Matthew 28:8-10
So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "fear and great joy" isn't just a description of their emotions; it highlights a crucial spiritual reality: intense experiences with God can be both awe-inspiringly terrifying and ecstatically joyful at the same time. This potent mix shows their minds are reeling, grappling with the impossible truth of the resurrection while processing the angelic encounter.
These women, having encountered angels at the empty tomb and heard the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection, are now rushing to tell the disciples. Their departure is marked by a powerful mix of awe and elation, propelling them to share this world-changing message. This action directly sets up Jesus’ own appearance to them on the road, further confirming the resurrection and giving them new instructions for the disciples.
Imagine the most unbelievable news you've ever heard. How would you react? The women at the tomb experienced a whirlwind of emotions that might seem contradictory at first glance.
Matthew tells us the women left the tomb with 'fear and great joy.' This wasn't a simple, clear-cut feeling.
A Collision of Emotions
These emotions weren't separate; they were intertwined. The sheer magnitude of the resurrection, both in its miraculous nature and its incredible implications, could create this powerful, mixed emotional response. It highlights how faith often begins not in perfect calm, but in a profound, sometimes unsettling, encounter with God's power and goodness.
The tomb was empty, the angelic message delivered. What was the immediate priority for these witnesses? It wasn't to linger, but to spread the word.
The women's reaction wasn't passive. They 'departed quickly' and 'ran to tell his disciples.' This wasn't just a hurried departure; it was fueled by the urgency of the news.
The Race to Announce
Understand the original words
phobou · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this often refers to a profound awe, reverence, or trembling in the presence of the divine or supernatural, recognizing God's power and holiness.
charas · Greek Noun
A deep, divinely-given sense of gladness and delight that transcends earthly circumstances, often rooted in the awareness of God's presence or redemptive acts.
chairete · Greek Verb
The Greek word used here (chairete) literally means 'rejoice,' serving as a common greeting but carrying profound theological weight when spoken by the resurrected Christ, signaling the arrival of the age of salvation.
prosekynēsan · Greek Verb
The act of showing profound reverence, adoration, and submission to God or Christ as an expression of recognition of His divinity and lordship.
The mixed emotions of 'fear and great joy' reveal the profound shock and overwhelming relief the women experienced, grappling with the unprecedented reality of the resurrection right after witnessing the tomb's emptiness and encountering angels.
c. AD 30
Jesus Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate, and his body is placed in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Empty Tomb Discovered
On the third day, women including Mary Magdalene visit the tomb to find it empty, encountering angels who declare Jesus has risen.
c. AD 30
Jesus Appears to the Women
Jesus himself appears to the women, including Mary Magdalene, as they flee the tomb with mixed emotions of fear and joy.
c. AD 30
Women Report to Disciples
The women rush to tell the disciples the news of the resurrection, though their account is initially met with disbelief.
c. AD 30
This passage describes Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus, highlighting her initial confusion and then overwhelming joy, mirroring the women's mixed emotions in Matthew 28:8.
Luke 24:9-12This passage details the women reporting Jesus' resurrection to the apostles, noting their initial disbelief, which underscores the profound impact and yet the difficulty of truly grasping the joyous news the women carried.
Mark 16:10This verse shows the disciples' reaction upon hearing the news of the resurrection from Mary Magdalene, emphasizing their grief and disbelief, which contrasts with the women's urgent joy as they ran to share it.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8Paul lists the resurrection appearances, including to the women, reinforcing the foundational importance of this event for Christian belief and the initial spread of the gospel message.
Matthew 28:18-20This passage immediately follows, showing Jesus meeting the women and commissioning them. It connects their 'fear and great joy' with the ultimate purpose of His resurrection: to empower His followers for a global mission.
calvinMatthew 28:8-10: "And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word."
- And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to inform his disciples. 9. And while they went to inform his disciples, then, lo, Jesus met them, saying, Hail. [305] And they approached, and held his feet, and worshipped him. 10. Then Jesus saith to them, Fear not; go, tell my brethren to go into Galilee; and there shall they see me.
8.…
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 phrase "fear and great joy" isn't just a description of their emotions; it highlights a crucial spiritual reality: intense experiences with God can be both awe-inspiringly terrifying and ecstatically joyful at the same time. This potent mix shows their minds are reeling, grappling with the impossible truth of the resurrection while processing the angelic encounter.
These women, having encountered angels at the empty tomb and heard the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection, are now rushing to tell the disciples. Their departure is marked by a powerful mix of awe and elation, propelling them to share this world-changing message. This action directly sets up Jesus’ own appearance to them on the road, further confirming the resurrection and giving them new instructions for the disciples.
These women, having encountered angels at the empty tomb and heard the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection, are now rushing to tell the disciples. Their departure is marked by a powerful mix of awe and elation, propelling them to share this world-changing message. This action directly sets up Jesus’ own appearance to them on the road, further confirming the resurrection and giving them new instructions for the disciples.
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Their swift action demonstrates that once someone grasps the significance of the resurrection, a powerful impulse arises to share it. It’s not just good news; it’s world-changing news.
adelphois · Greek Noun
A term of endearment and spiritual identification used by the resurrected Jesus for His disciples, signifying the new covenant family relationship established through His death and resurrection.
Jesus Appears to Disciples
Over subsequent days, Jesus appears to various disciples and groups, including the eleven apostles, confirming his resurrection.
c. AD 30 - AD 33
The Great Commission
Jesus instructs his disciples to spread the gospel to all nations, a mandate that fuels the early spread of Christianity.
"So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not…" — The phrase "fear and great joy" isn't just a description of their emotions; it highlights a crucial spiritual reality: intense experiences with God can be both awe-inspiringly terrifying and ecstatic…
