Epiphanius an ancient writer (a. d. 390), according to Hein- eius, maintains the monstrous theory that the Mary here spo- ken of is the mother of our Lord, and not Mary Magdalene I It is well to know that the ancient Fathers were not always wise, and are certainly not infallible in expounding Scripture.
Tholuck thinks that Mary did not go to the sepulchre with Peter and John, but followed them alone, more slowly. This is possible ; but I rather doubt it.
[And as she wept. ..stooped.. .sepulchre.] How long Mary wept, after she was left alone, we are left to conjecture. Probably not very long. At last it came into her mind to stoop down and look into the grave, through the small door or opening against which the stone had been rolled. It is worth noticing that we are not told that she had either entered, or looked into the sepulchre, before. Up to this time apparently she had only heard the report of Peter and John. Now, left alone, she probably felt a natural curiosity and anxiety to see with her own eyes what they had reported, and so, in the middle of her weeping, she stooped down and looked in, and at once saw a wondrous sight.
I think Mary's case teaches us that heart is of more value in God's sight than intellect. Those who feel most and love most get most privileges. The more we love, the more we are like to Christ.
12. — [And seeth two angels. ..white. ..sitting, etc.} The incident here recorded is very remarkable and interesting. Mary saw figures in white sitting inside the grave. They evidently looked like men, but they were in reality angels, — two of those mysteriou.s ministering spirits whom the Bible teaches us God is pleased to employ on great occasions. An angel announced the coming birth of John Baptist and of Christ himself. Angels told the shepherds that Christ was born. Angels ministered to our Lord after the temptation, and an angel strengthened him in Geth- semane. And now also angels appeared in the day of our Lord's resurrection. They first announced that He was born, and they again, after thirty-three years, announced that He was risen.
The whole subject of angels is very deep and mysterious, and one about which we must beware of holding anything that is not revealed. But the case before us teaches one or two wonderful things, which we should do well to remember. These angels evidently came and went away, appeared and disappeared, after a manner supernatural, invisible, and inex- plicable to our minds. It is clear that angels were at the tomb, when the party of women arrived there, after Mary Magdalene had run to tell Peter and John. It is equally clear that they were not to be seen, when Peter and John ran to the grave on hearing Mary's report. Not one word do we read of their see- ing angels. Yet it is equally clear that when Mary Magdalen©