Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 28:5

"And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified." — Matthew 28:5 (ASV)

The angel speaks words that allay the women’s fears. While the empty tomb by itself is capable of several explanations, this explanatory word of revelation narrows the potential interpretations down to one: Jesus had risen from the dead (v.6), a truth to be confirmed by personal appearances. Matthew also ties in the Resurrection with Jesus’ promises—“as he said” (cf. 16:21; 17:23; 20:18–19). The women are invited to see the place where Jesus lay and commanded to go “quickly” to give his disciples the joyous message. Jesus had promised to go ahead of his disciples into Galilee ; the angel now reminds them of this.