Biblical Studies/New Testament Commentaries/The Gospel of Matthew/Chapter 28

Bible Verse

Matthew 28:1-20 (King James Version)

Matthew 28 1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 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. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Background Information

General map of the travels of Jesus throughout his ministry

Map of the travels of Jesus after his resurrection

Map Information

This refers to the map of Jesus' general ministry.

1. At the tomb. Mary Magdalene meets Jesus (John 20:11–18; Mark 16:9–11).

2. Near the tomb. Mary Magdalene and ‘the other Mary’ (Matthew 28:9–10).

3. On the Emmaus road. Cleopas and another disciple (Luke 24:13–35; Mark 16:12–13).

4. In the upper room. As the disciples were eating (Mark 16:14–18). Jesus allows them to feel him and he eats fish (Luke 24:36–49). Behind locked doors without Thomas (John 20:19–23). With Thomas (John 20:24–29).

5. By Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee). Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and 2 others are cooked breakfast by Jesus (John 21:1–22).

6. On ‘the hill in Galilee.’ Eleven disciples (Matthew 28:16–20).

7. On the Mt of Olives (‘as far as Bethany’). Jesus ascends to heaven (Luke 24:50–51; Acts 1:6–11).

8. On the Damascus road. Jesus appears to Saul (Acts 9:1–9).

Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:5–7 records separate appearances to Peter, James (brother of Jesus), and ‘to more than 500 of his followers at once.’

Acts 1:3 notes that Jesus appeared many times over a 40 day period after his resurrection.

[Logos Bible Software]

This refers to the map of Jesus' travel after resurrection. Numbers indicate approximate order of events. Arrows indicate direction, but not specific routes, of travel. For preceding events see Betrayal, Trial, and Crucifixion of Jesus. See Jerusalem in the Time of Christ.

01. Report of the Roman guards.

02. The resurrection.

03. Mary’s first visit.

04. Mary’s report to Peter and John.

05. Visit of the women.

06. Visit of Peter and John.

07. Appearance to Mary.

08. Ascent to the Father.

09. Appearance to the women.

10. Appearance to Peter.

11. To Galilee for appearances there; return to Jerusalem.

12. Walk to Emmaus and return.

13. First appearance on the upper room.

14. Second appearance in the upper room.

15. To Mount of Olives for the Ascension.

[Logos Bible Software]

Historical Context

The Gospels of the Bible were most likely written sometime between 50 and 110 AD. Those are liberal estimates. Conservative estimates would place their writing closer to 70 and 90 AD. Although the first Gospel in the New Testament is the Book of Matthew, that does not necessarily mean that Matthew was the first written Gospel.

It is important to note that during Jesus' life, in his corner of the world, there was not much respect for women. The fact that the women first received the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection and then also received instruction to proclaim this miracle is astonishing. This may or may not be viewed as extended validity to the resurrection story.

One may feel that using women to deliver the message supports validity because it is such an unusual circumstance. This may also work the other way, as one may claim that the women should not be trusted to deliver such a high priority message. The belief here is that no one in that time in history, in the culture that Jesus lived in, would have given this responsibility to women.

Literary Context

The referencing of 'the other Mary' in this passage is thought to be Mary the mother of James and Joseph. If this is true then this Mary is the sister of Jesus' mother. This is corroborated is Mark's account of the resurrection story. Mark chapter 16, verse 1, from the King James Version states the following:

1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

This is the ending of Matthew chapter 27, verses 57-66 from the King James Version, preceding Matthew chapter 28. This passage gives some context to chapter 28, especially when referencing the guards and the guarding of the tomb. As you read this passage you may notice how much effort Pilate, the chief priests, and the Pharisees wished to enforce in guarding the tomb that Jesus was placed in.

57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

One may also take notice that in no way does the text ever state how or when the resurrection took place, but assumes this fact based on what Jesus had spoke during his ministry. Jesus claimed through metaphor how he would die, be buried, and resurrect after three days. This prediction takes place in Matthew 12 when Jesus is speaking with the scribes and Pharisees. Verses 38-40 from the King James Version read:

38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Both Mary Magdalene and 'the other Mary' were present at the crucifixion of Jesus, they were present at his burial in the tomb, and they were the first to learn of his resurrection. They are urged to believe (vs. 6), share (vs. 7), and rejoice (vs. 9) in the resurrection of Jesus.

The Jewish authorities had been trying to get rid of Jesus for some time now. It frustrated the chief priests to learn that Jesus was gone from the tomb.

This chapter ends the narrative of Jesus and describes the last teachings of Jesus. Jesus reiterates that he is all power (vs. 18), delivered the great commission (vs. 19-20), and promised presence for eternity (vs. 20). The followers of Christ serve an authority that wields power beyond the realm we comprehend. The commission for the followers of Jesus is to inform all humanity about the phenomena of Jesus' resurrection.

One may also notice that Jesus is still forgiving even at the end of his physical time on earth. When Jesus makes reference to his brethren in vs. 10, this is a more personal reference showing that he still cares and has forgiven them, even after they abandon him in his death. This is especially noticeable when one looks at how the angel referenced the disciples in vs. 7. This is consistent with the expected behavior of Jesus in a loving, compassionate mood. We should hope that Jesus was raised to life having a hopeful and joyous outlook, rather than being disgruntled and angry at the people of the world.

The chief priests and elders are commonly referred to as the Jewish authorities. This is seen throughout the Gospel of Matthew. These are likely the same religious leaders who paid Judas Iscariot thirty pieces silver to lead them to Jesus to arrest him. In this respect, it is probable that these people did have large money to give as a bribe. From Matthew 26, vs. 14-16.

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Literary Typing

The Gospel of Matthew is generally a narrative of Jesus' ministry mixed with parables that Jesus taught. The 28th chapter of Matthew is basically the narrative of Jesus' resurrection. The central issue of this chapter is the narrative of the Angelic messenger who announced Jesus' resurrection.

Explanation

Analysis

vs. 1-10 Announcement and Appearance

Although one may notice several differences of the resurrection story from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, they all hold the same primary principle. There was an empty tomb, the announcement of Jesus' resurrection, and the appearance of Jesus' to his own disciples. It may be considered a reinforcement for there to be distinct stories rather than complete harmonization, because each person tells a story differently than the next.

Since no one did witness how Jesus escaped the grave, it is understood that he was raised by a miracle of God himself acting on Jesus' behalf. The result is that there is no other explanation for the empty tomb. We must believe through faith that Jesus was raised from the dead as the story has revealed to us. But beyond just faith that he has been raised, there are the accounts of the disciples and others who witnessed the risen Jesus.

The empty tomb, along with the physical appearance of Jesus to people who would recognize him, work as the evidence for the miracle of Jesus' resurrection. This belief is the fundamental groundwork for the Christian religion. Without the resurrection of Jesus, then all the rest of the teachings are unfounded in religious belief. The accounts written in the Gospel act as the primary evidence for the resurrection story of Jesus.

For one to have faith that Jesus was resurrected from the grave, that person must also believe in the potential for supernatural events to occur. This is especially true for those events directed by God himself. If one does not belief in the possibility of supernatural events, then the resurrection narrative may be completely dismissed as fictional belief. Although there are other explanations possible, such as a stolen body or the incomplete death of Jesus to only a temporary faint, the full resurrection of Jesus is the only explanation that comprehensively explains this phenomena that demands adequate explanation.

When the women do finally meet Jesus on their way to Galilee, they recognize him personally. This is evidence for Jesus genuinely being Jesus and not a fraud. The women fall to ground at Jesus' feet and physically grasp him. This also is evidence for his physical resurrection by revealing that it was not only an illusion or hallucination to see Jesus, but that he was present in the physical sense of reality.

The primary source of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus does come from eye witness accounts. These accounts were then passed on through word of mouth and eventually made their way into the written format of the gospels. Each gospel account varies slightly from the next, and there does appear to be some sort of hierarchy where one gospel may use another as part of its source.

vs. 11-15 Jewish Conspiration

When the guards come to the Jewish authorities with their story, it is not the good news that they wish to hear. This is seen in the pericope of Matthew 27, vs. 62-66, seen above under Literary Context. They deliberately set a guard to prevent this type of 'disaster'. It was frustrating enough for the Jewish authorities to hear that Jesus' body was missing that they would concoct their own story to counter the resurrection account.

The decision to say Jesus' body was stolen while the guards were asleep is somewhat unrealistic. First of all, if there were orders from high officials such as Pilate and the Jewish authorities to guard a tomb, it is not likely that all those on watch would have been sleeping at the same time. There is already reference to more than one guard, perhaps several or a large group. Pilate himself declared to make the tomb 'sure as ye can' in Matthew 27, vs. 65.

Second, it is not likely that even if all of the guards were asleep that they would have stayed asleep during this scenario. The boulder that was in front of the tomb, blocking the entrance, was apparently very large. It would then be reasonable to assume at least one soldier would wake up hearing some disturbance if there were disciples that came during the night, rolled the boulder away, and disappeared with Jesus' body.

Lastly, for the Jewish authority to offer a bribe and claim that they will defend the soldiers is in itself bizarre. Their duty was to guard the tomb effectively, and in their failure the Jewish authority attempts to defend them from the governor (Pilate). If they had failed to guard the tomb effectively, letting some of Jesus' disciples steal the body away, then the Jewish authorities would definitely have been complaining about the guards performance. But the story is twisted by their own foreshadowing in Matthew 27, 62-66, and in their failure to successfully prevent this disaster. This passage is from Matthew 27, vs. 1,2

1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

For the Jewish authorities to fabricate these lies knowingly is evidence for how determined against Jesus and his ministry they really were. This does not prevent the disciples from gaining motivation to spread the word of Jesus because they witness Jesus themselves and know the truth from their own perspective. It would have made no sense for the disciples to steal Jesus' body and then pretend that he had risen from the dead because they would be spreading a fake gospel of hope. It gives them more reason to spread the news when they witness the supernatural resurrection of Jesus.

vs. 16-20 The Great Commission

These last verses are the ending of the resurrection narrative and the end of the Gospel of Matthew altogether. At this point it is reasonable to assume that the women had successfully made their announcement to the disciples that Jesus had risen, and they were to meet Jesus in Galilee. Jesus has little to say but simple instruction on how to proceed with what they have now witnessed over the past years of Jesus' ministry from death, burial, and resurrection.

Matthew makes more of an emphasis on keeping the commandments of Jesus, indeed it is Matthew who delivers us the Greatest Commandment in Matthew 22, vs. 34-40.

34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

It is interesting to note that at the same time the disciples witness Jesus, they worship him but some doubt him at the same time. If even the disciples who witnessed Jesus' death, burial, and apparent resurrection have the ability to doubt, then how much easier is it for any one else to doubt as they pass the story on from generation to generation. These disciples eventually believed after enough convincing and through the commission they were given. This is seen in John 20, vs. 25-31.

25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.

29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Some of the disciples doubt, especially doubting Thomas. It takes more convincing for some to believe than others. Some believe immediately at the sight of Jesus, others need Jesus to speak in an authoritative manner so they recognize him as one who speaks with authority as seen in Matthew 7, vs. 24-29. Still others, such as Thomas, need even more physical reassurance. Jesus allows Thomas to check his wounds for full verification. Throughout the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection, more and more continue to believe with full conviction that Jesus is the resurrected Lord.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

The commission itself is fairly simple. It includes the going, baptizing, and teaching of all nations in order to create disciples of Jesus. The baptism declares order of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This is the first reference to this trio in the book of Matthew, apparently leading to the belief in the trinity of God being three in one. None of the other gospels define the baptism in this method and Mark is the only other gospel making reference to any baptism whatsoever.

Mark ch. 16 vs. 14-16

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The disciples are to go and make more disciples of all nations with the authority that Jesus gave them as well as with the confidence of his continuous presence during their ministries. Jesus claims universal authority, therefore proclaiming that all nations does indeed include throughout the entire world, not just surrounding areas. This commission according to Matthew is primarily based on striving for the righteousness according to Jesus' teachings.

It may be worth recognizing that any speech that Jesus makes at this time in his ministry is vitally important. This is because Jesus is now viewed in full glory of God, being crucified, buried, and risen. Having this power behind him gives even more meaning to his speech because all of the previous conceptions about Jesus should be eliminated and replaced with recognition due to the witnessing of his resurrected body. This means that out of all speech attributed to Jesus throughout all the gospels, this speech has the highest probability of accuracy and conviction. It may also be worth noting that none of the other gospels parallel this speech to any high degree.

This is the first time in the gospels that the disciples are referred to as the eleven rather than the twelve. This is because Judas Iscariot is now gone from the group as he hanged himself feeling guilty for turning Jesus over to the enemy. From Matthew 27, vs. 3-10.

3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

Paraphrase

vs. 1-10

Mary Magdalene and ‘the other Mary’ had begun grieving for the death of their friend Jesus. When they arrived at the tomb for visitation they were met by a brilliant angel, shining with power. The angel announced peace, goodwill, and the gospel of Jesus’ resurrection. Then the angel encouraged the women to spread the good news to the disciples who had become troubled. On their way Jesus met them and again encouraged them to spread the word that He (Jesus) was on his way to Galilee.

vs. 11-15

On the other hand, the soldiers who were guarding Jesus’ tomb reported their bizarre experience to their employers. The chief priests paid the guards to incite a different conspiracy other than the truth. The guards were assured protection from any interrogation from higher orders, and with their new bonus they began circulating false witness.

vs. 16-20

The remaining disciples were astonished when they saw Jesus and worshipped him when they met with him. At this time, Jesus verbally announced that, “All authority in heaven and earth” (Mt 28:18) had been given to him. Then Jesus delegated to the disciples the task of spreading this gospel to all people, with specific instructions for baptism and obedience to the commandments. Lastly, Jesus ensures that he is always with us until the end (of age or world).

Old Testament Allusions

In Daniel chapter 7, Daniel has a vision that may be interpreted as foreshadowing of the kingdom of Jesus. This foreshadowing relates with Matthew 28, vs. 18 when Jesus claims all authority in heaven and earth. This is seen in Daniel vs. 13-14.

13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

There is also correlation between Jesus and Moses. So as Jesus was last on the Mount of Olives for ascension, so Moses was on the Mount of Abarim before his death. Although Matthew does not mention the ascension, it is seen in Mark 16 and briefly in Luke 24. The verses taken from Mark are potentially unreliable, as the earliest manuscripts of Mark do not even contain these last verses.(NIV) From Deuteronomy 32, vs. 48-52.

Deuteronomy 32

48 And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying,

49 Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

50 And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:

51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of MeribahKadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

52 Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.

Mark 16

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 24

44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Between Moses and Jesus again there is a similarity of commissioning. Before Jesus is ascended into heaven he gives the commission of delivering the message to all nations. Before Moses goes to the mount to die he gives the commission very similar to Jesus'. These verses, Deuteronomy 31, vs. 1-9, are to be compared with Matthew 28, vs. 18-20.

1 And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.

2 And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

4 And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.

5 And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.

6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

A more comprehensive look into old testament parallels may be done, but that is beyond the scope of this section.

New Testament Parallels

This section is rather long and is taken directly from the Logos software. It displays the four different accounts of the Resurrection story from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. There are extra passages provided that are not directly related with the resurrection story, but they are related in general. The primary resurrection passages come from Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. Alignment is done so it is easier to compare the differences and similarities.

Bibliography

Extra Sources

http://www.americancatholic.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity

Morris, Leon. "Gospel According to Matthew." Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1992.

France, R.T. "Gospel of Matthew." Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007.