Ferrar Fenton Bible: Matthew 28

After the Sabbaths,¹ towards the dawn of the day following the Sabbaths, Mary, the Magdalene, and the other Mary, came to examine the tomb. And a violent earthquake was then felt; for an angel from the Lord, descending from heaven, approaching the stone, rolled it from the door, and sat upon it. His aspect resembled lightning, and his garments were white like snow; and in dread of him the guards trembled, and became as dead. The messenger addressing the women, however, said, "You need fear nothing; I know that you are looking for Jesus the crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He told you. Come, look at the place where the Lord lay! Then go quickly, tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead. And at once He will precede you into Galilee; you will see Him there, as I have told you."

In fear, mingled with intense delight, they accordingly took their departure with all speed from the tomb, and ran on to report to the disciples. But Jesus suddenly met them, saying, "Good day to you!" and they, approaching Him, seized His feet, and paid Him homage.

"Fear not!" said Jesus to them; "go on, and acquaint My friends; so that they may return to Galilee, where they shall see Me."

Now while they proceeded, some of the guards at the same time, going into the city, reported all these events to the chief priests. They accordingly assembled with the elders; and after consultation together, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, instructing them to say, that "His disciples came at night and stole Him while we were asleep. And if this tale should be heard by the Governor, we will make it right with him, and set you at your ease." They accordingly took the money, and did as they were directed; and that tale is current among the Judeans until the present time.

The eleven disciples, however, went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them; and seeing Him, they paid Him homage: but some doubted. Then Jesus, approaching them, spoke, saying, "Every power has been given to Me in heaven, and upon earth. Go you out, therefore, and instruct all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you: and then I am with you through all time, even until the completion of the age."

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1. The Greek original is in the plural, "Sabbaths," which is retained. Readers should remember that all the seven days of the Paschal week were "Sabbaths" in the old Hebrew Kalendar.—F. F.