But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
Christ raised Himself by His own power, not merely was He raised, but He rose. This self-quickening declares His divine nature at work. Angels attended His whole earthly course: announcing His conception, His birth to the shepherds, strengthening Him in the wilderness and garden, rolling the stone away, and now publishing His resurrection first, befitting the dignity of His Person and the excellency of His rising.
AI summary
Angels are no cause for fear to the godly, they are fellow servants and ministering spirits, not enemies. The angel knew these women sought Christ because he had observed their devotion: they followed Him from Galilee, kept vigil at the cross, came now to anoint His body. From such acts the angel discerned they were His disciples and had nothing to dread as His adversaries do.
AI summary
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (d) The word "ye" is spoken with force to indicate that it was the women to whom he was speaking, as the soldiers were also afraid.