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Book of Matthew - Chapter 28 - Verse 2

28:2
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.

Meaning

This verse from the Gospel of Matthew describes the scene at the tomb of Jesus on the day of his resurrection. The earthquake mentioned here symbolizes the dramatic and powerful nature of this significant event in Christian faith. The angel of the Lord descending from heaven not only signifies the divine intervention in the resurrection of Jesus but also represents the presence of God in this miraculous moment. The act of the angel rolling back the stone from the door of the tomb is symbolic of the removal of barriers between humanity and God, signifying the victory over death and the beginning of a new era of hope and salvation. The angel sitting upon the stone after rolling it away may represent a sense of calm and assurance, emphasizing the significance of this moment in fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the central belief in Christianity - the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a pivotal moment in the redemption and salvation of humanity.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of the earthquake as a symbol of the divine power and presence of God. Earthquakes are often used in the Bible to signify God's intervention or manifestation, and in this context, it signifies the supernatural nature of the events surrounding Jesus' resurrection. The angel of the Lord descending from heaven and rolling back the stone from the door serves as a powerful image of God's victory over death and the opening of the way to new life. The act of the angel sitting upon the stone can be seen as a symbol of triumph and authority, emphasizing the completion of God's plan for Jesus' resurrection. Through this event, the power and glory of God are magnified, reaffirming the belief in the miraculous nature of Jesus' resurrection.

American Standard Version

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.
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