...resurrection

The varying details in the resurrection accounts are complementary, not contradictory. Each writer actually focuses on a different aspect of the event. For instance, John writes about his experience with Peter. Mark looks at Mary, and Matthew seems to focus more on the women who came to the tomb. Of course, all these individuals came to the tomb but at different times. 

In my study, I believe that the first one to the tomb was Mary Magdalene. After she discovered Jesus wasn’t there, she ran to tell the other women. Then together they returned to the tomb, at which time an angel appeared to them. 

They then left to tell others. Mary went to tell Peter and John, who immediately came to the tomb. This is when John “outran” Peter and Mary. Peter went in first, and then John went in. They saw the garments, then they left to go tell their fellow disciples. Mary eventually caught up with them and, after the two men left, she remained behind. This is when Christ appeared to her. 

What about the number of angels? Depending on their vantage point, the first visitors might have seen only one angel. But when they entered the tomb, apparently another angel spoke to them. While we don’t have all the details outlined, it’s reasonable to believe there were two different angels. 

Ultimately, these apparent differences confirm the truthfulness of the event, rather than refute it. If all four Gospels gave exactly the same story and details, we would be suspicious it was all copied and contrived. The different perspectives tell us these were the sincere observations of those who experienced that remarkable day. A careful reading of all the accounts reveals a flow of events that confirmed that Christ indeed rose from the dead! 

"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre." John 20:1