Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 20:11-18

St. Mark tells us that Christ appeared first to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9); that appearance is here largely related; and we may observe, I. The constancy and fervency of Mary Magdalene's affection to the Lord Jesus, John 20:11. 1. She staid at the sepulchre, when Peter and John were gone, because there her Master had lain, and there she was likeliest to hear some tidings of him. Note, (1.) Where there is a true love to Christ there will be a constant adherence to him, and a resolution with... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 20:11-18

20:11-18 But Mary stood weeping outside at the tomb. As she wept she stooped down, and looked into the tomb, and she saw two angels sitting there in white robes, one at the head, and the other at the feet of the place where Jesus' body had been lying. They said to her: "Woman, why are you crying?" She said to them: "Because they have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned round, and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 20:11-18

There is one very real difficulty in this passage. When the recognition scene is complete, at first sight, at all events, Jesus said to Mary: "Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to the Father." Just a few verses later we find him inviting Thomas to touch him ( John 20:27 ). In Luke we read of him inviting the terrified disciples: "See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see that I have" ( Luke 24:39 ). In... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 20:18

Mary Magdalene came ,.... Directly and immediately, being ready and willing to obey the commends of her Lord, with the utmost cheerfulness; and glad to go on such an errand, and carry such news to his disciples, even though her private interest and personal affection might have inclined her to desire to stay with Christ: and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord ; not only that he was risen from the dead, and she had been told so by the angels, but she had seen him herself, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 20:18

Told the disciples - that he had spoken these things - St. Mark says, Mark 16:11 , that the afflicted apostles could not believe what she had said. They seem to have considered it as an effect of her troubled imagination. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 20:1-31

2. The complete glorification of Jesus in his resurrection. The record pauses for the awful day of that great sabbath, and resumes the marvelous recital when the greatest event in the history of the world is assumed and asserted to have taken place. Heathen and foes admit the fact of the death of Jesus; the evidence is overwhelming, multiform, sufficient to establish itself to the ordinary reason of mankind. It is a matter of indubitable history. The proof was given to all the world; but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 20:11-18

(2) The revelation made to adoring love, answering to the first portion of the high-priestly prayer. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 20:11-18

Mary Magdalene the first herald of the risen Lord. The two apostles withdrew, but Mary remained at the tomb. "A stronger affection riveted to the spot one of a weaker nature". I. MARY 'S LOVE TO HER LORD . It was manifested: 1. By her persistent watching of the tomb . 2. By her passionate weeping . 3. By her anxiety to discover some trace of her Lord . "She stooped down, and looked into the sepulcher." Her love is as strong as death. II. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 20:11-18

Sorrow and despondency exchanged for joy and service. Among the wonderful events of the first Lord's day morning, the incident here recorded is remarkable for pathos and beauty, and also for spiritual instruction and encouragement. I. IT WAS A DEAD AND LOST CHRIST THAT CAUSED MARY 'S GRIEF AND DISMAY . The woman's attachment and devotion to the Savior were unquestionable. She and her companions seem to have been more faithful to Jesus even than the twelve. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - John 20:11-18

The powers of holy love. The women rose early on the third day, but there was One who rose earlier. They were last at the cross, and first at the grave. Mary Magdalene was the first of the group. She ran back to Peter and John with the tidings. There was a race between the two to the tomb. John outran Peter. Love is swifter of foot than faith, but faith is more courageous and was in the sepulcher first. Love followed. Mary is for a moment lost in the narrative, but appears again as the... read more

Group of Brands