Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 16:9-13

"Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, disbelieved. And after these things he was manifested in another form unto two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. And they went away and told it unto the rest: neither believed they them." — Mark 16:9-13 (ASV)

Better news cannot be brought to disciples in tears than to tell them of Christ's resurrection. And we should strive to comfort disciples who are mourners by telling them whatever we have seen of Christ. It was a wise providence that the proofs of Christ's resurrection were given gradually, and accepted cautiously, so that the assurance with which the apostles preached this doctrine afterwards might be more satisfying.

Yet how slowly do we accept the consolations that the word of God offers! Therefore, while Christ comforts his people, he often finds it necessary to rebuke and correct them for hardness of heart in distrusting his promise, as well as in not obeying his holy precepts.