Charles Ellicott Commentary John 20:1

"Now on the first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet dark, unto the tomb, and seeth the stone taken away from the tomb." — John 20:1 (ASV)

For the visit of the women to the tomb, and their announcement to the disciples (John 20:1–2), compare generally Notes on Matthew 28:1-4; Matthew 28:8; Mark 16:1–4; Mark 16:8; Luke 24:1–3; Luke 24:9–11. Each of the three narratives separates the return from the visit by an account of the appearance of the angels at the tomb.

The first day of the week.—The same phrase occurs in Luke 24:1.

Cometh Mary Magdalene.—Matthew writes, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary; Mark has, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome; Luke has, The women which had come with Him from Galilee (Luke 23:55), and enumerates them in Luke 24:10, as Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the others with them. John speaks of only one of the group, who was especially prominent.

And seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.—This fact is emphasized in all the accounts. See especially Luke 24:2.