Meaning of Matthew 28:3
Matthew 28:3 describes the appearance and demeanor of an angel at the tomb of Jesus following His resurrection. The verse states: "His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow." This imagery conveys a sense of divine presence and authority, highlighting the miraculous event of Christ's resurrection.
Key Themes in Matthew 28:3
- The Divine Revelation: This verse emphasizes God's intervention in human history through the resurrection.
- The Supernatural: The angel's appearance signifies the extraordinary nature of the resurrection, capturing the awe of the moment.
- Hope and Victory: The resurrection signifies triumph over sin and death, providing hope to believers.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Matthew Henry highlights the significance of the angel's appearance. He notes that the brightness signifies holiness and divine glory that accompanies God’s messengers. The description of the angel as having a countenance like lightning suggests not only brightness but also the power and swift action that God's truth brings in dispelling darkness.
Albert Barnes’ Commentary: Albert Barnes explains that the whiteness of the angel’s attire symbolizes purity and righteousness. The angel’s role is to deliver the good news of the resurrection, reinforcing the message of hope inherent in the event. He presents the angel almost as a herald, proclaiming victory that changes the fate of humanity.
Adam Clarke’s Commentary: Adam Clarke provides insights into the physical description of the angel. He interprets the lightning as representative of the glory of God, while the white raiment suggests purity and the divine nature of the message. Clarke also affirms that this event is pivotal, marking the cornerstone of Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Cross-References from Matthew 28:3
- Luke 24:4: Discusses two men in shining garments at the tomb.
- John 20:12: Mentions two angels in white at the tomb.
- Revelation 10:1: Describes an angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud and with a rainbow on his head.
- Isaiah 6:2: Describes Seraphim who are radiant and serve the divine.
- Matthew 17:2: Refers to Jesus’ transfiguration, where His face shone like the sun.
- Acts 1:10: Speaks of two men in white apparel appearing at Jesus’ ascension.
- 1 Corinthians 15:55: Asserts the victory over death, echoing the resurrection theme.
Inter-Biblical Connections
Understanding Matthew 28:3 involves examining its inter-Biblical dialogue and connections to other biblical texts:
- The thematic connections between this verse and the Old Testament, where divine messengers often appear in brilliant attire, revealing God's glory.
- Linking Bible scriptures, such as Exodus 34:29 which describes Moses' radiance after encountering God, elevating the theme of divine interaction.
- How the resurrection, highlighted by the angel's announcement, connects to Jesus’ pre-resurrection miracles as proof of his divine authority.
Conclusion
Matthew 28:3 stands as a pivotal moment in the New Testament, bridging the gap between the agony of the crucifixion and the glory of the resurrection. Through cross-referencing biblical texts, we can understand the depth of its message, where the resurrection not only fulfills prophecy but also transforms the belief systems of millions. Each commentary enriches our understanding of the event, illustrating the profound impact of the resurrection on Christian faith, hope, and community.
Studying Cross-References
Utilizing tools for Bible cross-referencing can enhance your understanding of verses like Matthew 28:3. Consider employing a Bible concordance or a cross-reference Bible study guide to delve deeper into thematic connections and correlations.
