there was] Or, there had been. a great earthquake] A forerunner of some future apparition, Psal. 68. 8, 9. and 99. 1. and 114. 7. which seems to have fallen out as the women were in their way. the angel] Or, an angel. Two are mentioned, Luke 24:4. John 20:12. Either one was neerest at hand, and spake for both, or one appeared at first, two when they came back. rolled back the stone from the door] Performing the office of a porter or door-keeper; not out of any necessity, as if Christ could not have risen without it; but out of respectfull regard and honour to Christ. Or, he removed it, that the women might go into the sepulchre, and see that Christ was gone, and that the souldiers might see what he came for.