Matthew – Chapter 28

New Testament20 Verses

Chapter Summary

Matthew 28 opens with the words: "And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the…" The chapter centers on Mary and Mary Magdalen. Across its 20 verses, two threads run through the text: courage in the face of fear and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre.

2And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and coming rolled back the stone and sat upon it.

3And his countenance was as lightning and his raiment as snow.

4And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror and became as dead men.

5And the angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you: for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

6He is not here. For he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid.

7And going quickly, tell ye his disciples that he is risen. And behold he will go before you into Galilee. There you shall see him. Lo, I have foretold it to you.

8And they went out quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, running to tell his disciples.

9And behold, Jesus met them, saying: All hail. But they came up and took hold of his feet and adored him.

10Then Jesus said to them: Fear not. Go, tell my brethren that they go into Galilee. There they shall see me.

11Who when they were departed, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all things that had been done.

12And they being assembled together with the ancients, taking counsel, gave a great sum of money to the soldiers,

13Saying: Say you, His disciples came by night and stole him away when we were asleep.

14And if the governor shall hear of this, we will persuade him and secure you.

15So they taking the money, did as they were taught: and this word was spread abroad among the Jews even unto this day.

16And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17And seeing him they adored: but some doubted.

18And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.

19Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

Important Verses in Matthew 28

And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and coming rolled back the stone and sat upon it.

Matthew 28:2

And the angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you: for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

Matthew 28:5

Then Jesus said to them: Fear not. Go, tell my brethren that they go into Galilee. There they shall see me.

Matthew 28:10

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

Matthew 28:20

Historical Context

Matthew belongs to the New Testament and was composed for jewish Christians, shown that Jesus fulfills the Scriptures of Israel. Chapter 28 of 28 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 20 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Mary and Mary Magdalen, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the…" The chapter ends with: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the…" In terms of historical background, Matthew wrote for Jewish Christians, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets—the Son of David, the new Moses who delivers the Sermon on the Mount. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Matthew around About AD 70-85; early tradition places a first version among Jewish Christians.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Matthew (Levi), the former tax collector, according to unanimous early tradition

When It Was Written

About AD 70-85; early tradition places a first version among Jewish Christians

Catholic Commentary

In this 20-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes. A pivotal line is verse 2: "And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and coming rolled back the stone and sat upon it." The passage repeatedly touches on courage in the face of fear.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes. Matthew shows Christ as the new Moses and true Israel (CIC 577). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1095).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Matthew 28 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith and the promise of our own resurrection.

People in This Chapter

Mary2 mentionsMary Magdalen1 mention

Reflection for Today

Matthew Chapter 28 proclaims the Resurrection, which Catholic theology affirms as the foundation of Christian faith. The Catechism teaches that "the Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ" (CIC 638). The empty tomb and the appearances of the risen Lord confirm that Jesus truly conquered death.

The Great Commission—"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"—establishes the Church's missionary mandate. The Catechism sees in this command the institution of Baptism and the revelation of the Trinity (CIC 1223, 232). The Church exists to continue Christ's mission to all peoples.

Jesus' promise—"I am with you always, to the end of the age"—grounds Catholic confidence in Christ's abiding presence in the Church. The Catechism teaches that Christ is present in the Church in multiple ways: in the Word, in the sacraments, in the gathered assembly, and especially in the Eucharist (CIC 1373). This chapter reminds us that the Resurrection is not merely a past event but a present reality that transforms our lives and gives us hope for eternal life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Matthew Chapter 28 about?

Matthew 28 contains 20 verses. It opens with "And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the…" and closes with "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the…". The book as a whole is gospel.

What is a key verse in Matthew 28?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and coming rolled back the stone and sat upon it." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Matthew Chapter 28?

This chapter mentions Mary, Mary Magdalen.

Who wrote Matthew and when?

The Apostle Matthew (Levi), the former tax collector, according to unanimous early tradition. About AD 70-85; early tradition places a first version among Jewish Christians.

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