New Testament
Matthew 28:3
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His face blazed like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow.
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His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
What Matthew 28:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Matthew 28:3, the description of the angel's appearance emphasizes his divine nature and the significance of the resurrection. The phrase "his face blazed like lightning" suggests a powerful, radiant presence, indicating that he is a messenger from God. The comparison of his clothes to snow highlights purity and holiness. This imagery serves to convey the awe-inspiring nature of the event—the resurrection of Jesus. The angel's appearance not only signifies the importance of the moment but also reassures the women who come to the tomb that they are in the presence of a heavenly being. This moment marks a pivotal point in Christian belief, as it confirms Jesus' victory over death and the promise of eternal life for believers. The vivid imagery invites readers to reflect on the miraculous nature of the resurrection and the hope it brings to humanity.
How to apply Matthew 28:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the power and glory of God in our lives. Just as the angel's appearance brought hope and reassurance, we can find comfort in God's presence during challenging times. Trust in His promises and embrace the hope of resurrection.
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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Keep studying Matthew 28:3
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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 28:3 say about the angel's appearance?
Matthew 28:3 describes the angel at Jesus' tomb as having a face that blazed like lightning and clothes as white as snow. This vivid imagery highlights the angel's divine nature and the significance of the resurrection, emphasizing purity and the awe-inspiring presence of a heavenly messenger.
Why is the angel's appearance important in the resurrection story?
The angel's appearance in Matthew 28:3 is crucial because it signifies the momentous event of Jesus' resurrection. The radiant description reassures the women visiting the tomb, indicating they are in the presence of a divine being. This moment confirms Jesus' victory over death and serves as a powerful reminder of hope and eternal life for believers.
How can we apply the message of Matthew 28:3 to our lives?
Matthew 28:3 encourages us to recognize God's power and glory in our lives. Just as the angel's appearance brought hope and reassurance to the women, we can find comfort in God's presence during difficult times. This verse invites us to trust in His promises and embrace the hope of resurrection, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.
What themes are highlighted in Matthew 28:3?
Matthew 28:3 highlights several key themes, including resurrection, divine presence, hope, purity, awe, and victory over death. These themes reflect the significance of the resurrection event, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the assurance of eternal life for believers.
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