1THE SABBATH HAD PASSED, and it was about daybreak on Sunday, when Mary of Magdala and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2Suddenly there was a violent earthquake; an angel of the Lord descended from heaven; he came to the stone and rolled it away, and sat himself down on it. 3His face shone like lightning; his garments were white as snow. 4At the sight of him the guards shook with fear and lay like the dead.
5The angel then addressed the women: 'You', he said, 'have nothing to fear. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has been raised again, as he said he would be. Come and see the place where he was laid, 7and then go quickly and tell his disciples: "He has been raised from the dead and is going on before you into Galilee; there you will see him." That is what I had to tell you.'
8They hurried away from the tomb in awe and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus was there in their path. He gave them his greeting, and they came up and clasped his feet, falling prostrate before him. 10Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid. Go and take word to my brothers that they are to leave for Galilee. They will see me there.'
11The women had started on their way when some of the guard went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12After meeting with the elders and conferring together, the chief priests offered the soldiers a substantial bribe 13and told them to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole the body while we were asleep.' 14They added, 'If this should reach the Governor's ears, we will put matters right with him and see that you do not suffer.' 15So they took the money and did as they were told. This story became widely known, and is current in Jewish circles this day.
16The eleven disciples made their way to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to meet him. 17When they saw him, they fell prostrate before him, though some were doubtful. 18Jesus then came up and is spoke to them. He said: 'Full authority in heaven and on earth has been committed to me. 19Go forth therefore and make all nations my disciples; baptize men everywhere in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And be assured, I am with you always, to the end of time.'
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