hrist's resurrection made known the women. (1-8) Christ
appears to Mary Magdalene and other disciples. (9-13) His
commission to the apostles. (14-18) Christ's ascension. (19,20)
Verses 1-8: Nicodemus brought a large quantity of spices, but these
good women did not think that enough. The respect others show to
Christ, should not hinder us from showing our respect. And those
who are carried by holy zeal, to seek Christ diligently, will
find the difficulties in their way speedily vanish. When we put
ourselves to trouble and expense, from love to Christ, we shall
be accepted, though our endeavours are not successful. The sight
of the angel might justly have encouraged them, but they were
affrighted. Thus many times that which should be matter of
comfort to us, through our own mistake, proves a terror to us.
He was crucified, but he is glorified. He is risen, he is not
here, not dead, but alive again; hereafter you will see him, but
you may here see the place where he was laid. Thus seasonable
comforts will be sent to those that lament after the Lord Jesus.
Peter is particularly named, Tell Peter; it will be most welcome
to him, for he is in sorrow for sin. A sight of Christ will be
very welcome to a true penitent, and a true penitent is very
welcome to a sight of Christ. The men ran with all the haste
they could to the disciples; but disquieting fears often hinder
us from doing that service to Christ and to the souls of men,
which, if faith and the joy of faith were strong, we might do.
Verses 9-13: Better news cannot be brought to disciples in tears, than
to tell them of Christ's resurrection. And we should study to
comfort disciples that are mourners, by telling them whatever we
have seen of Christ. It was a wise providence that the proofs of
Christ's resurrection were given gradually, and admitted
cautiously, that the assurance with which the apostles preached
this doctrine afterwards might the more satisfy. Yet how slowly
do we admit the consolations which the word of God holds forth!
Therefore while Christ comforts his people, he often sees it
needful to rebuke and correct them for hardness of heart in
distrusting his promise, as well as in not obeying his holy
precepts.
Verses 14-18: The evidences of the truth of the gospel are so full,
that those who receive it not, may justly be upbraided with
their unbelief. Our blessed Lord renewed his choice of the
eleven as his apostles, and commissioned them to go into all the
world, to preach his gospel to every creature. Only he that is a
true Christian shall be saved through Christ. Simon Magus
professed to believe, and was baptized, yet he was declared to
be in the bonds of iniquity: see his history in (Ac 8:13-25).
Doubtless this is a solemn declaration of that true faith which
receives Christ in all his characters and offices, and for all
the purposes of salvation, and which produces its right effect
on the heart and life; not a mere assent, which is a dead faith,
and cannot profit. The commission of Christ's ministers extends
to every creature throughout the world, and the declarations of
the gospel contain not only truths, encouragements, and
precepts, but also most awful warnings. Observe what power the
apostles should be endued with, for confirming the doctrine they
were to preach. These were miracles to confirm the truth of the
gospel, and means of spreading the gospel among nations that had
not heard it.
Verse 19,20: After the Lord had spoken he went up into heaven. Sitting
is a posture of rest, he had finished his work; and a posture of
rule, he took possession of his kingdom. He sat at the right
hand of God, which denotes his sovereign dignity and universal
power. Whatever God does concerning us, gives to us, or accepts
from us, it is by his Son. Now he is glorified with the glory he
had before the world. The apostles went forth, and preached
every where, far and near. Though the doctrine they preached was
spiritual and heavenly, and directly contrary to the spirit and
temper of the world; though it met with much opposition, and was
wholly destitute of all worldly supports and advantages; yet in
a few years the sound went forth unto the ends of the earth.
Christ's ministers do not now need to work miracles to prove
their message; the Scriptures are proved to be of Divine origin,
and this renders those without excuse who reject or neglect
them. The effects of the gospel, when faithfully preached, and
truly believed, in changing the tempers and characters of
mankind, form a constant proof, a miraculous proof, that the
gospel is the power of God unto salvation, of all who believe.
hrist's resurrection made known the women. (1-8) Christ
appears to Mary Magdalene and other disciples. (9-13) His
commission to the apostles. (14-18) Christ's ascension. (19,20)