Mark 16:8 - Exposition

And they went out —the word ( ταχὺ ) "quickly" is omitted— and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them ( τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις ) — agitation and ecstasy ; they were in a state of the utmost excitement. And they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid. The vision of angels had terrified them. They were probably afraid to say anything to any one, on account of the Jews, lest it should be said that they had stolen the body of Jesus. It has been well remarked that independent accounts of events occurring a time of supreme excitement, and related by trustworthy witnesses, but from different points of view, naturally present difficulties which cannot be cleared up without a full knowledge of all the particulars. (See 'Speaker's Commentary' in Matthew 28:9 )