1 After the Sabbath, around dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to take a look at the tomb.

2 Suddenly there was a powerful earthquake. For an angel of the Lord had come down from heaven, stepped forward, rolled the stone away, and was sitting on it.

3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were as white as snow.

4 Because they were so afraid of him, the guards shook and became like dead men.

5 But the angel said to the women, "Stop being afraid! For I know you're looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

6 He is not here. He has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying.

7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee, and you will see him there. Remember, I have told you!"

8 So they quickly left the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples.

9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said,"Greetings!" They went up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them,"Stop being afraid! Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and there they will see me."

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the high priests all that had happened.

12 So they met with the elders and agreed on a plan to give the soldiers a large amount of money.

13 They said, "Say that his disciples came at night and stole him while you were sleeping.

14 If this is reported to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble."

15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. This story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

16 The eleven disciples went into Galilee to the hillside to which Jesus had directed them.

17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, though some had doubts.

18 Then Jesus came up and said to them,"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Therefore, as you go, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every dayuntil the end of the age."