftly and inform His disciples that He has risen from the dead and will go ahead of you into Galilee. There, in your homeland, you can gather without fear, away from His adversaries; He will meet you there and appear to you all. There you will see Him. I have conveyed this to you accurately. St. Chrysostom observes that by saying \\"in Galilee,\\" He frees them from the worries and perils that surrounded them in Judea, so that fear does not undermine their faith. According to the account of the Evangelist Mark, the holy women entered the tomb at the angel's invitation and found another radiant young man sitting on the right, dressed in white, and they were filled with fear. However, the angel reassured them, saying, \\"Do not be frightened. You are seeking Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified One; He has risen; He is not here. This is the spot where He was laid. Now go and tell His disciples and Peter that He will go ahead of you into Galilee; there you will see Him\\" (Mark 16:5-7)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"He will go before you into Galilee\\": The Lord assured His disciples that He would lead the way for them in Galilee following His resurrection (Matt. 26:32); this assurance does not negate His manifestation to them in Jerusalem to comfort them. In Galilee, the Lord did truly reveal Himself to His disciples, commissioning them to spread the good news to all nations (cf. Matt. 28:16-20; Jn. 21ff.). - “I have told you”: a declaration affirming the reality of Christ's resurrection and all that had been communicated to the women."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They were filled with fear as they fell to the ground, and the two celestial beings who stood by them inquired, \\"Why do you look for the Living One among the dead? He is not here; He has risen\\" (Luke 24:5-6). \\"Come, see the place where the Lord was laid.\\" The women entered the tomb and encountered a young man, an angel, dressed in white, seated on the right side. This heavenly messenger reassured them, saying, \\"Do not be afraid. You are seeking Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified; He has risen, He is not here. This is where He was laid\\" (Mark 16:6). The angel reminded them, \\"Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day rise again.\\" At this, they recalled His words (Luke 24:6-8). \\"Quickly go and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and will go before you into Galilee; there you will see Him.\\" The accounts given by the first three Evangelists align closely, with the only notable difference regarding the number and appearance of the angels. Matthew and Mark speak of one angel—Matthew refers to him as an angel, while Mark describes him as a young man—whereas Luke states that two men appeared to them. This distinction in titles is not critical, as angels, being spiritual beings, adopt different forms when appearing to humans. Given their radiance, the appearance may have led some of the women to perceive one angel as a young man and others as a male figure. Furthermore, while some may have seen one angel, others might have witnessed two. The number of angels present was irrelevant in establishing the truth of Christ's resurrection; what mattered was the message declared by the angel who spoke, and whether there was one or two angels present did not affect the narrative’s primary intention. Thus, while two Evangelists focused on one angel speaking to the women, the third complemented their account by referencing another angel who was also present. \\n\\nRegarding where the angel conveyed his message, there appears to be a slight inconsistency among the Evangelists. Luke does not specify whether the angel spoke inside or outside the tomb. Mark affirms that the speaking angel was within the tomb. Meanwhile, Matthew mentions that the angel rolled away the stone and sat upon it (Matt. 28:2), but it's unclear from his account exactly where he addressed the women. It's plausible to suggest that the phrase \\"Come, see the place where the Lord lay\\" implies the angel spoke from an external position, potentially while seated on the stone. However, since the stone was removed prior to the women's arrival, it’s likely that the shining angel seen sitting on the stone was perceived first by the soldiers, who trembled and fell as though dead (Matt. 28:4), while the women may have only seen him once inside the cave. \\n\\nAnother possibility is that an angel addressed all the women outside the tomb, proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and inviting them to enter to confirm for themselves the emptiness of the burial site. Upon entering, they discovered, as Mark described, a young man seated on the right side, and they could have subsequently heard the same angel's voice as they regarded him—this is why Luke mentions that two appeared to them. Regardless of the specifics, the crucial points for the Evangelists were to assert that the stone had been rolled away, that the tomb is empty, and to explain that it was the angel who revealed this truth to the women. Whether the witnesses saw one or two angels, or where precisely the message was delivered, was not essential; the Evangelists did not focus on minor details but emphasized the significant events that affirmed Christ's resurrection.\\n\\nSkeptics who reject Jesus as the divine Redeemer endeavored to discredit the accounts of the Evangelists concerning His resurrection, realizing that if they could cast doubt on this foundational truth, they could undermine faith in Him as the God-Man, the Son of God. However, all their efforts were in vain. The truth of Christ’s resurrection is well established, and the objections raised by disbelievers fall flat. \\n\\nThe first objection pertains to a prior analysis found in Matthew 27:65. The second objection posits that Christ did not actually die, but rather fell into a faint-like state during His crucifixion. This claim has been scientifically and medically debunked. Professor A. Shiltov, in \\"Thoughts on the God-Man,\\" points out that the severe scourging and torture prior to crucifixion caused immense physical trauma, leading to fatal conditions such as pulmonary edema, evidenced by the outflow of blood and water from His pierced side and the significant wounds in His hands and feet. The profuse bleeding and the spear thrust would have directly resulted in death; survival through such trauma is impossible. Even if one entertained the idea that Christ was merely unconscious, the lance’s pierce would have caused His exhausted and already bleeding body to perish immediately. If Christ did not die on the cross and therefore did not resurrect, He would be nothing more than an ordinary man. According to Professor Shiltov, a person with severed leg wounds cannot walk until recovery, which would take at least two weeks. However, on the third day, Christ not only walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus but returned the same day to Jerusalem to appear to the ten apostles—covering a considerable distance with those grave wounds. Only the God-Man, in a renewed and glorified body, could accomplish such a feat. \\n\\nMoreover, if we allow for the idea that Jesus Christ did not die, then we must also accept that He intentionally deceived His disciples regarding His resurrection, retreating after several appearances to them, thus branding Him a deceitful figure. Yet, no one dares make such a claim except perhaps the deluded among the Jews; no one deems Him a deceiver. Even atheists, who reject His divinity, acknowledge Him as the epitome of moral excellence. The allegation that Jesus did not die is so baseless that even D. Strauss acknowledges its inadequacy. He stated that one who emerged from the tomb in a weakened state—needing care, medical attention, and in a fatigued condition—could not have inspired those who witnessed Him with the conviction of victory over death, nor could such an appearance have transformed their sorrow into joy or reverence for worship. Hence, it is undeniable that Jesus Christ did indeed die.\\n\\nThe final objection touches upon the self-deception of the apostles. D. Strauss and his followers admit that the apostles could only have become powerful preachers of the Gospel through unwavering faith in Christ’s resurrection; however, they argue that such faith arose from an altered state of mind, imagining their Master had risen and interpreting visions of Him as actual appearances. To assess this, we need to examine the psychological state of the apostles following the crucifixion of Jesus. \\n\\nFirst, we hear from the experts regarding visions or ghosts. Professor Shiltov insists it is psychologically implausible for people mired in despair, such as the apostles were after their Master’s death, to experience hallucinations. The capacity for visions typically relies on a heightened sensitivity that is uncommon, particularly in individuals like the apostles, who were simplistic men with stable nerves. Furthermore, instances of seeing a ghost simultaneously by multiple people are exceedingly rare. \\n\\nRegarding the so-called \\"doubles,\\" Professor Shiltov explains that such visions can only occur in the presence of the individual being replicated; so, those who suggest the apostles saw merely a double of Christ must concede that Christ Himself was there during the vision. Telepathic phenomena also suggest that disclosures of apparitions usually take place at a moment of death or peril, visible only to an emotionally linked person, with outside observers remaining unaware. Thus, according to Professor Shiltov, science does not affirm the potential for the appearance of Jesus’s spirit to the apostles. Moreover, since a ghost lacks a corporeal form, cannot speak, nor eat, and since the Lord who revealed Himself to the apostles showed them His hands, feet, and side (which they touched) and shared meals with them, He could not have been a spirit but was indeed the risen Christ. \\n\\nThis understanding is so evident that additional proof may seem unnecessary. However, given that Strauss bases his argument against the miracle of Christ's resurrection on the belief that the apostles mistook an apparition for Christ, and acknowledging the sway of scholarly circles ignorant of the Gospel, I feel compelled to expound on this to further dismantle Strauss’s flawed assumptions.\\n\\nHistorically, the apostles viewed Jesus as the anticipated Messiah, a legendary king destined to conquer worldly nations and reign eternally. This belief rendered His discussions concerning his suffering and death mysterious and beyond their comprehension, as they interpreted such references as metaphorical language rather than literal foretastes of reality. Even when Jesus outlined that He would die and rise again, these declarations held little weight for them. When Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John, commanding them to share none of their experience until after His resurrection, their first reaction was confusion, wondering about the nature of rising from the dead (Mark 9:9-10). \\n\\nThe apostles certainly recognized the concept of resurrection, as evidenced by Jesus raising Jairus's daughter (Mk. 9:23-25; Mk. 5:37-42; Lk. 8:51-55) and the widow's son at Nain (Lk. 7:12-16); yet, their bewilderment centered largely upon how their Lord, being the Messiah, could die—after all, a dead Messiah could not resurrect. \\n\\nFurther along during His last retreat to Jerusalem, Jesus again shared with the twelve that He would suffer, be condemned to death, and rise on the third day (Matt. 20:17-19; Mk. 10:32-34; Lk. 18:31-33). Misunderstanding persisted, and their minds remained clouded as they failed to grasp His words (Lk. 18:34). The thought of the true Messiah being able to die was utterly unfathomable for them, which led to Peter taking Jesus aside to urge Him to cease speaking of His demise: \\"Be merciful to Yourself, Lord; may this never happen to You!\\" (Matthew 16:22). What Peter implied was, \\"You are the Messiah and shall reign forever; thus, how could you possibly die?\\" \\n\\nTheir disbelief persisted as Judas betrayed Him and the soldiers captured Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:52; John 18:12), leading to the apostles' reluctance to accept the fate of their Master. To shield Him from harm, they sought to retaliate, with Peter drawing his sword against the high priest's servant (Matt. 26:51; Mk. 14:47; Lk. 22:50; Jn. 18:10). Their lack of faith in Christ's divine power was conspicuous, as they believed that He who resurrected the dead needed assistance from them, despite His teachings on non-resistance to evil. Jesus rebuked their attempt at physical defense, and in the wake of His arrest, all the disciples abandoned Him (Matt. 26:56; Mark 14:50). Their hasty flight stemmed not solely from fear of persecution but from doubt; was Jesus truly the Messiah if He could be bound and taken like a criminal? \\n\\nIn this turbulent state of uncertainty, they witnessed their Master’s crucifixion from a distance, hidden among the onlookers. With the body of Jesus taken down and buried, they descended into despair, plagued with disappointment. Apart from John, they did not seek the whereabouts of their Master’s body nor chose to join the Myrrh-bearing Women in honoring Him. Instead, they mourned deeply. These feelings of fear, disillusionment, and despair became their reality after losing their Master; hope for His resurrection was absent from their minds.\\n\\nThe apostles’ skepticism was so profound that when Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb and discovered the stone rolled away, she rushed to inform them, declaring, \\"They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.\\" In response, Peter and John went to verify her claims and, upon entering the tomb, found it empty, but returned in disbelief as they previously had not comprehended the Scriptures that foretold His resurrection (Jn. 20:2, 9, 10). This failure to grasp the core of Christ's predictions led the apostles to doubt Mary’s report of His living presence, even when bold claims spread between various witnesses who later encountered the risen Lord. \\n\\nAs the day progressed, Cleopas and another disciple traveling to Emmaus recounted the events surrounding Jesus’s crucifixion, expressing deep disappointment: \\"But we had hoped that He was the One to redeem Israel\\" (Luke 24:21). Their words “we had hoped” encapsulated a profound despair, as initial faith crumbled into disappointment; they were left devoid of belief, without expectation of resurrection. When Cleopas and his companion mentioned the angelic appearances to other women affirming that Jesus was alive, they too declared this information astonishing (Luke 24:21-22). \\n\\nConsidering their initial despair and lack of anticipation, it is unfathomable to suggest that their emotional turmoil prepared them to notice any hallucination of their risen Master; only through the miracle of His actual resurrection could these doubts dissipate. The apostles’ reaction to seeing the risen Jesus, as depicted in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John, showcases their confusion and fear. When Jesus appeared in their midst, they thought they beheld a spirit, which prompted Him to encourage them, saying, \\"Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet; it is I myself; touch Me and see\\" (Luke 24:36-40). \\n\\nIndeed, the apostles touched Him, having rejected the testimony of Mary Magdalene and the women; they depended solely on their senses for assurance. In their initial apprehension, they needed the solid proof that a spirit does not possess flesh and bones. When Jesus invited them to inspect His hands and feet, they found it impossible to deny Him; they surely touched Him, an idea supported by John’s writings that our hands have touched Him (1 John 1:1). However, even still, their disbelief lingered. Despite the joy and clarity beginning to pierce their gloom, their astonishment held them back (Luke 24:41). \\n\\nThe Lord then asked if they had any food, receiving a portion of fish and honeycomb, which He consumed in their presence (Luke 24:41-43). Thomas, absent during this appearance, voiced his disbelief about the resurrection despite the testimonies of those who had encountered Jesus alive. He insisted that he would not believe unless he personally felt the marks of the nails and thrust his hand into Jesus's side. This illustrates the extent of the apostles’ distrust in the witnesses offering testimony. \\n\\nEight days later, the Lord appeared again to the apostles, including Thomas. As He spoke directly to Thomas, urging him to touch His wounds, Thomas yielded, recognizing the risen Lord, leading him to exclaim, \\"My Lord and my God!\\" (John 20:24-28). This instance highlights the tangible evidence the apostles required in affirming the truth of the resurrection. \\n\\nWhile some may find it disheartening that the apostles exhibited such doubt regarding their Master’s divinity, close reflection reveals a divine purpose. It appears that God aimed to guide the apostles towards a conscious, unwavering faith, immune to criticisms of thoughtless acceptance—after all, their testimony would soon confront the world with the truth of Christ, and their faith needed to stand firm as a foundation for His church. \\n\\nAs the apostles eventually embraced the reality of Christ’s resurrection, their petrified hearts transformed. Concerns arose within them as to why the risen Jesus did not claim His kingship in Israel and why the Messiah delayed initiating His kingdom, as prophesied. These questions weighed heavily, leaving them in uncertainty. Obediently, they gathered in Jerusalem and waited for the Lord. Then, on the fortieth day post-resurrection, the Lord appeared and led them to the Mount of Olives. \\n\\nRecalling that Jesus had foretold His second coming, the apostles projected their expectations onto Him, believing that He was about to establish the kingdom of Israel. However, the absence of any dialogue from Jesus regarding this earthly kingdom perplexed them; thus, they finally came together to inquire when He would restore the kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:6). \\n\\nTime and again, Jesus had informed the apostles that His kingdom was not of worldly nature. If their understanding remained muddled until the arrival of the Holy Spirit, it would have been fruitless for Him to respond to their query at that moment. Consequently, He instructed them that it was not for them to know the times set by the Father, but that they would receive the Holy Spirit’s power and be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem and beyond (Acts 1:7-8). After pronouncing these words, He blessed them, lifted His hands, and ascended before their eyes, disappearing into a cloud (Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:9). \\n\\nThe apostles worshipped their ascending Master as they gazed upward. Gone were their dreams of an earthly kingdom; the reality of separation from their Master settled heavily upon them, burdensome as they mourned unfulfilled hopes. This emotional turmoil likely lingered as they returned to Jerusalem, where they spent days conversing about their recent experiences.\\n\\nOn the day of Pentecost, a remarkable event unfolded: a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house where they were gathered (Acts 2:2). Flames appeared like divided tongues, resting on each apostle (Acts 2:3). Upon hearing the noise, a crowd gathered, many of whom had come for the feast of Pentecost. The astonishment grew as the apostles spoke in various dialects, each listener hearing their native tongue. This astonishment was compounded by the presence of Jews in the crowd who knew the apostles were simple Galileans, untrained in such languages (Acts 2:12). \\n\\nThen, Peter, who had recently distanced himself from Jesus, stepped forward with boldness-made possible only by conviction, proclaiming Jesus of Nazareth, whose miraculous signs and power had been witnessed by many. He cemented the narrative, declaring that though He was killed, God raised Him from death, of which they were all witnesses. Peter urged his listeners to repent and to be baptized in Jesus’s name for the forgiveness of sins, promising them the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:14-41). \\n\\nFollowing this powerful address, a multitude responded; about three thousand souls were added to their number that day. Subsequently, while Peter and John journeyed to the temple, they encountered a man who had been lame from birth, asking for alms. Peter boldly proclaimed, \\"I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.\\" He then lifted the man, who immediately stood and praised God (Acts 3:12). \\n\\nAs word spread, thousands believed, resulting in approximately five thousand converts in recognition of the risen Lord (Acts 4:4). The Sanhedrin, led by Caiaphas, interrogated the apostles, demanding to know by what authority they performed these miracles. Peter resolutely declared that through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified but whom God had raised from the dead, the healed man stood before them whole (Acts 4:7-10). Unable to refute Peter’s audacity and message, yet fearful of public backlash, they warned Peter and John to refrain from teaching in Jesus's name. In turn, Peter and John boldly declared, \\"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. We cannot help but speak about what we have seen and heard\\" (Acts 4:13-20).\\n\\nThe Sanhedrin had hoped to silence the apostles, yet their efforts were thwarted by the very miracles that compelled belief in the risen Jesus. The apostles, emboldened, spread the news of salvation vigorously, performing miraculous signs. Their faith in the healing power of Christ grew tremendously, leading to believers bringing the sick from surrounding areas, laying them in the streets, believing even the shadow of Peter might bring healing (Acts 5:12-16). \\n\\nThis transformation on the day of Pentecost breathed new life into the apostles. No longer fearful and hesitant, these once obscure men boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ—the risen Son of God—despite their previous ignorance and doubts surrounding His true mission and nature. They refuted the distorted earthly visions fostered by societal teachings, now filled with a robust understanding of Jesus as the fullness of God’s revelation, destined to not only redeem Israel but all humanity through His sacrificial death. \\n\\nWhat caused this profound shift within them? How could these previously unsure apostles renounce their misconceptions about Jesus and grasp the divine purpose behind His coming? What triggered their willingness to face persecution, courageously preach the risen Christ, and fearlessly share the Gospel? Their previous doubts transformed to a firm conviction can be traced back to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, bestowed upon them as promised by Jesus. This divine presence brought clarity and power, guiding them into the truth they had struggled to comprehend, thus empowering them to lead others to faith in the resurrected Lord. \\n\\nIndeed, the apostles not only experienced the majesty of Christ’s resurrection but also received the Holy Spirit, which indeed paved the way for their mission, shedding the obscurity of their former beliefs. As they charged into the world, they proclaimed the risen Christ who fulfilled all prophecies and transformed their lives, igniting the faith that would ultimately form the foundation of the Church. \\n\\nThose skeptical of Christ’s resurrection often raise questions about why He did not appear to His executioners or the crowd demanding His death. The answers to these queries lie in God’s mysterious plan. If the closest disciples of Jesus—those who loved Him dearly—were hesitant to believe the claims of His resurrection, how could those who had deemed Him a false Christ find faith? The nature of the resurrection demanded undeniable proof; mere claims would have been perceived as hallucinations unless accompanied by tangible evidence. The reality of the resurrection and the encounter with the risen Lord were necessary to overcome doubt, as illustrated in the words of Christ: \\"If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead\\" (Luke 16:31)."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The women recognized the joyous proclamation of the angelic being, yet in their overwhelming delight, they struggled to comprehend it. They lingered by the grave, lost in amazement. The heavenly being roused them from their confusion with the words: “Go, tell his disciples!”"},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As Mary departed from the tomb and rushed into the city to meet the apostles, other women came to the grave, bringing aromatic spices, and discovered that the stone had been rolled away. Confused by this, two men dressed in radiant garments appeared before them. The Myrrh-bearing women were filled with dread at this sight and lowered their faces in fear. The angels asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” They recalled the Lord’s words and returned from the tomb to proclaim all this to the eleven apostles and the others. At dawn, Mary the mother of Jacob, Salome, and several other women set out for the tomb. Aware that a large stone covered the entrance, they deliberated on the way, asking, “Who will roll away the stone for us?” However, as they neared the tomb, they found the entrance wide open, with an angel seated on the stone that had been moved. The sight of this celestial being frightened the holy women. The angel reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid, for I know you are seeking Jesus the Crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay, and go quickly to tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, as He has told you.” When the holy myrrh-bearers entered the tomb, they encountered a young man on the right wearing a white robe, and they were alarmed. The angel spoke to them, saying, “Do not be alarmed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, the Crucified. He is not here; this is where He was laid. Go and tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said.” Overwhelmed by the vision and the angel’s words, the holy women fled from the tomb, running to the city in silence, for fear held back their initial joy and love as believers."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"While Mary informed the apostles of the events, and they rushed toward the tomb, the other women who brought spices arrived first. They entered the tomb but discovered that Jesus' body was not there. Instead, an angel appeared before them. This radiant messenger proclaimed unmistakably that Jesus had risen from the dead, as He had prophesied well before His crucifixion in Galilee. This marked the third, or more accurately, the first definite announcement of the Lord's resurrection. The Myrrh-bearers required no additional affirmation. The angel's revelation left such a profound impact on them that they could not question the truth of his message. Following the angel's guidance, they rushed to share this news with the apostles; however, they were so filled with fear that they did not disclose anything to those they encountered along the way, to whom this message was relevant (Mk. 16:8)."}]}
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