Mark 16:11 Commentary - Whedon's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

11. Believed not They had not forgotten, nor did they truly disbelieve their Lord’s predictions. But in their dejection of mind they had lost the realizing power and could not grasp the fact. Besides, if our Lord is to rise again he ought to come in the glory of his kingdom, appearing perhaps in the skies. Mar 9:10-31. Hence they afterward ask our Lord, “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Act 1:6. It is quite unexpected, therefore, that his resurrection shall steal upon them, and be first announced to them by women. Nor, had the resurrection been a fable invented by these apostles, would they have made themselves so little the heroes of the history.