Topical Bible: Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave

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The concept of the "Fear of God" is a profound theme throughout the Bible, often denoting a deep reverence, awe, and respect for the Almighty. This fear is not merely about being afraid but encompasses a recognition of God's power, holiness, and authority. One notable instance of this fear is demonstrated by the women at the grave of Jesus Christ.

The Women at the Grave

The women who visited Jesus' tomb after His crucifixion are exemplary figures of those who feared God. Their actions and reactions at the grave reflect a profound reverence and awe for the divine events unfolding before them.

Biblical Account

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find the account of the women at the tomb. After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. The appearance of the angel was like lightning, and his clothing was white as snow. The guards trembled in fear and became like dead men. The angel said to the women:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Behold, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7)

Reactions of the Women

The women’s response to the angelic message is telling of their fear of God. Matthew 28:8 states, "So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples." Their fear was not one of terror but a reverent awe mixed with joy at the miraculous resurrection of Jesus. This fear propelled them into action, as they obediently followed the angel's instructions to inform the disciples.

Significance of Their Fear

The fear experienced by the women at the grave is significant for several reasons:

1. Recognition of Divine Authority: The women recognized the authority of the angelic messenger and the truth of his words. Their fear was rooted in the acknowledgment of God's power over life and death, as evidenced by the resurrection.

2. Obedience and Faith: Despite their fear, the women acted in faith and obedience. Their willingness to carry the message to the disciples demonstrates their trust in God's plan and their role within it.

3. Witness to the Resurrection: The women were among the first witnesses to the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith. Their fear and subsequent actions underscore the importance of reverence and obedience in the face of divine revelation.

4. Contrast with the Guards: The guards at the tomb also experienced fear, but theirs was paralyzing and devoid of faith. In contrast, the women's fear was transformative, leading to joy and action.

The women at the grave exemplify the biblical principle that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Their reverent fear, coupled with faith and obedience, highlights the appropriate response to God's mighty works and serves as an enduring example for believers.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 28:8
And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Book I.
... as it were into a child, he was conspicuous for the ... the course of the common grief
for fear of shame ... And now to Thee, Almighty God, I commend this guileless soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

Matt. I. 17
... Not only therefore put away thy fear, but even ... by what he hath received from God,
but also ... For though thou shouldest become infinitely conspicuous, thou wilt ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... on against us, we need not fear, his arm ... be stood rendering his individuality less
conspicuous when viewed ... the furtherance of the gospel"to God be ascribed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Carey's Last Days
... three instances in which he took a conspicuous part in ... of; I have also so continual
a fear that I ... labours, were truly apostolic...The Spirit of God which was ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... if not the clearness of his judgment, is as conspicuous in this ... They can do me no
good, and I fear I can ... master, 'he was received as an angel of God.' 'It is ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... wall, Holding up the Commandments, for fear they should ... of the Last Supper, with
Bishop Kennet conspicuous in it ... to the public service of God.'[983] Dodwell's ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Life of Bunyan
... makes the change at their conversion less conspicuous than if ... ancient Christian,"
to whom he stated his fear that he ... man of genius, who was also a man of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... God believes it, and the limbs of Antichrist fear it ... Nor are we without instances
of this kind nearer home ... king and parliament, as by the finger of God, the life ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... agreement with the first, but in many instances the former ... unique, of the substance
of the unknown God, that He ... Have we to fear that homoiousios does not imply ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... The fear of the punishment would make thee forbear; yea ... As Job says, God has struck
'them as wicked men ... since their sin and judgment was so conspicuous, that my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm