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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mat_28:1-7
1Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. 5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where he was lying. 7Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."
Mat_28:1 "after the Sabbath" This Greek phrase refers to sundown on Saturday (cf. Vulgate "on the Sabbath evening"). In Mark the Greek phrase refers to sunrise on Sunday. There is much confusion in the chronology of the last week of Jesus' life, especially events surrounding the resurrection. It is the mentioning of the term "dawning" that causes one to think that the reference may be to Roman time, not Jewish time. There are instances of both being used in the Gospels.
▣ "Mary of Magdalene and the other Mary" Both Mar_16:1 and Luk_24:10 mention other women, while Joh_20:1 mentions Mary of Magdalene alone.
Mat_28:2 "a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone" This is unique to Matthew. Two explanations for how the stone was removed are given side by side. There must have been two earthquakes (1) one at Jesus' death in Mat_27:54, and (2) another to remove the stone and allow Jesus' followers inside the empty tomb. See note on "an angel of the Lord" at Mat_1:20.
Mat_28:3 "and His appearance was like lightning" This is a reference to the angel who was wearing white linen cloth, a symbol of purity. Luk_24:4 and Joh_20:12 record two angels. This variation between one or two persons or angels is common among the Gospels, but the number is reversed, usually it is Matthew's Gospel that has "two." Other examples are: (1) the Gadarene demoniac (Mar_5:1; Luk_8:26) and the two demoniacs (Mat_8:28); and (2) the blind man (Mar_10:46; Luk_18:35) and two blind men (Mat_20:30).
Mat_28:5 "Do not be afraid" This is exactly what Jesus told them in Mat_28:10. It was the common statement when the supernatural realm broke into the natural.
1. Jesus' words in Mat_14:27; Mat_17:7; Mat_28:10; Mar_6:50; Luk_5:10; Luk_12:32; Joh_6:20; Rev_1:17
2. angels in Mat_28:5; Luk_1:13; Luk_1:30; Luk_2:10
Mat_28:6 "He has risen" In this context the Father's acceptance and approval of the Son's words and works are expressed in two great events.
1. Jesus' resurrection from the dead
2. Jesus' ascension to the Father's right hand
See hyperlink at Mar_10:37 b.
Mat_28:7 "He is going ahead of you into Galilee" Jesus had told them He would meet them on a mountain in Galilee (cf. Mat_26:32; Mat_28:7; Mat_28:10; 1Co_15:6). This was a way to assert His resurrection and give them hope. He had a final message for them (cf. Mat_28:18-20; Luk_24:46-47; Act_1:8).