Matthew 28:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 28:1
1 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.
Chapter Context
Matthew 28 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, hope, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 28:1
1 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.
Analysis
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. This verse opens the resurrection narrative, the climactic event of redemptive history. The Greek phrase ὀψὲ δὲ σαββάτων (opse de sabbatōn, 'after the Sabbath') indicates Saturday evening transitioning to Sunday dawn, marking a new era in God's economy.
The 'first day of the week' (μιᾷ σαββάτων/mia sabbatōn) becomes significant for the church—Sunday worship commemorates resurrection morning, displacing the Jewish Sabbath as the primary day of Christian assembly (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). This represents the dawn of new creation, as Christ rises as the 'firstfruits' (1 Corinthians 15:20) of those who sleep.
Mary Magdalene, from whom seven demons were cast out (Luke 8:2), and 'the other Mary' (likely the mother of James and Joses, Matthew 27:56) exemplify devoted discipleship. While male disciples hid in fear, these women courageously came to anoint Jesus's body, demonstrating sacrificial love. Their faithfulness is rewarded—they become the first witnesses of the resurrection, though women's testimony held little legal weight in first-century Judaism.
They came 'to see the sepulchre' (θεωρῆσαι τὸν τάφον/theōrēsai ton taphon), expecting to find a sealed tomb and perform burial rites. They had no expectation of resurrection despite Jesus's repeated predictions (Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19). Their mission of mercy becomes instead the discovery of God's mighty act—death defeated, the grave conquered.
Historical Context
This occurred on Sunday, likely April 9, AD 30 (or April 5, AD 33, depending on chronology). Roman guards had sealed the tomb and maintained watch (Matthew 27:65-66), making the stone's removal and body's disappearance politically and religiously explosive.
Jewish burial customs required anointing the body with spices and oils. The Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) prevented this work, so the women waited until the first opportunity—Sunday dawn. Joseph of Arimathea had provided hasty burial Friday evening (Matthew 27:57-60), leaving full burial rites incomplete.
The tomb was likely a hewn rock tomb near Golgotha, outside Jerusalem's walls. Wealthy families owned such tombs, and Joseph generously offered his new tomb for Jesus (fulfilling Isaiah 53:9). The rolling stone was massive, requiring multiple men to move—typically weighing 1-2 tons.
Resurrection on 'the third day' fulfilled not only Jesus's predictions but also OT typology (Jonah 1:17, Hosea 6:2). Jewish reckoning counted parts of days as full days: Friday (day
- , Saturday (day
- , Sunday (day
- .
Reflection
- How does the faithfulness of these women challenge our own devotion to Christ, especially when understanding seems dim and circumstances appear hopeless?
- What does it mean that God chose women—whose testimony was legally inadmissible—as first witnesses of resurrection, and how does this reveal His kingdom values?
- How should the resurrection's occurrence on 'the first day of the week' shape our understanding of Sunday worship and its distinctiveness from Sabbath observance?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 27:56, 27:61, Luke 24:22