Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment… Here is one keeper more than the Jews looked for about our Saviour's sepulchre, on more than Pilate appointed. One mighty prince of that supernal host, whose countenance was able to daunt a legion of the best Roman soldiers; perhaps there was a multitude with him to celebrate the resurrection, as there was a multitude that appeared in the fields of Bethlehem to rejoice at Christ's Nativity. But this angel, I may say determinately, was one of the most royal spirits that stand before the face of God forever. How sweetly the eternal wisdom did dispose to let an angel show himself openly at this place of the grave, and upon the celebration of this great day! 1. Those ministering spirits had been attendants upon all the parts of our Saviour's humility; good reason they should be occupied upon all occasions of His exaltation and glory. 2. The women came out with confidence to embalm Christ's body, without considering how many difficulties were in their way; such difficulties as could never have been mastered if the angel had not been sent to facilitate all things for them. 3. The presence of the angel showed that He who had been buried there was God as well as man; for angels were as officious at the sepulchre as they use to be in heaven, which is the throne of God. 4. If not an angel, who else would be believed in so great a matter as this? Tell me, who could give testimony beside that would be credited? The disciples were never so tardy to conceive, never so unapprehensive in anything else as in this! They knew not as yet what the rising from the dead did mean. 5. It is in effect a promise that we shall be exalted after death to the society of angels. 6. Angels desire to be present at everything wherein mankind is benefited, that they may rejoice with us. No envy, no malignity in them, that we shall be made perfect in both parts of nature, both in body and soul, and so in that respect exceed them who are only spiritual substances. (Bishop Hacker.) Parallel Verses KJV: And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. |
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