Resurrection — Apparent Contradictions & Conclusion

Accounts: Mark — several women (Mk 16:1); Matthew — Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” (Mt 28:1); Luke — a larger group (Lk 24:10); John — focuses on Mary Magdalene (Jn 20:1).

Reading: Authors emphasize different witnesses; accounts are selective rather than exhaustive.

Accounts: “After sunrise” (Mk 16:2), “toward the dawn” (Mt 28:1), “at early dawn” (Lk 24:1), “while it was still dark” (Jn 20:1).

Reading: Variations reflect different vantage points during the same early-morning window.

Accounts: Matthew mentions guards (Mt 27:62–66; 28:11–15); others do not.

Reading: The omission in other Gospels doesn’t contradict Matthew; each writer selects details for theological aims.

Accounts: One angel (Mk 16:5); two angels (Jn 20:12; Lk 24:4).

Reading: Reporting one does not deny the presence of two; emphasis differs by narrator.

Accounts: Mark — fear and silence initially (Mk 16:8); Matthew/Luke — report to disciples (Mt 28:8; Lk 24:9–11); John — Mary remains at the tomb and meets Jesus (Jn 20:11–18).

Reading: A plausible sequence includes initial fear followed by eventual reporting.