Matthew 28:7 Meaning: Urgent News
Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
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.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples, He is risen from the dead; and lo, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
and having gone quickly, say ye to his disciples, that he rose from the dead; and lo, he doth go before you to Galilee, there ye shall see him; lo, I have told you.'
And go quickly and say to his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goes before you into Galilee, there shall ye see him. Behold, I have told you.
Meaning in one sentence
Why did the angel send women as the first proclaimers of the resurrection? Learn the meaning of 'go quickly' and the promise that Jesus goes before you.
Context
Matthew’s Gospel closes with the most important morning in history. The earlier verses tell us Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had gone to the tomb at dawn. Suddenly an earthquake struck and an angel rolled away the stone, terrifying the guards. The angel then spoke to the women, telling them not to be afraid, because Jesus was not in the tomb, He had risen, just as He said. Now the angel sends them on a specific mission: go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus is risen and that He will meet them in Galilee. This verse is the turning point where fear turns into action, and silence breaks into proclamation. The women become the first to carry the news of the resurrection, straight from the angel’s mouth to the disciples’ ears.
Key Words
Three Greek words stand out in this short verse. The first is ēgerthē, translated “He is risen.” The grammar is passive, He was raised, which points to the Father’s power at work. This was not a resuscitation; it was the decisive victory of God over death. The second word is tachu, “quickly.” It means without a wasted moment. The angel does not say “later” or “when you get a chance.” The news is too urgent to hold. The third word is proagei, “He goes before you.” This is present tense: Jesus is already on the move, leading the way. It carries the feel of a shepherd who goes ahead of the flock, clearing the path. Together, these words transform a fearful morning into a race of hope.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen deep meaning in who delivered this message. Adam Clarke notes that women were given the honour of proclaiming the Gospel to those who would later teach the world. Calvin says God “confers extraordinary honor on the women” by choosing them over the terrified apostles. Matthew Henry adds that the women’s faithfulness at the cross was rewarded with the first news of the empty tomb. Several commentators also point to Mark’s parallel, where the angel specifically mentions Peter, Barnes calls it a “tender message” to a man who had just denied his Lord. The command to meet in Galilee, fulfilling Jesus’ own promise in chapter 26, shows that the risen Christ gathers his scattered people and leads them forward, not backward.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers take the angel’s words “Behold, I have told you” as a casual remark. In fact, it is a solemn declaration, similar to the prophetic formulas in Isaiah where God announces events before they happen. The angel is not just chatting; he is stamping the message with divine authority. Another misunderstanding is thinking “He goes before you into Galilee” means Jesus simply travelled there first. The Greek verb proagei means He is actively leading His people, not just preceding them. It is the language of a Shepherd guiding His flock.
Living This Out
The women received news that changed everything, and they were told to move quickly. For you, the resurrection is not a truth you simply believe in your head; it is news that demands a response. This week, think of one person who needs to hear that Jesus is alive, a friend who is grieving, a family member who has wandered, a coworker who is discouraged. Go quickly, not because you are a perfect messenger, but because you have received the news. And notice: the angel’s message includes a promise, “there you will see him.” Share the news, and trust that Jesus will meet you and those you tell in the ordinary places of your life.
Main takeaway: The resurrection is not a secret to be kept; it is news to run with, and Jesus is already ahead, leading the way.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The angel told the women to run and tell the disciples that Jesus was alive. They didn't wait, they ran quickly. You can tell someone about Jesus too.
For ages 9, 12
That morning, the women were the first to hear the incredible news: Jesus had risen from the dead. They were not scared anymore; they ran to tell the disciples. God chose these faithful women to deliver the most important message in history. Sometimes God calls ordinary people like you to share that Jesus is alive. It doesn't require a special title, just a willing heart and a quick step.
Questions People Ask
Why did the angel tell the women to go quickly?
The Greek word tachu means without delay. The message of the resurrection was too urgent to keep. The disciples were mourning and needed to hear the good news as soon as possible. Also, the women themselves were still in a state of fear and wonder, and the angel’s command gave them a clear task to keep moving forward.
Why did Jesus appear in Galilee instead of Jerusalem?
Galilee was where Jesus had spent most of His ministry and where many disciples lived. He had promised them in Matthew 26:32 that after His resurrection He would go before them into Galilee. It was a familiar place where He could appear to large groups, away from the fear and danger still present in Jerusalem.
What does 'He goes before you' mean?
The Greek verb proagei is in the present tense: He is actively going ahead, leading like a shepherd. It is not just that Jesus arrived first in Galilee; He was already on the move, guiding His followers to the place of meeting. It pictures the risen Lord as the one who leads and directs His people.
Does this verse mention that Peter was singled out?
In Matthew’s account, the angel simply says “tell his disciples.” But Mark 16:7 adds the specific instruction to “tell Peter.” Many commentators see that as a tender gesture of forgiveness and restoration after Peter’s denial. The angel’s message in Matthew would have included Peter without naming him, but the other Gospel makes the personal touch explicit.
Why were women the first witnesses to the resurrection?
In that culture, women’s testimony was considered less reliable than men’s. That makes the Gospel accounts ring true, if the story were invented, the witnesses would have been chosen more strategically. Christian theologians have seen a beautiful reversal: the woman who helped bring sin into the world (Eve) is not the one who brings the first news of salvation. Instead, faithful women like Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James are honored with this privilege.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study