Roman Guards and the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus

The Roman soldiers stationed to guard the tomb of Jesus were professional sentinels under a severe military discipline where sleeping at one's post was a crime punishable by death6Red 5.1+1. Despite their training, these guards were rendered utterly powerless and became as dead men when the glory of the heavenly messengers was revealedCSA 41.9+2.

The Appearance of the Angels

The events at the tomb involved a display of divine power that no human army could withstandSJ 153.3:

• The Arrival of Gabriel: As the time for the resurrection approached, the mighty angel Gabriel, who stands next in honor to the Son of God and is the same messenger who appeared to Daniel, came sweeping down from the heavenly courtsTA 143.3+2.

• The Physical Impact: His countenance was like lightning and his raiment was as white as snow, and as he approached, a great earthquake shook the ground Matthew 28:2-3TA 10.1+1.

• The Guard's Reaction: At the sight of this glorious angel, the Roman guard quaked with terror and fell to the earth as if they were dead Matthew 28:4CSA 41.9+2.

• The Stone Removed: With effortless power, Gabriel rolled back the massive stone from the door of the sepulcher as if it were a mere pebble18LtMs, Lt 195, 1903, par. 12.

Jesus Comes Forth

Following the arrival of the heavenly host and the retreat of the evil angels who had claimed the body, the moment of triumph arrivedSR 230.1:

• The Father's Call: Gabriel, with a voice that caused the earth to tremble, proclaimed, "Jesus, Thou Son of God, Thy Father calls Thee"18LtMs, Lt 195, 1903, par. 12.

• The Resurrection: Jesus, having earned the power to conquer death and the grave, came forth from the rent sepulcher of Joseph18LtMs, Lt 195, 1903, par. 12.

• The Proclamation: Upon His exit from the tomb, the Saviour victoriously declared, "I am the resurrection and the life" John 11:2518LtMs, Lt 195, 1903, par. 12.

• A New Life: He rose from the grave to renew His work, providing a memorial of His victory for every believer who is raised from the water of baptism to live a new life in Him3SP 204.2.

The Aftermath and the Bribe

After the angels withdrew, the soldiers regained their senses and fled to the city to report these wonderful events to the Jewish leadersCSA 41.9+2. However, the priests and rulers, being dead to shame, gave the soldiers large sums of money to spread a lying report that the disciples had stolen the body while the guard slept6Red 16.1+1. While the soldiers sold their integrity for money, the reality of the risen Christ was confirmed by the appearance of many saints who were also released from their graves at that timeRH October 9, 1888, par. 11.