But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel’s specific instruction to tell "his disciples and Peter" isn't just a detail; it’s a profound act of grace. By singling out Peter, who had recently denied Jesus, the message highlights Christ's unwavering love and forgiveness, extending a lifeline of hope to the one most desperately needing it. This personal touch underscores the shepherd's care for his lost sheep, even when that sheep has strayed disastrously.
But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The women, finding the tomb empty, are met by an angel who announces Jesus' resurrection and directs them to tell his disciples and specifically Peter. This message is a crucial act of grace, reassuring Peter after his denial and reminding the disciples of Jesus' prior promise to go before them into Galilee. The angel’s words serve as a bridge, moving the women from stunned silence to action and directing everyone to a specific place for a future encounter with the risen Christ.
Why would an angel specifically mention Peter by name in the resurrection announcement? What does this reveal about Jesus's heart?
Imagine the scene: the tomb is empty, an angel has just declared Jesus is risen, and the message is urgent. But this angel adds a specific detail: "tell his disciples and Peter." This isn't just an oversight; it's a profound act of grace.
A Shepherd Restored
Peter had recently denied Jesus three times, a devastating failure that likely left him crushed by guilt and shame. Yet, Jesus, even in his glorious resurrection, doesn't forget him. This specific mention is a powerful signal of forgiveness and restoration. It shows that Jesus's love isn't easily swayed by our mistakes. He still sees Peter as one of his own, a beloved disciple he intends to use mightily.
More Than Just a Disciple
Peter wasn't just another disciple; he was a leader who had publicly faltered. Singling him out assures him that his failure, though grievous, did not sever his relationship with Jesus. It's an invitation back into the fold, a promise that his story isn't over.
Why Galilee? Why not Jerusalem, where the most dramatic events just unfolded? What's significant about this specific location?
The angel's message directs the disciples – and Peter – to Galilee, to a specific place where they will see Jesus. This isn't random; it's intentional.
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A Familiar Beginning
Galilee was where Jesus's ministry began. It was the place where he first called most of these disciples, where they learned from him, and where they experienced his miracles. It's a place steeped in their shared history and the foundational moments of their faith.
A Return to Purpose
Meeting in Galilee signifies a return to their roots and a recommitment to their calling. After the shock and awe of the resurrection, Jesus meets them in a familiar setting to re-orient them and prepare them for the mission ahead. It’s a gentle, shepherd-like approach, leading them back to where their journey with him truly started, but now with the ultimate proof of his power and the commission for the world.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A student, follower, or adherent of a teacher. In the New Testament, it refers specifically to the chosen followers of Jesus who learn from his teaching and imitate his life.
Galilaia · Greek Noun
A region in northern Israel, serving as a significant setting for much of Jesus' ministry. It represents the place of restoration and the commissioning of the disciples after the resurrection.
The specific mention of Peter in the angel's message highlights Jesus' profound mercy and forgiveness toward him after his denial, offering a powerful glimpse into the grace that would define the early church.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, marking the culmination of his earthly ministry and the fulfillment of prophecies.
c. AD 30 (Same day as crucifixion)
Jesus' Burial
Jesus' body is taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb, a somber event that leaves his followers in despair.
c. AD 30 (Saturday)
The Sabbath Rest
The disciples and Peter observe the Sabbath, likely in shock and grief, while Jesus' body lies in the tomb.
c. AD 30 (Early Sunday morning)
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Women, including Mary Magdalene, arrive at the tomb early on the first day of the week to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
c. AD 30 (Sunday morning)
Angel's Announcement
An angel appears to the women at the tomb, announcing Jesus' resurrection and instructing them to tell the disciples and Peter.
c. AD 30 (Sunday morning)
Jesus' Appearance to Mary Magdalene
Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene, who was at the tomb, confirming the angel's message and beginning the post-resurrection appearances.
This passage echoes the angel's message, reassuring the women and the disciples that Jesus would meet them in Galilee, reinforcing the specific instruction to go and tell the disciples.
Luke 24:34This verse provides the disciples' initial reaction to the news of the resurrection, highlighting their disbelief even when told by others, which makes the angel's specific mention of Peter even more poignant as a gesture of grace.
John 20:17Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene and his instruction not to cling to Him, but to go tell the disciples, parallels the angel's commission to the women, emphasizing Jesus' active role in communicating His resurrection.
Matthew 26:32This passage contains Jesus' own prior promise that 'after I am raised, I will go before you to Galilee,' directly fulfilling the angel's words to the women and grounding their message in Jesus' own word.
Acts 1:3This verse highlights Jesus appearing to his disciples over a period of forty days after his resurrection, with Galilee being a significant location for these post-resurrection appearances, validating the angel's specific instruction.
barnesMark 16:7: "But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you."
Tell his disciples and Peter - It is remarkable that Peter is singled out for special notice. It was proof of the kindness and mercy of the Lord Jesus. Peter, just before the death of Jesus, had denied him. He had brought dishonor on his profession of attachment to him. It would have been right if the Lord Jesus had from that moment cast him off and noti…
cambridgeMark 16:7: "But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you."
7 . go your way ] Practical action must take the place of vague astonishment. There was a message to be borne. and Peter ] No wonder it is in the Gospel of St Mark we find this wondrous touch. Who afterwards would have been so likely, as the Apostle himself, to treasure up this word, the pledge of possible forgiveness, after the dreadful hours he must ha…
The angel’s specific instruction to tell "his disciples and Peter" isn't just a detail; it’s a profound act of grace. By singling out Peter, who had recently denied Jesus, the message highlights Christ's unwavering love and forgiveness, extending a lifeline of hope to the one most desperately needing it. This personal touch underscores the shepherd's care for his lost sheep, even when that sheep has strayed disastrously.
The women, finding the tomb empty, are met by an angel who announces Jesus' resurrection and directs them to tell his disciples and specifically Peter. This message is a crucial act of grace, reassuring Peter after his denial and reminding the disciples of Jesus' prior promise to go before them into Galilee. The angel’s words serve as a bridge, moving the women from stunned silence to action and directing everyone to a specific place for a future encounter with the risen Christ.
The women, finding the tomb empty, are met by an angel who announces Jesus' resurrection and directs them to tell his disciples and specifically Peter. This message is a crucial act of grace, reassuring Peter after his denial and reminding the disciples of Jesus' prior promise to go before them into Galilee. The angel’s words serve as a bridge, moving the women from stunned silence to action and directing everyone to a specific place for a future encounter with the risen Christ.
"But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”" — The angel’s specific instruction to tell "his disciples and Peter" isn't just a detail; it’s a profound act of grace. By singling out Peter, who had recently denied Jesus, the message highlights Chri…
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Last reviewed October 2026