Albert Barnes Commentary Mark 16

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; for example, myrrh, and none of them perhaps could properly be called sweet. The word spices expresses all that there is in the original.

Anoint him. Embalm him. Or, apply these spices to his body to keep it from putrefaction. This is proof that they did not suppose he would rise again. And the fact that they did not expect he would rise gives more strength to the evidence for his resurrection.

It was very great. These words belong to the third verse: Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? for, the evangelist adds, it was very great.

Sitting on the right side. As they entered. The sepulchre was large enough to admit people to go into it; not unlike, in that respect, our vaults.

And Peter. It is remarkable that Peter is singled out for special notice. It was proof of the kindness and mercy of the Lord Jesus. Peter, just before the death of Jesus, had denied him. He had brought dishonor on his profession of attachment to him. He had been brought to see the crime and to weep bitterly.

It would have been right if the Lord Jesus had from that moment cast him off and noticed him no more. But he loved him still. Having loved him once, he loved him to the end (John 13:1). As a proof that he forgave him and still loved him, he sent him this special message—the assurance that though he had denied him and had done much to aggravate his sufferings, yet he had risen and was still his Lord and Redeemer.

We are not to infer, because the angel said, Tell his disciples and Peter, that Peter was not still a disciple. The meaning is, "Tell his disciples, and especially Peter," sending to him a particular message. Peter was still a disciple. Before his fall, Jesus had prayed for him that his faith should not fail (Luke 22:32); and as the prayer of Jesus was always heard (John 11:42), so it follows that Peter still retained faith sufficient to be a disciple, though, like other disciples, he was allowed to fall into sin.

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.