But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel’s immediate reassurance, "Do not be afraid," is specifically for you (the women), highlighting a contrast with the terror the guards experienced. By saying, "for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified," the angel acknowledges their sincere love for him, even in his state of humiliation, which is precisely why they shouldn't fear this encounter.
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Three women, likely including Mary Magdalene, arrive at Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning, intending to anoint his body with spices. They find the stone alarmingly rolled away, and upon entering, discover the tomb is empty. At this moment of confusion and fear, an angel appears to reassure them, knowing they are searching for Jesus.
The tomb is empty, the guards are terrified, and the women are afraid. Amidst this chaos, an angel speaks words of profound comfort.
The angel’s opening words, “Do not be afraid,” are a direct antidote to the fear gripping the scene. This fear isn't just a fleeting emotion; it’s a reaction to the supernatural – the earthquake, the angel’s appearance, and the missing body.
Calming the Storm
The angel addresses the women specifically, contrasting their warranted fear with the paralyzing terror of the guards. While the guards are left trembling 'as if dead,' the women's fear is met with reassurance and hope.
Knowing the Seeker
The angel’s reason for their comfort is striking: “for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” This highlights that God sees and knows our deepest intentions. Even in their fear and confusion, their hearts are turned toward Jesus. Their seeking, though mixed with sorrow and perhaps misunderstanding, is recognized and validated by heaven.
The angel doesn't just say they seek 'Jesus,' but 'Jesus who was crucified.' Why emphasize his death at the moment of his resurrection?
The angel’s deliberate mention of Jesus' crucifixion is incredibly significant. It underscores that their seeking is not for a living, triumphant figure at this moment, but for a body that was dead, laid in a tomb.
Love Amidst Humiliation
By referencing the crucifixion, the angel acknowledges the ultimate humiliation and suffering Jesus endured. It highlights the women's loyalty and love – they still seek him even after such a devastating end. Their devotion didn't falter with his death; in fact, their actions show they wanted to honor his deceased body.
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The Foundation of Hope
This emphasis on the crucifixion, immediately followed by the announcement of his resurrection, points to the core of the Christian message. The resurrection is powerful precisely because Jesus truly died. His victory over death is meaningful because death had claimed him. Their seeking of the crucified one, and finding him alive, becomes the ultimate proof of God’s power and love.
Understand the original words
stauroō · Greek Verb (Passive Participle)
The historical act of Jesus Christ being executed by Roman crucifixion, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and serving as the substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity.
This verse sits at the very moment of the resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith. The angel's words directly address the women's fear, knowing their deep sorrow and love for Jesus, who they sought even after his brutal crucifixion.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, an event that profoundly shocks and grieves his followers.
c. AD 30, First Day of the Week (Sunday)
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Several women, including Mary Magdalene, arrive at Jesus' tomb early Sunday morning to anoint his body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
c. AD 30, First Day of the Week (Sunday)
Angelic Announcement of Resurrection
An angel (or angels, according to other Gospel accounts) appears to the women at the tomb, announcing that Jesus has risen from the dead, not that his body has been stolen.
c. AD 30, First Day of the Week (Sunday)
First Appearances of the Risen Christ
The risen Jesus begins to appear to his followers, first to Mary Magdalene and then to other disciples, confirming the angelic message and commissioning them to spread the news.
This passage describes the two angels in the tomb after Jesus' resurrection, echoing the angelic presence and confirming Jesus' victory over death.
Luke 24:4This passage highlights the women's fear and confusion upon seeing the angelic visitors, mirroring the immediate reaction described in Matthew 28:5.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic verse offers a broader divine reassurance, 'Fear not, for I am with you,' which resonates with the angel's specific command to the fearful women.
Matthew 16:21This verse records Jesus' first prediction of his own suffering and resurrection, providing the 'why' behind the angel's assurance to the women seeking the crucified one.
Hebrews 2:14-15This passage speaks to how Jesus' death was meant to overcome the power of death and free those held in bondage by fear, directly addressing the 'fear not' command given to the women.
calvinMatthew 28:1-7: "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."
- Now in the evening of the Sabbaths, [298] which began to dawn towards the first of the Sabbaths, came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, to see the sepulcher. 2. And lo, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and approached, and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3. And his c…
henryMatthew 28:1-8: "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."
28:1-8 Christ rose the third day after his death; that was the time he had often spoken of. On the first day of the first week God commanded the light to shine out of darkness. On this day did He who is the Light of the world, shine out of the darkness of the grave; and this day is from henceforward often mentioned in the New Testament,…
The angel’s immediate reassurance, "Do not be afraid," is specifically for you (the women), highlighting a contrast with the terror the guards experienced. By saying, "for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified," the angel acknowledges their sincere love for him, even in his state of humiliation, which is precisely why they shouldn't fear this encounter.
Three women, likely including Mary Magdalene, arrive at Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning, intending to anoint his body with spices. They find the stone alarmingly rolled away, and upon entering, discover the tomb is empty. At this moment of confusion and fear, an angel appears to reassure them, knowing they are searching for Jesus.
Three women, likely including Mary Magdalene, arrive at Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning, intending to anoint his body with spices. They find the stone alarmingly rolled away, and upon entering, discover the tomb is empty. At this moment of confusion and fear, an angel appears to reassure them, knowing they are searching for Jesus.
"But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified." — The angel’s immediate reassurance, "Do not be afraid," is specifically for you (the women), highlighting a contrast with the terror the guards experienced. By saying, "for I know that you seek Jesu…
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Last reviewed October 2026