See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 28:1. Mark 16:1 SWEET SPICES - “Aromatics.” Substances used in embalming. The idea of sweetness is not, however, implied in the original. Many of the substances used for embalming were “bitter” - as, for example, myrrh - and none of them, perhaps,... [ Continue Reading ]
BELIEVED NOT - This is proof that they did not expect his resurrection; proof that they were not easily deceived, and that nothing but the clearest evidence could undeceive them.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE APPEARED IN ANOTHER FORM - In a form unlike his ordinary appearance so much so that they did not at first know him. See the notes at Luke 24:13. “As they walked and went into the country.” To Emmaus, Luke 24:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE RESIDUE - The remainder. Those who remained at Jerusalem.... [ Continue Reading ]
AFTERWARD HE APPEARED UNTO THE ELEVEN - Judas was dead, and the apostles were then called “the eleven.” This was done even when one of them was absent, as Thomas was on this occasion. See the “Harmony of the Accounts of the Resurrection, Appearances, and Ascension of Christ,” at the close of the not... [ Continue Reading ]
INTO ALL THE WORLD - To the Gentiles as well as the Jews. It was contrary to the opinions of the Jews that the Gentiles should be admitted to the privileges of the Messiah’s kingdom, or that the partition wall between them should be broken down. See Acts 22:21. It was long before the disciples could... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT BELIEVETH - That is, believeth the gospel. “He who credits it to be true, and acts as if it were true.” This is the whole of faith. Man is a sinner. He should act on the belief of this truth and repent. There is a God. Man should believe it, and fear and love him, and seek his favor. The Lor... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THESE SIGNS - These miracles. These evidences that they are sent from God. THEM THAT BELIEVE - The apostles, and those in the primitive age who were endowed with like power. This promise was fulfilled if it can be shown that these signs followed in the case of any who believed, and it is not nec... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS - When it is necessary for the sake of establishing religion, they shall handle poisonous reptiles without injury, thus showing that God was with them to keep them from harm. This was literally fulfilled when Paul shook the viper from his hand. See Acts 28:5. ANY DEADLY... [ Continue Reading ]
HE WAS RECEIVED UP INTO HEAVEN - In a cloud from the Mount of Olives. See Acts 1:9. THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD - We are not to suppose that God has hands, or that Jesus sits in any particular direction from God. This phrase is taken from the manner of speaking among men, and means that he was exalted to... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY WENT FORTH - The apostles. EVERYWHERE - In all parts of the world. See the account in the Acts and the Epistles. THE LORD WORKED WITH THEM - By miracles; by removing obstacles; by supporting them; and by giving the gospel success and making it effectual to saving men. CONFIRMING THE WORD - S... [ Continue Reading ]