Matthew 28:8

ἀπελθοῦσαι : the reading of T. R. (ἐξελθ.) implies that they had been within the tomb, of which no mention is made in Matthew. They went away from, not out of, the tomb. ἀπὸ τ. μν., depending on ἀπελθοῦσαι, in Mark on ἔφυγον. μετὰ φόβου καὶ χαρᾶς μεγάλης, with fear and great joy. This union of apparently opposite emotions is true to human nature. All powerful tides of gladness cause nervous thrills that feel like fear and trembling. Cf. Isaiah 60:5 and Philippians 2:12. The fear and trembling St. Paul speaks of are the result of an exhilarating consciousness of having a great solemn work in hand a race to run, a prize to win.