Matthew 28:4
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Matthew 28:4
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Chapter Context
Matthew 28 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, wisdom, covenant. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 28:4
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Analysis
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. The Roman guards stationed at the tomb experienced overwhelming terror at the angel's appearance. The phrase 'did shake' (ἐσείσθησαν/eseisthēsan) uses the same root as 'earthquake' (σεισμός/seismos) in verse 2—they were shaken both by the earth's trembling and by fear. This was no mere startlement but complete terror before supernatural power.
'Became as dead men' (ἐγενήθησαν ὡς νεκροί/egenēthēsan hōs nekroi) indicates they fell unconscious or were paralyzed with fear, like corpses themselves. The irony is profound: those sent to guard a dead man became like dead men themselves when confronted with the Living One's triumph. The guards meant to prevent resurrection became witnesses to it, though they later suppressed the truth for money (Matthew 28:11-15).
This parallels other biblical instances where sinful humans encounter divine holiness: Isaiah crying 'Woe is me' (Isaiah 6:5), Daniel left without strength (Daniel 10:8), John falling as dead at Christ's feet (Revelation 1:17). The presence of holy God or His messengers exposes human weakness and unworthiness.
Yet notice the contrast: the guards collapsed in fear while the women who came in faith received the message 'Fear not' (verse 5). Fear of God's judgment versus reverential awe that receives His grace—two responses to divine power, depending on one's relationship to God through Christ.
Historical Context
Roman soldiers were trained to face death without flinching, maintaining discipline under extreme conditions. For battle-hardened guards to collapse in terror reveals the overwhelming nature of this supernatural manifestation. These were not superstitious peasants but professional soldiers.
The guards had been stationed specifically to prevent disciples from stealing the body (Matthew 27:64-66). Pilate had granted the Jewish leaders' request for security, providing Roman soldiers or temple guards (the text allows either interpretation). Their presence made any natural explanation of the empty tomb impossible—neither disciples nor anyone else could have moved the body past armed guards.
After witnessing these events, some guards reported to the chief priests rather than their Roman commander (verse 11), suggesting they may have been temple guards under Jewish authority. The chief priests then bribed them to claim the disciples stole the body while they slept (Matthew 28:12-13)—an absurd story, since sleeping guards could not know who took the body, and Roman soldiers faced execution for sleeping on duty.
This attempted cover-up paradoxically confirms the resurrection: Jewish authorities never produced the body or offered plausible alternative explanations. They resorted to bribery and impossible claims because the truth—resurrection—was undeniable but unacceptable to their unbelief.
Reflection
- How does the guards' reaction to angelic glory illustrate humanity's inability to stand before God apart from Christ's mediation and righteousness?
- What does the guards' later decision to accept bribes and suppress truth teach us about the human heart's resistance to divine revelation when it threatens our interests?
- Why is the guards' testimony to the resurrection significant even though they ultimately rejected and concealed what they witnessed?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 28:11, Job 4:14, Psalms 48:6, Daniel 10:7, Acts 16:29, Revelation 1:17