New Testament
Matthew 28:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the stone away from the entrance, and sat on it.
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And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
What Matthew 28:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Matthew 28:2, we see a dramatic event that marks the resurrection of Jesus. An angel from heaven comes down with such power that it causes a violent earthquake. This signifies the importance of the moment, as the angel rolls away the stone that sealed Jesus' tomb. The act of sitting on the stone symbolizes victory over death and the finality of the resurrection. The earthquake and the angel's presence highlight the divine intervention in human history, showing that God is actively involved in the events surrounding Jesus' resurrection. This moment is not just a physical occurrence but also a spiritual awakening, indicating that something monumental has taken place. The angel's role is to announce the good news of Jesus' resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. This passage emphasizes the power of God and the fulfillment of His promises, as well as the hope that comes from the resurrection.
How to apply Matthew 28:2 to your life
This verse reminds us of the power of God in our lives. Just as the angel rolled away the stone, God can remove obstacles in our lives. We can trust in His ability to bring about change and new beginnings, especially in difficult situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1–10)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 28:2 mean in the context of the resurrection?
Matthew 28:2 describes a powerful moment during the resurrection of Jesus, where an angel descends from heaven, causing a great earthquake. This event signifies the importance of Jesus' resurrection, as the angel rolls away the stone sealing the tomb, symbolizing victory over death. The earthquake represents divine intervention, highlighting God's active role in this monumental event in Christian faith.
Why is the earthquake significant in Matthew 28:2?
The earthquake in Matthew 28:2 signifies the dramatic nature of Jesus' resurrection. It emphasizes the power of God and the importance of the moment, indicating that something extraordinary is happening. Earthquakes in biblical texts often symbolize God's presence and intervention, marking significant events in salvation history. This earthquake serves as a divine announcement of Jesus' victory over death.
What does the angel sitting on the stone represent?
The angel sitting on the stone in Matthew 28:2 symbolizes victory and finality over death. By rolling away the stone, the angel signifies that the barrier between death and life has been removed, affirming Jesus' resurrection. This act also represents the triumph of God's promises and the hope that believers have in eternal life through Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plan.
How can I apply the message of Matthew 28:2 to my life?
Matthew 28:2 encourages us to trust in God's power to overcome obstacles in our lives. Just as the angel rolled away the stone, God can remove barriers that seem insurmountable. This verse inspires hope, reminding us that even in difficult situations, God is capable of bringing about change and new beginnings. We can rely on His strength and presence to guide us through challenges, knowing that He is actively involved in our lives.
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