Chapter 17—Angels From Christ’s Resurrection
Until His Ascension
The Morning of Christ’s Resurrection
The disciples rested on the Sabbath, sorrowing for the death of
their Lord, while Jesus, the King of glory, lay in the tomb. As night
drew on, soldiers were stationed to guard the Saviour’s resting place,
while angels, unseen, hovered above the sacred spot.—
Early Writings,
181
.
The night of the first day of the week had worn slowly away. The
darkest hour, just before daybreak, had come. Christ was still a prisoner
in His narrow tomb. The great stone was in its place; the Roman seal
was unbroken; the Roman guards were keeping their watch. And there
were unseen watchers. Hosts of evil angels were gathered about the
place. Had it been possible, the prince of darkness with his apostate
army would have kept forever sealed the tomb that held the Son of
God. But a heavenly host surrounded the sepulcher. Angels that excel
in strength were guarding the tomb, and waiting to welcome the Prince
of life.—
The Desire of Ages, 779
.
[208]
While it was yet dark, the watching angels knew that the time for
the release of God’s dear Son, their beloved Commander, had nearly
come. As they were waiting with the deepest emotion the hour of
His triumph, a mighty angel came flying swiftly from heaven.—
Early
Writings, 181
.
The mightiest angel from heaven, he who held the position from
which Satan fell, received his commission from the Father, and clothed
with the panoply of heaven, he parted the darkness from his track. His
face was like the lightning, and his garments white as snow.—
The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1110
.
One of the angelic host who had witnessed the scene of Jesus’
humiliation, and was watching His sacred resting place, joined the
angel from heaven, and together they came down to the sepulcher. The
146