Matthew 28:2 - Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
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What does "Matthew 28:2" mean?
This verse, Matthew 28:2, is a pivotal part of the Resurrection narrative and carries significant symbolic and theological weight. Let's break it down:
"Behold, there was a great earthquake..." Earthquakes in the Bible are often associated with divine intervention and theophany (a manifestation of God). The earthquake here signals a cataclysmic event, a disruption of the natural order, marking the arrival of something extraordinary – the Resurrection. It is not just a natural occurrence but a sign that God is at work.
"...for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky..." The angel is a messenger from God, a being of immense power and authority. The angel's descent from the sky emphasizes his heavenly origin and divine commission. It highlights that the Resurrection is not a human event but divinely orchestrated.
"...and came and rolled away the stone from the door..." The stone was a massive obstacle, meant to seal the tomb and prevent anyone from entering. The angel's effortless removal of the stone demonstrates the powerlessness of death and the futility of any human attempt to contain the resurrected Christ. It shows that no physical barrier can hold back God's power.
"...and sat on it." This is perhaps the most visually striking detail. The angel doesn't just remove the stone; he sits on it. This signifies complete and utter triumph over death and the grave. The angel's posture conveys authority, dominion, and a sense of absolute victory. It's a symbolic representation that death has been conquered and is now under God's control.
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a vivid picture of the Resurrection as a divinely initiated and powerfully executed event. It emphasizes:
Divine Power: The earthquake and the angel's actions demonstrate God's immense power and authority over nature and death.
Triumph over Death: The removal of the stone symbolizes the victory over death and the opening of the way to eternal life.
Authority and Dominion: The angel sitting on the stone signifies the establishment of Christ's authority and dominion over all things.
The Uncontainable Resurrection: The resurrection could not be contained. Not by human means or physical means. It was divinely ordained to come about.
Evidence of the Resurrection: While faith is required, this verse provides tangible (in the biblical narrative) evidence of divine intervention. The empty tomb and the moved stone were undeniable.
This verse is not just a historical account; it's a declaration of faith in the power of God to overcome death and offer salvation to humanity through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a powerful statement that resonates with Christians today, offering hope and assurance of eternal life.
Matthew 28:2 - Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
What does "Matthew 28:2" mean?
This verse, Matthew 28:2, is a pivotal part of the Resurrection narrative and carries significant symbolic and theological weight. Let's break it down:
"Behold, there was a great earthquake..." Earthquakes in the Bible are often associated with divine intervention and theophany (a manifestation of God). The earthquake here signals a cataclysmic event, a disruption of the natural order, marking the arrival of something extraordinary – the Resurrection. It is not just a natural occurrence but a sign that God is at work.
"...for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky..." The angel is a messenger from God, a being of immense power and authority. The angel's descent from the sky emphasizes his heavenly origin and divine commission. It highlights that the Resurrection is not a human event but divinely orchestrated.
"...and came and rolled away the stone from the door..." The stone was a massive obstacle, meant to seal the tomb and prevent anyone from entering. The angel's effortless removal of the stone demonstrates the powerlessness of death and the futility of any human attempt to contain the resurrected Christ. It shows that no physical barrier can hold back God's power.
"...and sat on it." This is perhaps the most visually striking detail. The angel doesn't just remove the stone; he sits on it. This signifies complete and utter triumph over death and the grave. The angel's posture conveys authority, dominion, and a sense of absolute victory. It's a symbolic representation that death has been conquered and is now under God's control.
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a vivid picture of the Resurrection as a divinely initiated and powerfully executed event. It emphasizes:
Divine Power: The earthquake and the angel's actions demonstrate God's immense power and authority over nature and death.
Triumph over Death: The removal of the stone symbolizes the victory over death and the opening of the way to eternal life.
Authority and Dominion: The angel sitting on the stone signifies the establishment of Christ's authority and dominion over all things.
The Uncontainable Resurrection: The resurrection could not be contained. Not by human means or physical means. It was divinely ordained to come about.
Evidence of the Resurrection: While faith is required, this verse provides tangible (in the biblical narrative) evidence of divine intervention. The empty tomb and the moved stone were undeniable.
This verse is not just a historical account; it's a declaration of faith in the power of God to overcome death and offer salvation to humanity through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a powerful statement that resonates with Christians today, offering hope and assurance of eternal life.