Definition: And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 16:2. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it tells us that after Jesus’ death on the cross, his followers (people who believed in him) went to the place where he was buried. Let’s unpack each part: “Mark 16:2” : This is a specific verse in the New Testament. It's a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. “And very early in the morning…” : “Early” means right when the sun rises. So, this refers to the first day of the week – which was the day after Jesus’ death. “…the first [day] of the week…” : This is key! The "week" they're talking about is the seven days that have passed since Jesus' death. It means it’s the first day of the new week – the beginning of a new cycle. “…they came unto the sepulchre…” : “Sepulcher” is Latin for "sepulcher," which means burial ground or tomb. So, they were going to the place where Jesus was buried. “at the rising of the sun.” : This is a crucial detail. “Rising of the sun” refers to when the sun actually began to appear in the sky after it had been dark for several hours. It’s a symbolic way of saying that the sun had risen, marking the beginning of a new day. So, what's the big idea? The verse is telling us that Jesus’ followers went to his tomb immediately after he was buried. It’s a sign that he had survived! Why is this important? This event is considered a very significant part of Christian belief because it shows that: 1. Jesus rose from the dead: The verse establishes that Jesus wasn't just dead, but he was resurrected – meaning he came back to life! 2. Hope for eternal life: It’s a message of hope for believers. It tells us that God has power over death and that we can have eternal life with him. In short, the verse is a simple declaration that Jesus' burial was interrupted, and his followers went to his tomb, marking the beginning of a new day of faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss what it means for believers?