John 20:1

1 And in one day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the grave, when it was yet dark [+Forsooth in one day of the sabbath, that is, of the week, Mary Magdalene came early, when darknesses were yet, at the grave]. And she saw the stone moved away from the grave.

John 20:1 Meaning and Commentary

John 20:1

The first day of the week
On the sixth day of the week, towards the close of it, Christ was interred; he lay in the grave all the seventh day, and on the first day of the week rose from the dead: so the women, after they had observed where the body was laid, went home and prepared spices and ointments, to anoint it; but the sabbath coming on, they were prevented; on which they rested, according to the Jewish law: but as soon as it was over,

cometh Mary Magdalene;
not alone, but other women with her; who had attended Christ at the cross, observed where he was buried, and had prepared spices to anoint him, and now came for that purpose; for not merely to see the sepulchre, and weep at the grave, did she with the rest come, but to perform this piece of funeral service:

early, when it was yet dark;
as it was when she set out, the day just began to dawn; though by that time she got to the sepulchre, the sun was rising:

unto the sepulchre;
where she saw the body of Jesus laid by Joseph, in a tomb of his, and in his garden; by whose leave, it is probable, being asked over night, she with her companions were admitted:

and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre:
which Joseph rolled there, and the Pharisees sealed and set a watch to observe it. This was removed by an angel; for though Christ himself could easily have done it, it was proper it should be done by a messenger from heaven, by the order of divine justice, who had laid him as a prisoner there. Mary's coming so early to the grave, shows her great love and affection to Christ, her zeal, courage, and diligence, in manifesting her respect unto him: and oftentimes so it is, that the greatest sinners, when converted, are most eminent for grace, particularly faith, love, and humility; and are most diligent in the discharge of duty.

John 20:1 In-Context

1 And in one day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the grave, when it was yet dark [+Forsooth in one day of the sabbath, that is, of the week, Mary Magdalene came early, when darknesses were yet, at the grave]. And she saw the stone moved away from the grave.

2 Therefore she ran, and came to Simon Peter, and to another disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith to them, They have taken the Lord from the grave, and we know not, where they have laid him.

3 Therefore Peter went out, and that other disciple, and they came to the grave.

4 And they twain ran together [Forsooth they two ran together], and that other disciple ran before Peter, and came first to the grave.

5 And when he stooped, he saw the sheets lying, nevertheless he entered not [in].