“Post hæc autem duobus ex his ambulantibus ostensus est in alia effigie, euntibus in villam :”
“After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.”
“After this, Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them as they walked along in the country.”
“After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.”
“And after these things he was manifested in another form unto two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.”
He had appeared to Magdalene in the form of a gardener, and to two disciples in the form of a traveller.
II. He appeared to two of the disciples, as they went into the country, v. 12. This refers, no doubt, to that which is largely related (Luke 24 13, etc.), of which passed between Christ and the two disciples going to Emmaus. He is here said to have appeared to them in another form, in another dress than what he usually wore, in the form of a traveller, as, in the garden, in such a dress, that Mary Magdalene took him for the gardener; but that he had really his own countenance, appears by this, that their eyes were holden, that they should not know him; and when that restrain on their eyes was taken off, immediately they knew him, Luke 24 16-31. Now,
Verses 9-13 Better news cannot be brought to disciples in tears, than to tell them of Christ's resurrection. And we should study to comfort disciples that are mourners, by telling them whatever we have seen of Christ. It was a wise providence that the proofs of Christ's resurrection were given gradually, and admitted cautiously, that the assurance with which the apostles preached this doctrine afterwards might the more satisfy. Yet how slowly do we admit the consolations which the word of God holds forth! Therefore while Christ comforts his people, he often sees it needful to rebuke and correct them for hardness of heart in distrusting his promise, as well as in not obeying his holy precepts.