| Geneva Study Bible Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children. People's New Testament 27:56 Mary Magdalene. Mentioned first here, also in Lu 8:2, before the resurrection. She had been healed by the Lord. Mary the mother of James and Joses. She was the wife of Clopas or Alphaeus (Joh 19:25). The mother of Zebedee's children. Salome. John mentions his (Jesus') mother's sister (Joh 19:25), but does not name Salome, his own mother. Hence it is inferred that Salome was the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also at the cross. Wesley's Notes 27:56 James - The less: he was so called, to distinguish him from the other James, the brother of John; probably because he was less in stature. Scofield Reference Notes Margin James Son of Alphaeus. See Scofield Note: "Mt 4:21". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 56. Among which was Mary Magdalene-(See on [1380]Lu 8:2). and Mary the mother of James and Joses-the wife of Cleophas, or rather Clopas, and sister of the Virgin (Joh 19:25). See on [1381]Mt 13:55,56. and the mother of Zebedee's children-that is, Salome: compare Mr 15:40. All this about the women is mentioned for the sake of what is afterwards to be related of their purchasing spices to anoint their Lord's body. The Taking Down from the Cross and the Burial (Mt 27:57-60). For the exposition of this portion, see on [1382]Joh 19:38-42. The Women Mark the Sacred Spot that They Might Recognize It on Coming Thither to Anoint the Body (Mt 27:61). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 27:51-56 The rending of the veil signified that Christ, by his death, opened a way to God. We have an open way through Christ to the throne of grace, or mercy-seat now, and to the throne of glory hereafter. When we duly consider Christ's death, our hard and rocky hearts should be rent; the heart, and not the garments. That heart is harder than a rock that will not yield, that will not melt, where Jesus Christ is plainly set forth crucified. The graves were opened, and many bodies of saints which slept, arose. To whom they appeared, in what manner, and how they disappeared, we are not told; and we must not desire to be wise above what is written. The dreadful appearances of God in his providence, sometimes work strangely for the conviction and awakening of sinners. This was expressed in the terror that fell upon the centurion and the Roman soldiers. We may reflect with comfort on the abundant testimonies given to the character of Jesus; and, seeking to give no just cause of offence, we may leave it to the Lord to clear our characters, if we live to Him. Let us, with an eye of faith, behold Christ and him crucified, and be affected with that great love wherewith he loved us. But his friends could give no more than a look; they beheld him, but could not help him. Never were the horrid nature and effects of sin so tremendously displayed, as on that day when the beloved Son of the Father hung upon the cross, suffering for sin, the Just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. Let us yield ourselves willingly to his service. | 
