Matthew 28

The Resurrection

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week,*28:1 Literally Now after the Sabbaths, it being dawn toward the first of the Sabbaths, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay.*28:6 BYZ and TR where the Lord lay 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you."

8 So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. 9 Suddenly*28:9 BYZ and TR They were going to tell His disciples, and suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 "Do not be afraid," said Jesus. "Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me."

The Report of the Guards

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12 And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and instructed them: "You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble."

15 So the guards took the money and did as they were instructed. And this account has been circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission

16 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples*28:19 Literally Having gone, therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age."