Berean Study Bible The ResurrectionThe weekly Sabbath ended at sunset on Saturday. Jesus’ resurrection occurred on the third day after His crucifixion. Mrk 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene,… at dawn on the first day of the week, Sunday morning marked the beginning of a new week and became the day Christians remembered Christ’s resurrection. Mrk 16:2 Very early on the first day of the week,… Mary Magdalene and the other Mary Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came as faithful followers of Jesus. The other Mary was likely the mother of James and Joseph. Their presence placed women among the first witnesses of the empty tomb. Mat 27:61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there… went to see the tomb. They came to honor Jesus, unaware that the sealed, guarded tomb had already been opened by God’s power. Luk 24:2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, Suddenly there was a great earthquake, God marked the resurrection with a powerful, visible event. The earthquake testified that Jesus’ victory over death was no ordinary occurrence but the decisive work of God. Mat 27:51 At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two… for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, The angel’s arrival confirmed that heaven itself bore witness to what had taken place. He came not to raise Jesus, who had already risen, but to reveal the empty tomb to those who came seeking Him. Rev 10:1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven,… rolled away the stone, The stone was removed to open the tomb for the witnesses, not to let Jesus escape. Its removal showed that the grave could not hold Him and that the tomb was truly empty. Mrk 16:4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone… and sat on it. Seated upon the stone, the angel displayed calm authority over the seal, the guards, and the grave. The barrier meant to secure Jesus’ body had become evidence of His resurrection. Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord:… His appearance was like lightning, The angel’s radiant appearance revealed the unmistakable glory and authority of heaven. His sudden presence at the tomb struck the guards with terror and confirmed that the resurrection was an act of God’s power. Dan 10:6 His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance… and his clothes were white as snow. His white garments displayed the holiness and purity of the heavenly messenger. At the empty tomb, the angel’s appearance contrasted with the darkness of death and announced the victory of Christ over the grave. Dan 7:9 As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place,… The guards trembled in fear of him Roman soldiers trained to remain steady under danger were overwhelmed by the angel’s appearance, like lightning and clothed in white as snow. Their fear revealed the unmistakable authority of God’s messenger and the supernatural reality surrounding the empty tomb. Dan 10:7-9 I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it… and became like dead men. Paralyzed or collapsed by terror, the guards could no longer secure the tomb they had been assigned to watch. Their helplessness stood in sharp contrast to Jesus’ resurrection: while the guards lay as though dead, Christ had risen in victory over death. Rev 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man.… But the angel said to the women, The angel addressed Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who had come to the tomb after witnessing Jesus’ burial. Their presence as the first witnesses to the empty tomb reflects their faithful devotion to Him. Luk 24:4-5 While they were puzzling over this, two men… “Do not be afraid, The angel calmed them in the presence of God’s unmistakable power. What had begun in grief and uncertainty would become the announcement of Christ’s victory over death. Luk 1:30 So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,… for I know that you are looking for Jesus, Their purpose was clear: they had come seeking the body of the One they loved and followed. The angel prepared them to learn that Jesus was no longer among the dead. Mrk 16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed.… who was crucified. Jesus’ resurrection did not concern another person or a spiritual idea, but the same Jesus who had been publicly condemned, crucified, died, and was buried. His death fulfilled God’s purpose of atonement for sin, and His resurrection confirmed His victory over death. Jhn 19:18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two others… He is not here; Jesus’ body was no longer in the tomb where He had been laid after His crucifixion. The empty tomb stood as physical evidence that death had not held Him. Luk 24:3 but when they entered, they did not find the body… He has risen, Jesus had risen bodily from the dead, defeating sin and death and confirming His identity as the promised Messiah. His resurrection became the foundation of the apostles’ witness and the Christian faith. Luk 24:34 The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon… just as He said! His resurrection occurred exactly as He had foretold to His disciples before His death. The fulfillment of His words confirmed the certainty of His teaching and the divine purpose of His suffering. Mat 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples… Come, see the place where He lay. The angel invited the women to examine the tomb themselves. The place where Jesus had been buried was empty, providing eyewitness evidence that He had risen. Mrk 16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed.… Then go quickly and tell His disciples, The women are sent without delay to bring the news to the disciples, who had scattered in fear after Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Their role as the first witnesses and messengers of the resurrection is central to the account. Mrk 16:7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead… ‘He has risen from the dead Jesus truly rose bodily from the tomb, conquering death as He had foretold. The empty tomb and subsequent appearances establish the resurrection as an historical event and the foundation of the disciples’ restored faith. Mrk 16:6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed.… and is going ahead of you into Galilee. Jesus had promised to meet His disciples in Galilee, where much of His public ministry began. The meeting would gather the disciples again under their risen Lord and prepare them for their mission. Mat 26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you… There you will see Him.’ The disciples would not receive only a report of the resurrection; they would see Jesus Himself. His appearances would confirm His identity, His bodily resurrection, and His continuing authority. Jhn 21:1 Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus revealed Himself… See, I have told you.” The angel speaks with divine authority, giving the women a message they are responsible to deliver faithfully. Jhn 14:29 And now I have told you before it happens,… So they hurried away from the tomb Mary Magdalene and the other Mary left immediately after the angel announced that Jesus had risen. The empty tomb confirmed that His body was no longer there, just as He had foretold. Mrk 16:8 So the women left the tomb and ran away,… in fear and great joy, They were overwhelmed by the angelic encounter and the reality of the resurrection. Their fear reflected reverent awe before God’s power, while their joy arose from the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to rise on the third day. Psa 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. and ran to tell His disciples. The women became the first witnesses sent to announce the resurrection. The disciples, still grieving and uncertain after Jesus’ crucifixion, needed to hear that He was alive. Jhn 20:18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,… Suddenly Jesus met them As the women hurried from the tomb to report the angel’s message, the risen Jesus appeared before them in bodily form, confirming that He had conquered death as He promised. Jhn 20:14-16 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus… and said, “Greetings!” His familiar greeting reassured them and turned their fear into joy. Jhn 20:19 It was the first day of the week, and that very evening,… They came to Him, The women responded at once, recognizing Him as their Lord. Mat 15:22-25 And a Canaanite woman from that region came… grasped His feet, Their action confirmed that Jesus was physically present, not a vision or spirit, and expressed humble devotion. 2Ki 4:27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain,… and worshiped Him. They honored Him with the worship due to the risen Messiah and Son of God. Jhn 9:38 “Lord, I believe,” he said. And he worshiped Jesus. “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. Jesus met the women as they hurried from the tomb to report the angel’s message. Their fear gave way to worship when they recognized the risen Lord. His words assured them that His resurrection was real and that they need not be overwhelmed by the events they had witnessed. Jhn 6:20 But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. Though the disciples had fled and Peter had denied Him, Jesus called them His brothers. He restored them and directed them to Galilee, where He had begun His public ministry and where He had promised to meet them after rising from the dead. Jhn 20:17 “Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet…”… There they will see Me.” The meeting in Galilee would confirm His bodily resurrection to the disciples and prepare them for the commission He would soon give them. Their encounter with the risen Jesus turned fearful followers into witnesses of what they had seen and heard. Jhn 21:1 Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus revealed Himself…
The Report of the GuardsWhile the women were on their way to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen, they became the first witnesses entrusted with the news of the resurrection. Luk 24:9-10 And when they returned from the tomb, they reported… some of the guards went into the city Some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. Mat 27:53 After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out… and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. The leaders who had sought to prevent any claim of resurrection now received testimony from the very men responsible for guarding the tomb. Mat 27:62-66 The next day, the one after Preparation Day,… And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, The chief priests and elders, leading members of the Sanhedrin, responded to the guards’ report by plotting how to contain the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Rather than examining the evidence, they sought to protect their authority and prevent the people from believing in Him. Mrk 15:1 Early in the morning, the chief priests and elders… they gave the soldiers a large sum of money The Roman guards were bribed to spread a false account of the empty tomb. The payment reveals the leaders’ determination to suppress the truth and shows that the guards’ testimony posed a serious threat to their efforts to deny the resurrection. Mat 26:15 “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over”… and instructed them: The chief priests and elders devised a plan to deny the resurrection and protect their authority. They directed the Roman guards, who had witnessed the angelic events at the tomb, to promote an alternative account. Mat 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds… “You are to say, The leaders deliberately arranged a false report, seeking to prevent the resurrection message from spreading among the people. Exo 23:1 You shall not spread a false report. Do not join… ‘His disciples came by night They claimed the disciples acted secretly, though the disciples had been fearful and scattered after Jesus’ arrest. Mat 27:64 So give the order that the tomb be secured… and stole Him away The accusation ignored the sealed tomb, the armed guard, and the guards’ own report of what had occurred. It offered an explanation for the empty tomb without admitting that Jesus had risen. Jhn 20:2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple… while we were asleep.’ The story required the guards to admit sleeping at their post, a serious Roman military offense, while also claiming to know who had taken the body. 1Sa 26:12 So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head,… If this report reaches the governor, The chief priests anticipated that Pilate might hear the soldiers’ account or the false story they were instructed to spread. As Roman guards, the soldiers could face serious punishment if accused of failing to secure the tomb. Act 23:33-35 When the horsemen arrived in Caesarea, they delivered… we will satisfy him The religious leaders assured the soldiers that they would persuade Pilate and address any concerns he might have. Their earlier dealings with him show that they believed they could influence his response. Pro 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe…… and keep you out of trouble.” The promise protected the guards from the consequences of reporting that Jesus’ body was missing. By bribing them and arranging Pilate’s cooperation, the leaders sought to conceal the resurrection and preserve their own authority. Rom 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.… So the guards took the money The Roman guards accepted the chief priests’ bribe and agreed to conceal what had happened at the tomb. Their willingness to participate protected them from punishment for failing to secure the grave. Pro 17:23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course… and did as they were instructed. They reported that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body while they slept, a claim that could not be verified by men who claimed to be asleep. The religious leaders chose deception rather than acknowledge the resurrection. Exo 39:42-43 The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD… And this account has been circulated among the Jews The story was deliberately spread to counter the testimony that Jesus had risen from the dead. It became an early source of opposition to the proclamation of the resurrection. Act 6:11-14 Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak… to this very day. When Matthew wrote, the false report was still being repeated among many Jewish people. Its persistence shows the continued resistance to the truth of Christ’s resurrection. Deu 34:6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab…
The Great CommissionJudas Iscariot was no longer among the Twelve after betraying Jesus and dying. The remaining apostles had witnessed Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection and would become foundational witnesses of the risen Lord. Mrk 16:14 Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared… went to Galilee, Galilee was the region where much of Jesus’ public ministry began and where several disciples had first followed Him. Their return followed His instruction and prepared them for their next commission. Mat 26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you… to the mountain The unnamed mountain provided the appointed setting for Jesus’ appearance and instruction. In Scripture, mountains often mark significant encounters between God and His people. Mrk 3:13 Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called… Jesus had designated. Jesus had arranged this meeting before His death and repeated the instruction after His resurrection. The disciples’ obedience brought them to the place where He would give them their mission. Mat 17:1 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John… When they saw Him, When the disciples saw the risen Jesus on the mountain in Galilee, His presence confirmed that He had truly risen bodily from the dead. Galilee, where much of His public ministry began, became the setting for this decisive post-resurrection appearance. Jhn 20:20 After He had said this, He showed them His hands… they worshiped Him, They worshiped Him, recognizing Jesus as their risen Lord and acknowledging the authority and divine honor due to the One who had conquered death and fulfilled His mission. Luk 24:52 And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem… but some doubted. Even in the presence of the risen Christ, some hesitated as they struggled to grasp the reality of what they were seeing. Their uncertainty shows the overwhelming nature of the resurrection while preparing for Jesus’ coming commission and promise of His abiding presence. Mrk 16:14 Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared… Then Jesus came to them and said, After His resurrection, Jesus met the disciples in Galilee as He had promised. His appearance confirmed that He had risen bodily and prepared them for the mission He was about to give them. Luk 24:36 While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood… “All authority in heaven and on earth Jesus declared His universal rule over every realm of creation. Having conquered sin and death, He reigns as the risen Son of Man, with dominion over nations, rulers, angels, and all earthly powers. Jhn 17:2 For You granted Him authority over all people,… has been given to Me. The Father exalted the Son following His obedient sacrifice and resurrection. Jesus now exercises the authority entrusted to Him as the risen Lord, establishing the basis for the disciples’ work among all nations. Jhn 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has placed all things… Therefore go Risen Jesus sends His disciples under His universal authority, calling them to carry His message beyond Jerusalem. Their mission requires obedience, faith, and active witness. Jhn 20:21 Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me,”… and make disciples The goal is committed followers of Christ who learn His teaching and live under His lordship. The apostles were to instruct new believers and establish them in faithful obedience. Act 14:21 They preached the gospel to that city and made many… of all nations, God’s saving purpose now extends openly to every people group. The Gospel is not limited to Israel but fulfills God’s promise that the nations would be blessed through Abraham’s offspring. Luk 24:47 and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins… baptizing them Baptism publicly identifies believers with Christ and marks their entrance into the fellowship of His people. It portrays union with His death, burial, and resurrection. Act 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you,… in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Baptism is administered under the one divine name shared by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus places Himself and the Spirit alongside the Father, affirming the full deity and unity of the Triune God. 2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God… and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. Disciples were to receive more than instruction in belief; they were to learn and practice everything Jesus had taught. His commands governed worship, character, relationships, forgiveness, love, prayer, purity, and service. The apostles were therefore responsible to establish believers in a life of obedience, passing on the full teaching of Christ rather than selected portions of it. Jhn 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And surely I am with you always, Jesus did not leave His followers to carry out their mission in their own strength. Though He would soon ascend into heaven, He remained personally present with His people by His authority and through the Holy Spirit. His words also affirm that He is Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” faithful to sustain His church amid opposition, suffering, and weakness. Jos 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life.… even to the end of the age.” Christ’s presence continues throughout the entire present age until His visible return and the completion of God’s redemptive purposes. The mission of making disciples remains the church’s calling until He comes to judge the world and establish the fullness of His everlasting kingdom. Mat 13:39-40 and the enemy who sows them is the devil.… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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