Cyril suggests, with some probability, that one reason why Peter and John went away from the tomb so soon, was fear of the Jews. They might well expect that the anger of Caiaphas and his companions on finding the sepulchre was empty, and the body of Jesus gone, would be very great, and they would naturally turn their wrath on the helpless disciples. The day was breaking, and the sooner they got home the better. Mary Magdalene might stay near the tomb with more safety.
Beza thinks that this verse leaves John, Peter, and Mary in three different states of mind. John was convinced, and be lieved that Jesus was risen from the dead. Peter was uncer- tain, wondering, and amazed. Mary could not yet believe it at all.