Berean Study Bible The Resurrection“When the Sabbath was over” indicates that the women waited until sundown on Saturday, when the Jewish day of rest ended, before preparing spices for Jesus’ burial. Their actions demonstrate continued observance of the Sabbath even in the midst of grief. Mat 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week… Mary Magdalene, Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus had delivered from seven demons and who remained near Him at His crucifixion and burial, returned in devoted service. Luk 8:2 as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits… Mary the mother of James, Mary the mother of James was also present at the crucifixion and was among the faithful women who had followed Jesus and witnessed where His body was laid. Mrk 15:40 And there were also women watching from a distance.… and Salome Salome joined Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James in purchasing spices to anoint Jesus’ body. She had witnessed His death and remained committed to honoring Him after His burial. Mat 27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James… bought spices They bought spices to complete the customary burial care of Jesus’ body. The spices expressed mourning, reverence, and a desire to finish what had been hurriedly done before the Sabbath. Jhn 19:39-40 Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night… so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus. They expected to find Him in the tomb, unaware that He had risen as He had foretold. Mat 26:12 By pouring this perfume on Me, she has prepared My body… Very early on the first day of the week, Sunday followed the Jewish Sabbath, and the women came at the first opportunity after the day of rest had ended. Their arrival on the third day accords with Jesus’ repeated prediction that He would rise again. Luk 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning… just after sunrise, The women set out as soon as daylight made travel possible. The dawn setting fittingly marks the beginning of the day on which death would be overcome by the risen Christ. Mat 28:2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake… they went to the tomb. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome came intending to complete the burial preparations for Jesus’ body. Their faithful visit made them among the first witnesses of the empty tomb and the resurrection. Mrk 15:47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw… They were asking one another, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome spoke together as they approached the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus’ body. Their purpose showed continued devotion despite the danger and sorrow surrounding His death. Mrk 15:47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw… “Who will roll away the stone The large stone sealing the tomb’s entrance posed a practical obstacle. Tomb stones were heavy and intended to protect the burial place from animals and intrusion, far beyond what the women could move themselves. Mat 28:2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake… from the entrance of the tomb?” Their concern emphasized that Jesus’ burial was real and complete. Yet the obstacle they expected to find had already been removed, revealing that death had not held Him. Mrk 15:46 So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus,… But when they looked up, The women shifted their attention from their task to the tomb itself. They had expected to find the entrance sealed and had wondered who could move the stone. When they looked up, however, they saw that it had already been rolled away. Mat 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week… they saw that the stone had been rolled away, They saw that the stone had already been rolled away. God had acted before their arrival: the open tomb did not cause Jesus to rise but revealed that He had risen and that death could not hold Him. Luk 24:2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, even though it was extremely large. The size of the stone emphasized that its removal was beyond the ability of the women and could not reasonably be explained as an unnoticed human act. The opened tomb confirmed the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection. Mat 27:60 and placed it in his own new tomb… When they entered the tomb, When the women entered the tomb to complete the burial preparations, they became the first witnesses to what they found there. Luk 24:3 but when they entered, they did not find the body… they saw a young man They saw an angel appearing in human form, seated within the tomb. He had been sent to announce what God had done. Mrk 14:51-52 One young man who had been following Jesus… dressed in a white robe His white robe reflected the holiness and glory of his heavenly origin. Mat 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes… sitting on the right side, The young man sat on the right side of the tomb’s interior, a position of prominence, as he announced the resurrection. Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord:… and they were alarmed. Their fear arose from the sudden and unmistakable presence of a heavenly messenger in the place where Jesus had been buried. Mat 28:8 So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy,… But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. The angel met the women’s fear with reassurance. Though the tomb was empty and the encounter unexpected, they had no reason to fear because he came with news from God. Mat 28:5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid,… You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, He identified Jesus by the name known to His followers and opponents alike, the man from Nazareth whom the women had come to anoint. Act 2:22 Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth… who was crucified. Jesus truly died on the cross and was buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb. His death was not an appearance or a symbolic event, but the sacrifice foretold for the sins of His people. Jhn 19:18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two others… He has risen! God raised Jesus bodily from the dead, just as He had foretold. The resurrection confirmed His victory over sin and death and became the central proclamation of the apostles. Luk 24:6 He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you… He is not here! The tomb no longer held His body. The women were not being directed to a spiritual idea but to the reality of an empty burial place. Luk 24:3 but when they entered, they did not find the body… See the place where they put Him. The angel invited them to examine the place where Jesus had been laid, giving them direct evidence that the crucified Lord had risen. Mat 28:6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!… But go, tell His disciples and Peter, The women are sent without delay to announce the resurrection. Peter is named individually despite his three denials, showing that he is not excluded from the disciples but is being restored to fellowship and future service. Luk 24:9-10 And when they returned from the tomb, they reported… ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. Jesus had foretold that He would meet His disciples there after His resurrection. Galilee, where much of His public ministry began, would become the setting for renewed instruction and preparation for their mission. Mrk 14:28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you… There you will see Him, The disciples would encounter the risen Jesus personally, confirming that He had truly conquered death and risen bodily from the grave. Mat 28:10 “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers…”… just as He told you.’” His resurrection and promised meeting in Galilee fulfill His own repeated words, proving the certainty of His authority and the faithfulness of God’s plan. Luk 24:6-8 He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you… So the women left the tomb and ran away, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome had come to complete the burial anointing of Jesus’ body. Instead, they found the stone removed, the tomb empty, and an angel announcing that Jesus had risen. Their hurried departure reflects the shock of encountering the reality of the resurrection. Mat 28:8 So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy,… trembling and bewildered. They were overwhelmed by fear and astonishment at the angel’s message and the empty tomb. Though Jesus had foretold His resurrection, its fulfillment came with a force they had not expected. Their reaction shows the seriousness of the event: Jesus had truly conquered death. Luk 24:4-5 While they were puzzling over this, two men… And in their fear they did not say a word to anyone. At first, the women were too shaken to report what they had seen. Their silence was not permanent, for the resurrection was soon proclaimed to the disciples. The account preserves their immediate human response to an event that changed everything. Mrk 9:6 For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know…
Jesus Appears to Mary MagdaleneSunday followed the Sabbath and marked the beginning of a new week. Jesus’ resurrection on this day became the basis for the church’s gathering in worship on the first day of the week. Mat 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week… after Jesus had risen, His bodily resurrection confirmed His victory over sin and death and fulfilled God’s purpose in sending the Messiah. It also assured the future resurrection of all who belong to Him. Mat 28:6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!… He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, Mary had remained faithful to Jesus through His death and burial. Her being the first to see the risen Lord shows the significance of her devotion and establishes her as an eyewitness of the resurrection. Jhn 20:14-18 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus… from whom He had driven out seven demons. Jesus had completely delivered Mary from demonic oppression. Her continued loyalty reflects the lasting change brought by His power and mercy. Luk 8:2 as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits… She went and told those who had been with Him, Mary Magdalene carried the first report of the risen Christ to His grieving followers. The group included the disciples and others who had followed Jesus during His ministry and were likely gathered in Jerusalem after the crucifixion. Her message marked the beginning of the resurrection proclamation that would soon be entrusted to all Christ’s followers. Jhn 20:18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,… who were mourning and weeping. Jesus’ death had left them overwhelmed with sorrow, fear, and confusion. Though He had foretold His resurrection, they had not yet grasped that His suffering and death would be followed by victory over the grave. Their mourning would soon give way to the joy and hope brought by the risen Lord. Jhn 20:11-15 But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping.… And when they heard that Jesus was alive When the disciples heard Mary Magdalene’s report that Jesus was alive, they did not believe her. Although Jesus had repeatedly foretold His death and resurrection, His rising was beyond their expectations. Luk 24:23 but they did not find His body. They came and… and she had seen Him, Mary Magdalene had personally encountered the risen Christ after coming to His tomb. Her testimony stands as the first recorded witness of the resurrection. Jhn 20:14-17 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus… they did not believe it. The disciples initially rejected her report, showing that they were not expecting or inventing a resurrection. Their certainty came only after Jesus appeared to them Himself. Luk 24:11 But their words seemed like nonsense to them,…
Jesus Appears to Two DisciplesFollowing His appearance to Mary Magdalene, the risen Jesus continued to reveal Himself to His followers. Jhn 21:1 Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus revealed Himself… Jesus appeared He personally met with disciples after His death and burial, confirming that He had conquered death. Jhn 20:19 It was the first day of the week, and that very evening,… in a different form His resurrected body was real yet glorified, and He was not immediately recognized. Luk 24:16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. to two of them These were two disciples traveling from Jerusalem, described elsewhere as traveling toward Emmaus. Luk 24:13 That same day two of them were going to a village… as they walked along Jesus joined them in their journey and later made Himself known to them. Luk 24:15 And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up… in the country. This meeting outside Jerusalem added to the testimony that Christ had truly risen. Luk 24:28 As they approached the village where they were headed,… And they went back and reported it to the rest, The two disciples who met the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus returned at once to Jerusalem after recognizing Him in the breaking of bread. They brought their testimony to the gathered disciples, adding to the growing witness that Jesus had risen bodily from the dead. Luk 24:33-35 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.… but they did not believe them either. Despite the report, the others remained unwilling to accept it. Their disbelief shows that the resurrection was not expected or imagined by Jesus’ followers; they were convinced only when the risen Christ appeared to them Himself. Luk 24:11 But their words seemed like nonsense to them,…
The Great CommissionLater, while they were eating, the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples, providing clear evidence of His bodily presence and continued fellowship with them. Luk 24:41-43 While they were still in disbelief, He asked them… Jesus appeared to the Eleven The Eleven refers to the original twelve disciples minus Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and subsequently died. This appearance underscores the physical resurrection of Jesus, affirming His bodily presence. The number eleven highlights the incomplete state of the group, soon to be restored with the addition of Matthias (Acts 1:26). Mat 28:16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee,… and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, Jesus rebuked the Eleven for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had resisted the reports of those who had already seen Him alive. Their doubt persisted despite His repeated teaching that He would rise from the dead. Luk 24:25 Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones,… because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. The testimony of Mary Magdalene, the women, and other disciples had been rejected. Jesus’ appearance confirmed that the resurrection was not rumor or vision, but the reality of His victory over death. Luk 24:9-11 And when they returned from the tomb, they reported… And He said to them, After His resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples their continuing mission under His divine authority. Luk 24:46-49 And He told them, “This is what is written:… “Go into all the world They were to carry His message beyond Israel, beginning where they were and extending to the nations. Mat 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,… and preach the gospel The message was the gospel, meaning good news, of Christ’s death and resurrection and the salvation He provides. 1Co 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast… to every creature. No people or nation were excluded; the gospel was to be proclaimed to all mankind. Col 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm… Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, Saving faith in Jesus Christ is confessed publicly through baptism. In the early church, those who received the gospel were baptized as an act of obedience and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism does not replace faith, but accompanies the believer’s response to the gospel and marks entrance into the visible community of Christ’s followers. Act 8:36-38 As they traveled along the road and came to some water,… but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Condemnation rests on unbelief, the rejection of God’s provision of salvation in Christ. The warning is direct: eternal salvation is found in believing the gospel, while refusal to believe leaves a person under divine judgment. Jhn 3:18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned,… And these signs will accompany those who believe: Miraculous works would follow believers as visible confirmation of the risen Christ’s power and the truth of the gospel proclaimed by the early church. Heb 2:3-4 How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?… In My name they will drive out demons; Believers would exercise Christ’s authority over unclean spirits, demonstrating that His kingdom had overcome the power of Satan. Luk 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said,… they will speak in new tongues; The Holy Spirit would enable believers to speak languages they had not learned, beginning at Pentecost and helping carry the gospel to people of many nations. Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… they will pick up snakes with their hands, God’s servants would sometimes face deadly dangers while carrying out Christ’s mission and be preserved by His power. Paul’s survival after a viper bite on Malta illustrates such protection. Serpents commonly represented danger and evil, so preservation from their harm displayed Christ’s authority over hostile powers. Believers are not commanded to seek such danger or test God. Act 28:3-6 Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them… and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; Poisoning was a known means of murder in the ancient world. God could protect His people from such threats when they arose in the course of their ministry. The promise assures believers of His care, not permission to deliberately expose themselves to poison. 2Ki 4:38-41 When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine… they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” Healing through the laying on of hands continued Jesus’ compassionate ministry through His followers. The apostles and early believers ministered to the sick in Christ’s name, and God confirmed the gospel through acts of restoration. Such healings showed His power over disease and His concern for human wholeness. Luk 4:40 At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases…
The AscensionJesus completed His post-resurrection instruction to the disciples, confirming His bodily resurrection and commissioning them for the work ahead. His final words prepared them to proclaim the gospel with the authority He had given them. Act 1:2-3 until the day He was taken up to heaven,… He was taken up into heaven Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus visibly ascended from the Mount of Olives in the presence of His disciples. His departure marked the completion of His earthly ministry and His return to the Father, while assuring the disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit and would one day return. Act 1:9-11 He had said this, they watched as He was taken up… and sat down at the right hand of God. Jesus entered His place of supreme honor and authority, reigning over all things. His seated position shows that His atoning work was finished, while He continues as the believer’s High Priest and intercessor until His return. Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord:… And they went out and preached everywhere, The disciples obeyed Jesus’ commission and carried the gospel beyond Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and the wider Gentile world. Acts records their journeys, opposition, and the steady growth of the church as believers proclaimed the risen Christ. Act 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word… and the Lord worked through them, The risen Jesus remained actively involved in their ministry, fulfilling His promise to be with His followers. Through the Holy Spirit, He gave them boldness, wisdom, and power to carry out their mission. Act 15:12 The whole assembly fell silent as they listened… confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it. Healings, deliverance from demons, and other miracles testified that the apostolic message came from God. These works displayed Christ’s authority and led many to recognize the truth of the gospel. Heb 2:3-4 How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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