Why did the women feel both fear and joy in Matthew 28:8? Historical and Textual Setting Matthew 28:8 reads: “So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.” The verse is secure in every extant Greek witness—from 𝔓¹⁰⁴ (c. AD 100–150) through Codices Vaticanus (B) and Sinaiticus (ℵ)—demonstrating a stable textual tradition. Matthew records the earliest post-resurrection reaction of the women (Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary,” v. 1) after an earthquake, an angel’s descent, the rolled-away stone, and the angel’s commission (vv. 2-7). Immediate Causes of Fear 1. Supernatural Encounter: “His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow” (v. 3). In Scripture, angelic manifestations consistently evoke fear (Daniel 10:7-9; Luke 1:12). 2. Physical Phenomena: The earthquake (v. 2) and the guards’ paralysis (v. 4) reinforced awe. 3. Holiness Confronts Fallenness: Throughout the canon, finite humans tremble before divine holiness (Exodus 3:6; Isaiah 6:5; Matthew 17:6). Immediate Causes of Joy 1. Verified Empty Tomb: They “looked in” (ὀψάσασθε, v. 6), confirming Christ’s body was gone. 2. Angelic Gospel: “He has risen, just as He said” (v. 6). The fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:19) triggered eschatological hope (Isaiah 53:10-12; Hosea 6:2). 3. Commission to Tell: Being entrusted with the first resurrection proclamation elevated them from mourners to messengers, a profound honor in first-century patriarchal culture. Biblical Pattern of Fear-Joy Convergence “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11). The paradox echoes at Sinai (Exodus 20:18-20) and in post-exilic worship (Ezra 3:13). The women embody this synthesis: reverent fear of God’s power mingled with jubilant recognition of His salvation. Psychological Perspective Modern affective science recognizes “mixed emotions” when cognitive appraisal yields simultaneous threat and benefit awareness. The women’s limbic arousal (startle) co-exists with dopaminergic reward (hope), consistent with Matthew’s eyewitness-level detail. Covenantal Fulfillment The Abrahamic promise (“all nations will be blessed through you,” Genesis 22:18) hinges on resurrection victory (Galatians 3:8-16). Fear reflects the theophanic moment; joy signals inception of the new covenant era (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Eyewitness and Apologetic Value Women’s testimony, legally discounted in 1st-century Judaism, would never be fabricated by conspirators (criterion of embarrassment). Their dual emotion authenticates raw, unembellished reportage. Subsequent appearances (Matthew 28:9-10) confirm their initial perception, aligning with multiple independent sources (Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Theological Implications Fear safeguards against trivializing God’s holiness; joy propels proclamation. Together they pattern Christian worship: “With reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). The women’s reaction models proper response to redemptive revelation. Contemporary Application Believers today stand at the same empty tomb via Scripture. Healthy fear curbs self-reliance; great joy fuels mission. Both emotions authenticate genuine encounter with the risen Christ. Summary The women’s fear arose from confronting divine holiness and supernatural phenomena; their joy sprang from validated resurrection hope and vocational commissioning. Matthew 28:8 encapsulates the paradox of Christian experience: trembling before God’s power while rejoicing in His salvation—a dual response attested by consistent manuscripts, affirmed by historical evidence, and indispensable for vibrant faith. |
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