Topical Encyclopedia The role of angels in the announcement of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a significant event in the New Testament, highlighting the divine nature of the resurrection and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The presence of angels at the resurrection underscores the heavenly authority and the miraculous nature of this pivotal moment in Christian faith.Biblical Accounts: 1. Matthew 28:1-7 : In the Gospel of Matthew, the resurrection account begins with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting the tomb. "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him." Behold, I have told you.'" The angel's message is clear and authoritative, confirming the resurrection and instructing the women to inform the disciples. The angel's presence and the miraculous rolling away of the stone emphasize the divine intervention in the resurrection. 2. Mark 16:1-7 : Mark's Gospel also records the visit of the women to the tomb. "When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. But he said to them, 'Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, "He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you."'" Here, the angel is described as a young man in a white robe, a common biblical depiction of angelic beings. The angel reassures the women and reiterates the message of Jesus' resurrection and the instruction to meet Him in Galilee. 3. Luke 24:1-7 : In Luke's account, the women find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. "While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them. As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the men asked them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day be raised again."'" Luke emphasizes the presence of two angels, who remind the women of Jesus' prophecy concerning His death and resurrection, reinforcing the fulfillment of His words. 4. John 20:11-13 : John's Gospel provides a more personal encounter with the angels. "But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the feet. 'Woman, why are you weeping?' they asked. 'Because they have taken my Lord away,' she said, 'and I do not know where they have put Him.'" The angels' presence in John's account serves to comfort Mary Magdalene and prepare her for the subsequent encounter with the risen Christ. Theological Significance: The announcement of the resurrection by angels serves multiple theological purposes. It affirms the truth of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian belief, and highlights the continuity of God's salvific plan as foretold by Jesus. The angelic proclamation also serves as a divine endorsement of Jesus' victory over death, providing hope and assurance to believers. The presence of angels at the resurrection is a testament to the heavenly witness and celebration of this transformative event in human history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 28:5-7And the angel answered and said to the women, Fear not you: for I know that you seek Jesus, which was crucified. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 24:23 Library Whether the Proofs which Christ Made Use of Manifested ... (On the Lord's Resurrection, I. ; Delivered on Holy Saturday in ... Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with his Saints. (On the Lord's Ascension, ii. ) The Incredulous Disciples The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... Persecution in the First Centuries The Exalted One. Persecution in the First Centuries. The Scriptures Forbid Our Supposing Either that the Resurrection ... Resources Angels ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgDo angels sing? | GotQuestions.org Can angels die? Can angels be hurt? | GotQuestions.org Angels: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Angels are Examples of Meekness Angels are Ministering Spirits Angels are of Different Orders Angels: Announced: The Ascension and Second Coming of Christ Angels: Announced: The Birth of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of John the Baptist Angels: Announced: The Resurrection of Christ Angels: Celebrate the Praises of God Angels: Communicate the Will of God and Christ Angels: Created by God and Christ Angels: Execute the Judgments of God Angels: Execute the Purposes of God Angels: Have Charge Over the Children of God Angels: Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ Angels: Ministration of, Obtained by Prayer Angels: Rejoice Over Every Repentant Sinner Angels: Shall Attend Christ at his Second Coming Angels: Shall Execute the Purposes of Christ Angels: The Law Given by the Ministration of Angels: Worship God and Christ Related Terms |
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