Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 28:10

"Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me." — Matthew 28:10 (ASV)

Like the angel (v.5), Jesus stills the women’s fears and gives them a similar commission. “My brothers” probably does not refer only to the Eleven but to all those attached to his cause who were then in Jerusalem, most of whom had followed him from Galilee to Jerusalem as his “disciples” (28:17).

Why does Matthew record a resurrection appearance in Galilee? The answer surely lies in the combination of two themes that have permeated the entire gospel. (1) The Messiah emerges from a despised area and first sheds his light on a despised people , for the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit (5:3). For this reason, too, the risen Jesus first appears to women whose value as witnesses among Jews is worthless. (2) “Galilee of the Gentiles” (4:15) is compatible with the growing theme of Gentile mission in this gospel (2:1–12, et al.) and prepares for the Great Commission (28:18–20).