v1 When the Sabbath was over the woman would have prepared the spices to anoint Jesus’ body; again they knew He was dead, and expected Him still to be dead. They would have prepared the spices on the Saturday evening, and brought them to the tomb on the Sunday morning.
Such an act was typical of devout Jewish women. "Mary" means bitterness (See Ruth 1.20-21); there was doubtless sorrow for a mother coming to the tomb of another son.
v2 The women arrived very early on the Sunday morning, but the sun had risen. There was sufficient light for them to return to the tomb where they had seen Jesus’ body laid. The angel said of that tomb, "See the place where they laid Him."
v3 The women intended to enter the tomb, and they had witnessed the stone being rolled in front of the tomb (15.46).
v4 The stone had been rolled away, and this enabled them to see that Jesus’ body was not there.
v5 They were alarmed, expecting to see Jesus’ body. We can understand their mixed reactions in this situation, see v8.
v6 "Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified"; explicit identification; answering any human doubts.
"He is risen!"; statement of fact, securing the eternal destiny of millions.
Even in His death, Jesus was referred to as "He" or "Him" (15.46-47); this reflects the love of the women. This same Jesus as died was risen.
v7 There was a command to be obeyed, and the promised privilege to enjoy; "you will see Him."
Mark mentions four resurrection appearances, in v9, 12, 14, 19, and each is mentioned elsewhere. Again this is strong evidence for the truth of the events; "the thing is established by God" (see Gen 41.32); these events are confirmed and emphasised by being repeated.
v9-11 The appearance to Mary Magdalene, see John 20.14-18; He appeared first to her. She had a past, for Jesus had cast out seven demons, but her past was dealt with; now she had a future.
v11 Mary met with unbelief, also v13-14; the Lord knew that we would struggle with the wonderful truth of the resurrection, just as the first disciples did. But He will deal with us; He rebuked their unbelief; we must not persist in rejecting the clear truths of God. Their hardness of heart was a theme in the gospel; 4.40; 6.52; 8.17; and others were similarly hard-hearted, 3.5; 6.6.
v12-13 The appearance on the Emmaus Road, Luke 24.13-15.
v14 When Jesus appeared to the Eleven, He was firm with them, Luke 24.36-43; John 20.27.
v15-16 The gospel was to be proclaimed; there was the message of the resurrection, and there was the promise of His presence; any who believed could be saved, and not condemned.
v17-18 Signs to accompany those who believe, "in My Name", i.e; with Christ’s authority and approval. The signs were; victory over demons, judgment on unbelievers (with tongues), distinction from the world and protection from harm, and authority to bring healing (and not just physical diseases); these things are not necessarily seen by all Christians in all ages, but these signs were certainly evident; v20, Heb 2.4.
v19 The fourth appearance, Luke 24.50-51; Acts 1.6-9.
v20 The disciples went out after Pentecost, proclaiming the word of God.