Matthew 28

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other…” Naming Mary and Magdalene keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back…” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:” Naming His keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.” The line’s distinctive content terms include became, dead, fear. Its relationship to verses 3 and 5 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.” Naming Fear and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Naming Come keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.” The line’s distinctive content terms include departed, disciples, fear. Its relationship to verses 9 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the…” Naming All and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the…” The line’s distinctive content terms include chief, city, going. Its relationship to verses 10 and 12 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,” The line’s distinctive content terms include assembled, counsel, elders. Its relationship to verses 11 and 13 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.” Naming His and Say keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.” The line’s distinctive content terms include ears, governor’s, persuade. Its relationship to verses 13 shows what work it does in this passage.

“So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” Naming Galilee and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.” The line’s distinctive content terms include doubted, some, worshipped. Its relationship to verses 16 and 18 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Naming All and Jesus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.