Gospel according to Matthew

Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate,

saying, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: 'After three days I will rise again.'

Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, 'He is risen from the dead;' and the last deception will be worse than the first."

Pilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can."

So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.

The angel answered the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.

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."

They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.

As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me."

Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.

When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,

saying, "Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry."