Different, not Contradictory
Sceptics and critics quickly claim that the Easter stories in the four gospels conflict. The reason is that, across the four Gospels, different people arrive at the tomb; they meet others, and Jesus’ first appearances occur in various locations. But we might counteract this by saying that different accounts need not be contradictory.
The reality is that the four Gospels are separate accounts of the same story.
Many scholars point out that if the early believers had set out to concoct or fabricate such events, we would expect the accounts to be more consistent with one another.
We have four resurrection accounts preserved in the gospels, which blend historical records with statements of faith. As Graffy comments (Trustworthy and True, p. 114), we read of the evangelist’s struggle to express the unexpected and unique experiences of Jesus’s followers.
All four Gospels begin with the discovery of an empty tomb. We find that Matthew and John report encounters with Jesus at the tomb. Mark cuts off his story before either of those occurrences would have happened (for reasons scholars disagree about).
Luke chooses a condensed version of the scene at the tomb, omitting any reference to Jesus, and instead highlights other post-resurrection encounters with Jesus that the other writers omit.
The four accounts make clear that different people made different trips at other times (Luke 24:12; John 20:1–8), yet the same names are mentioned. For example, the women, with Mary Magdalene, figure prominently in all accounts.
None of the accounts contradict each other. They concur in essential characters, chronology, location, and even specific dialogue. Of course, the Synoptic gospels may have used similar sources, which could partly account for this. But all four narratives also contain independent material from other eyewitnesses or written sources, giving evidence about the resurrection event.
Girl Power
The fact that the gospels report women finding the empty tomb is significant. Some biblical scholars suggest that if the empty tomb were an invented legend, then the inventors would not have had it discovered by women, whose status and testimony were considered worthless.
However, if the Gospel writers were reporting what they saw or heard from others, they would have to tell the truth, regardless of how socially, culturally, or politically inconvenient this might have been at the time.
The Gospels make clear that Jesus resurrected from the dead. The Greek word egerthe is used, meaning ‘’he has been raised’’ (Mk 16:6; Matt 28:6; Lk 24:6). God is the one who has raised his Son, Jesus. And sooner or later, in each gospel, the truth that Jesus is alive is confirmed by meeting his risen person.
a) Common Elements in Resurrection Accounts:
1. Empty Tomb: All four accounts agree that the tomb was found empty on the morning of the resurrection, a central piece of evidence across the Gospels.
2. Angelic Presence: There is a consistent mention of angels at the tomb. Mark, Matthew, and Luke report the presence of angels who announce Jesus’s resurrection or explain its significance.
3. Encounters with Jesus: Each Gospel records encounters with the resurrected Jesus. Whether it’s Mary Magdalene, other women, or disciples, there is a consistent narrative of individuals seeing and interacting with the risen Jesus.
b) Minor Differences:
1. Number and Identity of Women:
– Mark mentions Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.
– Matthew includes Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
– Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James, and other women.
– John focuses primarily on Mary Magdalene.
2. Details of Angelic Presence:
– The number and description of angels vary. Matthew mentions one angel, while Mark and Luke refer to multiple angels.
– The angel’s messages have a few differences in wording and emphasis across the accounts.
3. Encounters with Jesus:
– The accounts differ in the details of Jesus ‘ appearances and who saw him first.
– In Matthew, the disciples meet Jesus in Galilee, while Luke and John focus on Jerusalem.
– John provides additional details, such as the appearance of the Sea of Galilee.
4. Reaction of the Disciples:
– The disciples’ reactions to the news of the resurrection differ slightly in their expressions of disbelief, astonishment, or joy.
5. Specific Details:
– Small details, such as the mention of the earthquake in Matthew, the specific spices brought by the women in Luke, and the description of the linen wrappings in John, vary among the accounts.
It’s important to note that these differences are typical in historical accounts and do not necessarily undermine the overall credibility of the resurrection narrative.
These differences may stem from variations in perspective, emphasis, or the intended audience of each Gospel writer. Scholars often view such variations as complementary rather than contradictory.
I’m Paula Rose Parish — a former atheist of 21 years, Protestant pastor for over 40 years, and now a Catholic convert. After a powerful encounter where Jesus audibly called me to follow Him, my life was forever changed. I’ve ministered across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and today, I share my journey of faith, hope, and transformation.
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