What does Matthew 28:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 28:10 records words spoken by Jesus Christ after his resurrection.

In this verse, Jesus addresses women who had come to see the tomb.

He reassures them, telling them not to be afraid and gives them a message to convey to his disciples, often referred to as his "brethren." The message is that they should go to Galilee, where they will see Jesus.

The literal meaning of the verse conveys a direct instruction and assurance from Jesus.

On a deeper level, this verse emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus' promises about his resurrection and his continued relationship with his followers.

It is also indicative of the transition from fear to joy that the resurrection brings to the followers of Christ.

Historical Context

Matthew 28:10 is situated within the narrative of Christ's resurrection, which is central to Christian belief.

This event occurs shortly after the Passover and during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, pivotal moments in Jewish tradition.

The historical context of Galilee is important as it is the region where Jesus conducted much of his ministry and where he first called his disciples.

This invitation to meet in Galilee suggests a return to the beginning of their spiritual journey and an affirmation of their mission post-resurrection.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reflects several key principles.

In Christian theology, the resurrection is seen as a cornerstone of faith, validating Jesus' divinity and his victory over death.

The command "Be not afraid" can be interpreted as an assurance of God's power and presence.

By instructing his followers to go to Galilee, Jesus emphasizes continuity in his teaching and the mission given to his disciples.

Different denominations might focus on various aspects, such as obedience to Jesus' commands, the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ, or the importance of witnessing and testifying to Jesus' resurrection.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to confront fear with faith, trusting in the promises of Jesus. It can be applied in daily life as a reminder to follow divine guidance even when circumstances seem daunting.

Moreover, the call to "tell my brethren" highlights the importance of community and sharing one's experiences of faith with others.

This verse encourages a proactive approach to spreading hope and reassurance within a spiritual community.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:7: "And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you."
• John 20:17: "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."
• Matthew 26:32: "But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee."

Language Study

In the Greek text of Matthew 28:10, the phrase "Be not afraid" translates as "μὴ φοβεῖσθε" (mē phobeisthe), where "μὴ" (mē) functions as a negation and "φοβεῖσθε" (phobeisthe) is a present passive imperative form of "φοβέω" (phobeō), meaning to fear or be afraid.

The term "brethren" is translated from "ἀδελφοίς" (adelphois), meaning brothers, and often denotes close associates or followers in a spiritual sense.

"Go tell" uses the imperative "ὑπάγετε ἀπαγγείλατε" (hypagete apangeilate), emphasizing the urgency and importance of the directive.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a resurrection or rebirth is a theme in various ancient myths and religions. For example, the story of Osiris in Egyptian mythology, who is resurrected after being killed, bears some superficial similarities.

However, in Christian theology, Jesus' resurrection is unique in its nature and implications for salvation.

The concept of a divine messenger providing comfort and direction after a miraculous event also appears in other religious traditions, though with different theological meanings.

Scientific Perspectives

The resurrection, as an event, falls more into the realm of theology and miraculous occurrence than empirical scientific inquiry. Scientific perspectives generally do not affirm supernatural events like the resurrection due to lack of material evidence.

However, some scholars approach the text from a historical-critical perspective, examining the plausibility of events within the cultural and historical context of the time.

Commentaries

Various commentaries offer insights into Matthew 28:10. Traditional commentaries often focus on the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies regarding his resurrection and appearance in Galilee.

Some modern biblical scholars dissect the literary composition of the text to understand its role in the narrative arc of the Gospel of Matthew.

Theologians such as Matthew Henry and John Calvin emphasize the comforting nature of Jesus' instructions and the significance of his followers being called "brethren," indicating a close, familial relationship with Christ.