Commentary on Matthew 28:4

Matthew 28:4 states, "And for fear of him, the guards trembled and became like dead men." This moment captures a profound part of the Resurrection narrative, where the guards, tasked with securing the tomb, experience an overwhelming realization of the divine power at work.

Contextual Analysis

This verse appears in the context of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After His crucifixion, a stone was rolled in front of the tomb, and guards were placed to ensure that no one could steal the body and claim a resurrection. The arrival of the angel and the rolling away of the stone drastically alters the circumstances the guards perceived.

• The Guards' Role:

  The guards represent human authority and fear in direct contrast to divine authority. Their presence underscores the seriousness of the message that the resurrection conveys. Their duty was to maintain the status quo, but they are quickly overwhelmed by the supernatural.

• The Trembling:

  The trembling of the guards illustrates the intense fear that accompanies a divine encounter. As noted by Matthew Henry, "The terror of the Lord was so great upon them that they became as dead men." This phrase emphasizes the inability of humanity to withstand the glory and power of God.

Theological Reflections

Various theologians and biblical commentators draw rich theological insights from this verse.

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry highlights the contrasting reactions of the guards and the women who come to the tomb. While the guards experience paralyzing fear, the women are greeted with compassion and encouragement. This differentiation illustrates the nature of one's relationship with God—fear and reverence for those outside of grace and hope for those within it.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke discusses the implications of the guards' fear as indicative of the power of God. He emphasizes that the guards' encounter with the angel serves as a testimony to the resurrection's truth. The angel’s appearances throughout Scripture often come with a command to fear not, which contrasts sharply with the guards' response.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes notes that the response of the guards reinforces the reality of the resurrection. Their experience affirms that significant events in the Kingdom of God can bring fear to those who do not understand God’s purposes. The trembling guards juxtapose the joyous response expected from the followers of Christ, highlighting the transformational power of resurrection faith.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the authority and presence of God in our lives.

• Understanding Divine Power:

  Just as the guards experienced an encounter with the divine that caused them to tremble, we are reminded of the holiness of God. This should lead us to a posture of reverence in our own worship and encounter with God.

• Faith vs. Fear:

  The contrasting reactions provide a powerful framework for understanding how different individuals respond to the truths of the Gospel. For believers, the resurrection brings hope and assurance, while for others, it can provoke fear due to an absence of faith.

• Encouraging Boldness:

  Recognizing the fear experienced by the guards can help pastors and theologians encourage faith communities to approach God with boldness. The resurrection of Christ is a call to move from fear to faith, ultimately leading to a life characterized by trust and joy in the Lord’s promises.

Conclusion

In summary, Matthew 28:4 encapsulates a pivotal encounter that emphasizes the themes of fear, authority, and divine intervention in human affairs. The guards’ tremble, akin to being "as dead men," serves as a stark reminder of the reality of God's power over death and sin, culminating in the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.