John Calvin Commentary Matthew 28:7

"And go quickly, and tell his disciples, He is risen from the dead; and lo, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you." — Matthew 28:7 (ASV)

And go quickly, and tell his disciples. Here God, by the angel, confers extraordinary honor on the women, by instructing them to proclaim to the apostles themselves the central point of our salvation. In Mark's account, they are specifically instructed to carry this message to Peter; not because he was at that time higher in rank than the others, but because his crime, which was so disgraceful, needed special consolation to assure him that Christ had not cast him off, though he had basely and wickedly fallen.

He had already entered the tomb and seen the evidence of Christ's resurrection; but God denied him the honor, which he soon after gave to the women, of hearing from the angel that Christ was risen. Indeed, the great lack of understanding he still showed is evident from the fact that he again fled trembling to hide, as if he had seen nothing, while Mary sat down to weep at the tomb. Therefore, it cannot be doubted that she and her companions, by seeing the angel, received the reward for their patience.

And, lo, He goeth before you into Galilee. When the angel sent the disciples into Galilee, he did so, I think, so that Christ might make himself known to a great number of people; for we know that he had lived a long time in Galilee. He also intended to give his followers greater liberty, so that by the very fact of their withdrawal they might gradually gain courage. Besides, being familiar with the places helped them recognize their Master with greater certainty; for it was right to use every method to confirm them, so that nothing would be lacking to complete the certainty of their faith.

Lo, I have told you. By this way of speaking, the angel earnestly assures them that what he says is true. He says this, not as if it originated with him, as if he were the first to suggest it, but he endorses Christ's promise. Therefore, in Mark's account, he merely reminds them of Christ's very words. Luke extends the address even further, by saying that Christ had informed the disciples that he must be crucified, and rise again on the third day. But the meaning is the same, for along with his resurrection he had foretold his death. He then adds, —