Matthew 28:4

"His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 28:4, Jesus appears with an appearance "like lightning" and clothes that are "white as snow." This vivid imagery emphasizes the divine majesty and purity of Christ. The use of such striking descriptions would have been profoundly impactful for first-century readers who were familiar with apocalyptic language often used to describe the glory and power of God, setting the stage for the resurrection's awe-inspiring nature in their understanding of both Jesus' identity and his triumph over death.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 4. The keepers did shake. It was night. The appearance was sudden and unexpected, and to them terrific. The stone was probably suddenly removed. At the noise, the light, the suddenness of the appearance, they were affrighted. And became as dead men. Probably by terror they fainted, or were thrown into a swoon. At this time it is probable that the Lord Jesus arose; and hence he was not seen by them when he came forth. At what precise time of the night this was, we are not certainly informed. The narrative, however, leads us to suppose that it was not long before the women came to the sepulchre, or near the break of day.

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