Bible Commentaries
Matthew 27

Verse 3

Matthew 27:3 vs. 3-10

Matthew presents a contrast between the denial of Peter and that of Judas. A contrast of their conduct and outcome.

Judas shows grief and sorrow (not the word "repent" which John the Baptist and Jesus called for however. Luke 3:3; Mark 1:4; Matthew 3:2; makes a confession and attempts to make "restitution", but does not return to God (Christ).

Matt. 27.3 = metamellomai "regret"

Luke 3:3 = metanoia "repent"

Matt 3.2 = metanoeo "repent"

metanoeo

Thayer Definition:

1) to change one’s mind, i.e. to repent

2) to change one’s mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins

Verse 46

Matthew 27:46

forsaken me? ... Psalms 22:1; In what way did Jesus think God had forsaken Him?

1) Just quoting scripture - David’s quote - how did he felt forsaken

2) To die like a sinner - forsaken? Tasting death for us

3) Forsaken - in not allowing death to come quickly, not to have to endure the pain (?) Matthew 27:50

Verse 50

(Resurrection: A mystery verse to me is ?? Matthew 27:50-53)

Verse 52

Matthew 27:52

The opening of the tombs (Ezek 37:13) is here associated with Jesus’ death, but the appearance of the saints in the holy city evidently did not occur until after Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 27:53). - Turner, D., & Bock, D. L. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (p. 364). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Many bodies of the saints”—reanimated and reunited to their souls—“arose,” from the slumbers of the tomb, to enter on an immortal life. It is most likely, that these never again returned to the tomb; but, that they were brought by our Lord into heaven, as so many trophies to grace the triumph of His ascension. This is the common opinion of modern commentators. -

MacEvilly, J. (1898). An Exposition of the Gospels of Matthew and Mark (p. 572). Dublin; New York: M. H. Gill & Son;

Whether the graves were opened immediately on the death of Christ, or only after His resurrection, is disputed. Some maintain, that the graves were now opened, in order to show that it was done, in virtue of Christ’s Passion; but, that it was only after our Lord’s resurrection, the dead arose; because it was meet, that He who was the first-born among the dead

MacEvilly, J. (1898). An Exposition of the Gospels of Matthew and Mark (p. 572). Dublin; New York: M. H. Gill & Son; Benziger Brothers.

Matthew referred to their resurrection here apparently because he wished to link the messianic victory and end of the age represented by that resurrection with the death of Christ. That they “appeared to many” indicates that Matthew’s intention in this report was historical, for the detail is irrelevant if his intention was merely symbolic.

Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J. P., & Powell, D. (2007). The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p. 1457). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Many bodies of the saints which slept (τῶν κεκοιμημένων, who had fallen asleep) arose. Matthew anticipates the time of the actual occurrence of the marvel, which took place, not at this moment, but after our Lord’s resurrection, who was “the firstfruits of them that slept” (see the next verse). Who are meant by “the saints” here is doubtful. The Jews probably would have understood the term to apply to the worthies of the Old Testament (comp. 2 Pet. 3:4). But the opening of the sepulchres in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem would not have liberated the bodies of many of those who were buried far away. The persons signified must be those who in life had looked for the hope of Israel

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Ed.). (1909). St. Matthew (Vol. 2, p. 595). London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.

[See Matt. 27:52-53 Sentence Diagram in Documents.]

Verse 53

Where Are The Dead? See note on 2 Corinthians 5:8

Verse 54

Matthew 27:54

Son of God ... Greek "a son of a god" "gods" Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47 "he glorified God" in saying what he did, "Certainly this was a righteous man."

Verse 56

Matthew 27:56

What women stood by the cross?

Matthew 27:55-56 Mark 15:40 Luke 23:49 John 19:25

3) mother of 3) Salome no 1) Jesus’ mother

James and John names

2) Mary, mother of 2) Mary, mother 2) Mother’s sister

James & Joses James the less &

Joses

1) Mary Magdalene 1) Mary M. 3) Mary, wife of

Cleopas

4) Mary Magdalene

See NOTE on John 19:25

Verse 65

Matthew 27:65

have a watch ... A Roman guard - because they had to brife the soldier (Matthew 28:12; Matthew 28:14-15). Also they said they would protect them from Pilate’s wrath (Matthew 28:14) The seal was a Roman seal.