Tomb Visit Contradiction

[JoeMama]

One of the most blatant examples of contradiction between gospels is found in the stories of the resurrection morning.


Matthew’s Mary Magdalene was told at the tomb that Jesus was risen. Running away, she met Jesus, who said he would meet the others in Galilee. (Matthew 28:1-9)

John’s Mary Magdalene found an empty tomb. Running away, she met Simon Peter and told him, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" (John 20:1-2)

Summary

1. Matthew’s Mary knows Jesus is alive and heading to Galilee.

2. John’s Mary believes Jesus’ body was stolen, and she doesn’t have any idea where the body is.

[TRANSPONDER]

There have been a couple of apologetics. The idea is that Mary (Magdalene) didn't hear the angelic message and so didn't know that Jesus had risen. One poster suggested that she didn't go into the tomb and hear the angelic explanation. It was argued that she ran away immediately to tell the disciples. Essentially, the apologetic is that because her story differs from the story of 'the women', she was separated from the women. This is well worth looking at in detail

Mark 16 1. And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.(KJV)

Matthew 28 1. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”(NIV)

Luke 24.1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.(NIV)

John 20 1. Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

So, side by side comparison.

Mark 16 1. And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him
Luke 24.1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared
Matthew 28 1. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

It's not often Mark and Luke agree and Matthew doesn't. I might propose that the original synoptic had the spices etc as a reason to go to the tomb at all, but Matthew (interested in OT Law) reasoned that they couldn't have prepared spices on the Sabbath, so he just comes up with the lame reason they went too look. John gives no reason at all.

Mark . 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
John Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark,

So they all go there, first light Sunday. half way through the 'day' which begins at twilight in Jewish reckoning.

Mark 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
I think this is a Mark addition as he does over -thinking and tries to explain problems (Zebedee being left in the lurch in his boat with no help, Jesus dying unaccountably quickly) But it is a 'plot hole' that the women have to go to the tomb but there is no reason. The story just needs it. The synoptic version (or possibly Mark and Luke separately thinking this up) has this idea of bringing spices to anoint the body.

Matthew 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
Mark 4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

Matthew alone of the writers, having concocted a tomb guard to scotch the tale the disciples took the body, has to get rid of them, and explain why the tomb is open at all. Jesus is clearly already gone in all the stories, before the women arrive. The others just have the tomb open.

John and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
Luke . 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

Now. do they go in or not? Was it all of them went in or all but Mary Magdalene? The angel in Matthew tells them to enter and look and Luke and Mark say that they did go in.

Matthew 5. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Luke 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Mark 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Now here's another problem. Matthew has the angel explain that Jesus is risen before they go into the tomb, but Luke and Mark have this told by an angel inside the tomb or one (or two) that appears after they have seen to tomb is empty.
Luke 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words,

It's also worth noting that Luke changes the message to eliminate the order to go to Galilee because in Luke, they don't.

Matthew 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So they now exit and run, and I can only say that there is no suggestion that Mary Magdalene ran away, did not enter the tomb or hear the angelic message.

Mark 8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

Matthew 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
John 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

And that's quite a biggie - John has no angel and no message and Mary does not know where Jesus' body is. Matthew not only has the angel and message, but the women actually run into Jesus. Luke says plainly that it was Mary Magdalene and the other (or others) and no reason to suppose that Mary Magdalene did not see or know what the other Mary (and other women) did, and every reason to think she did, except of course it makes a contradiction.

Luke 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.(NIV)

Again, I have to wonder that this bunch of glaring contradictions have been successfully swept under the rug by the Bible scholars, who rely on the public being unaware, and they only ever hear an edited version that seems to work well. Contradictions are quickly explained away, but the 'biggies' can't be dismissed like that by anyone not already wanting to do so. Once the contradictions are set out and made plain, the average bod in the street with mind still open has to see that these 'witnesses' are not to be trusted.

[1213]

One of the most blatant examples of contradiction between gospels is found in the stories of the resurrection morning.
...

It is contradictory only if you connect the scriptures in a wrong way. It seems that is the only way to make atheism work, but for people who don't need to see contradictions, this is how it goes (Text that is basically the same as previous scripture from another Gospel is in brackets):

Mark. 16:1 And the sabbath passing, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that coming they might anoint Him.
Note! There was two Shabbat days. The Shabbat day of feast of unleavened bread and weekly Shabbat. Apparently after first Shabbat, Friday, spices were prepared and after second Shabbat they were brought to the tomb.
Mark. 16:2 And very early on the first of the week, the sun having risen, they came upon the tomb.
Matt.28:1 But after the sabbaths, at the dawning of the first of the sabbaths, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the grave.
(Mark. 16:3 And they said to themselves, Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?)
(Luke 24:1 But on the first of the sabbaths, while still very early, they came on the tomb, carrying spices which they prepared; and some were with them.)
Matt.28:2 And, behold! A great earthquake occurred! For descending from Heaven and coming near, an angel of the Lord rolled away the stone from the door and was sitting on it.
Matt.28:3 And his face was as lightning and his clothing white as snow.
Matt.28:4 And those keeping guard were shaken from the fear of him, and they became as dead.
Note! Apparently, the earthquake and rolling of the stone was seen only by the guards, not the women that vent to the tomb.
Mark. 16:4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; for it was very large.
Luke 24:2 And they found the stone having been rolled away from the tomb.
John:20:1 But on the first of the week, Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, darkness yet being on it . And she saw the stone had been removed from the tomb.
John:20:2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They took away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they laid Him.
John:20:3 Then Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
Luke 24:3 And going in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Note! Apparently, Mary left the tomb, while other women stayed at the tomb.
Mark. 16:5 And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right, having been clothed in a white robe. And they were much amazed.
Luke 24:4 And it happened, as they were perplexed about this, even behold, two men in shining clothing stood by them.
Luke 24:5 And they becoming terrified, and bowing their faces to the earth, they said to them, Why do you seek the living with the dead?
Matt.28:5 But answering, the angel said to the women, You must not fear, for I know that you seek Jesus who has been crucified.
Matt.28:6 He is not here, for He was raised, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
(Mark. 16:6 But He said to them, Do not be amazed. You seek Jesus the Nazarene who has been crucified. He was raised. He is not here. See the place where they put Him?)
(Luke 24:6 He is not here, but was raised. Remember how He spoke to you, yet being in Galilee,)
Luke 24:7 saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and to be crucified, and the third day to rise again.
Luke 24:8 And they remembered His words.
7 And going quickly say to His disciples that He was raised from the dead. And behold! He goes before you into Galilee. You will see Him there. Behold! I told you.
Mark. 16:7 But go, say to the disciples and to Peter, He goes before you into Galilee. You will see Him there, even as He told you.
Matt.28:8 And going away from the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, they ran to report to His disciples.
Mark. 16:8 And going out quickly, they fled from the tomb. And trembling and ecstasy took hold of them. And they told no one, not a thing, for they were afraid.
Note!, some think that this means they never told about the matter to anyone ever. If that would be the case, we would not have this story. That is why it is reasonable to think they only didn’t tell on their way about it.
John:20:4 And the two ran together, and the other disciple ran in front more quickly than Peter and came first to the tomb.
John:20:5 And stooping down, he saw the linens lying; however, he did not go in.
John:20:6 Then Simon Peter came following him, and went into the tomb and saw the linens lying.
John:20:7 And the grave cloth which was on His head was not lying with the linens, but was wrapped up in one place by itself.
John:20:8 Therefore, then the other disciple also entered, he having come first to the tomb, even he saw and believed.
John:20:9 For they did not yet know the Scripture, that it was necessary for Him to rise from the dead.
John:20:10 Then the disciples went away again to themselves.
John:20:11 But Mary stood outside at the tomb, weeping. Then as she wept, she stooped down into the tomb.
John:20:12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
John:20:13 And they said to her, Woman, why do you weep? She said to them, Because they took away my Lord, and I do not know where they put Him.
John:20:14 And saying these things, she turned backward and saw Jesus standing, and did not know that it was Jesus.
Note! Apparently, the other women had left some other route from the tomb, because didn’t see Peter and May on their way. Also, the disciples that came with Mary, left and Mary stayed alone there for a while.
(Mark. 16:9 And rising early on the first of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.)
John:20:15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why do you weep? Whom do you seek? Thinking that it was the gardener, she said to Him, Sir, if you carried Him away, tell me where you put Him, and I will take Him away.
John:20:16 Jesus said to her, Mary! Turning around, she said to Him, Rabboni! (that is to say, Teacher).
John:20:17 Jesus said to her, Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God, and your God.
John:20:18 Mary Magdalene came bringing word to the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He told her these things.
(Mark. 16:10 That one had gone and reported to those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping.)
Mark. 16:11 And those hearing that He lives, and was seen by her, they did not believe.
Mark. 16:12 And after these things, He was revealed in a different form to two of them walking and going into the country.
Matt.28:9 But as they were going to report to His disciples, behold, Jesus also met them, saying, Hail! And coming near, they seized His feet and worshiped Him.
Note! Worship = to kiss the hand, or to kneel and show homage to superior rank, for example high priest.
Matt.28:10 Then Jesus said to them, Do not fear. Go tell your brothers that they may go into Galilee, and there they will see Me.
Luke 24:9 And returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven, and to all the rest.
Mark. 16:13 And going, those reported to the rest. Neither did they believe those.
Luke 24:10 And they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary mother of James, and the rest with them, who told these things to the apostles.
Luke 24:11 And their words seemed like foolishness to them, and they did not believe them.
Luke 24:12 But rising up, Peter ran to the tomb, and stooping down he saw the linen lying alone. And he went away wondering to himself at what had happened.
Matt.28:11 And they, having gone, behold, some of the guard coming into the city reported to the chief priests all things that occurred.
Matt.28:12 And being assembled with the elders, and taking counsel, they gave enough silver to the soldiers,
Matt.28:13 saying, Say that his disciples came and stole him by night, we being asleep.
Matt.28:14 And if this is heard by the governor, we will persuade him and will make you free from anxiety.
Matt.28:15 And taking the silver, they did as they were taught. And this report was spread by the Jews until today.
Note! Matt. 28:11-15 is a separate story line that seems to have happened as the same time with other events. Apparently guards told what they had witnessed in the city, while many disciples did other things.
Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them were going on the same day to a village being sixty stadia distant from Jerusalem, which was named Emmaus.
Luke 24:14 And they talked to each other about all these things taking place.
Luke 24:15 And it happened, as they talked and reasoned, coming near, Jesus Himself traveled with them.
Luke 24:16 But their eyes were held so as not to recognize Him.
Luke 24:17 And He said to them, What words are these which you exchange with each other while walking, and are sad of face?
Luke 24:18 And answering, one of them whose name was Cleopas, said to Him, Are you only one who resides in Jerusalem and do not know the things happening in it in these days?
Luke 24:19 And He said to them, What things? And they said to Him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a man, a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;
Luke 24:20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the judgment of death, and crucified Him .
Luke 24:21 But we were hoping that He is the One going to redeem Israel. But then with all these things, this third day comes today since these things happened.
Luke 24:22 And also some of our women astounded us, having been early at the tomb,
Luke 24:23 and not finding His body, they came saying to have seen a vision of angels also, who say Him to be alive.
Luke 24:24 And some of those with us went to the tomb, and found it so , even as the women also said; but they did not see Him.
Luke 24:25 And He said to them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe on all things which the prophets spoke!
Luke 24:26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into His glory?
Luke 24:27 And beginning from Moses, and from all the prophets, He explained to them the things about Himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:28 And they drew near to the village where they were going, and He seemed to be going further.
Luke 24:29 And they constrained Him, saying, Stay with us, for it is toward evening, and the day has declined. And He went in to stay with them.
Luke 24:30 And it happened as He reclined with them, taking the loaf, He blessed, and breaking He gave to them.
Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. And He became invisible from them.
Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, Was not our heart burning in us as He spoke to us in the highway, and as He opened up to us the Scriptures?
Luke 24:33 And rising up in the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem, and they found the Eleven, and those with them, having been gathered,
Luke 24:34 saying, The Lord really was raised and appeared to Simon.
Luke 24:35 And they related the things in the highway, and how He was known to them in the breaking of the loaf.
Matt.28:16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mount where Jesus appointed them.
Mark. 16:14 Afterward, as they reclined, He was revealed to the Eleven. And He reproached their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him, having been raised.
(Luke 24:36 And as they were telling these things, Jesus Himself stood in their midst, and said to them, Peace to you!)
(John:20:19 Then it being evening on that day, the first of the sabbaths, and the doors having been locked where the disciples were assembled, because of fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, Peace to you.)
Luke 24:37 But being terrified and filled with fear, they thought they saw a spirit.
Matt.28:17 And seeing Him, they worshiped Him. But they doubted.
Luke 24:38 And He said to them, Why are you troubled? And why do reasonings come up in your hearts.
Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He? Feel Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see Me having.
Luke 24:40 And saying this, He showed them His hands and feet
(John:20:20 And saying this, He showed them His hands and side. Then seeing the Lord, the disciples rejoiced.)
Luke 24:41 But yet they not believing from the joy, and marveling, He said to them, Have you any food here?
Luke 24:42 And they handed a broiled part of a fish to Him, and from a honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And taking these before them, He ate.
Luke 24:44 And He said to them, These are the words which I spoke to you yet being with you, that must be fulfilled all the things having been written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning Me.
Luke 24:45 Then He opened up their mind to understand the Scriptures,
Luke 24:46 and said to them, So it is written, and so the Christ must suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. No OT passage
Luke 24:47 And repentance and remission of sins must be preached on His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And you are witnesses of th48 And you are witnesses of these things.
Matt.28:18 And coming up Jesus talked with them, saying, All authority in Heaven and on earth was given to Me.
Mark. 16:15 And He said to them, Going into all the world, preach the gospel to all the creation.
Matt.28:19 Going, then, disciple all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matt.28:20 teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the completion of the age. Amen.
Mark. 16:16 The one believing and being baptized will be saved. And the one not believing will be condemned.
Mark. 16:17 And signs will follow to those believing these things: they will cast out demons in My name; they will speak new languages;
Mark. 16:18 they will take up snakes; and if they drink anything deadly, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will be well.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send forth the promise of My Father on you. But you sit in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.
Luke 24:50 He led them out as far as to Bethany. And lifting up His hands, He blessed them.
John:20:21 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.
John:20:22 And saying this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.
John:20:23 Of whomever you forgive the sins, they are forgiven to them. Or whomever you may retain, they are retained.
Luke 24:51 And it happened as He blessed them, He withdrew from them and was carried into Heaven.
Mark. 16:19 Then indeed, after speaking to them, the Lord was taken up into Heaven, and sat off the right of God. Psa. 110:1
Luke 24:52 And worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
Mark. 16:20 And going out, they preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs following. Amen.
Luke 24:53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
John:20:24 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
John:20:25 Then the other disciples said to him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands, and thrust my finger into the mark of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, in no way will I believe.
John:20:26 And after eight days, His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. The door having been locked, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said, Peace to you.
John:20:27 Then He said to Thomas, Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and thrust into My side, and be not unbelieving, but believing.
John:20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!
John:20:29 Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, Thomas, you have believed. Blessed are the ones not seeing and believing.
John:20:30 Then truly Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book.
John:20:31 But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

[JehovahsWitness]

COMBINING THE VARIOUS ACCOUNTS: Combining all the information from the various accounts, here is what we can deduce about ...

THE WOMEN

[*] The women start out just before dawn (Sunday morning) and got there as the sun was rising (they being all the women including Mary Magdeline)

[*] On the way the wonder how they will roll the stone away inaware that the during the night the earth had trembled and the stone had been rolled by an angel, terrifying the guards who had fled while the angel sat on the stone watching them run.

[*] Arriving at the tomb some hours later the women find the stone rolled away and Mary, perhaps looking inside and seeing it empty immediately leaves the group running back to tell Peter and John

[*] An angel then appears to the remaining "the women" (Mary is not specifically mentioned in connection with this appearance; her absence during this event would explain why she initially reports only the missing body not angelic appearances or the ressurection message to Peter and John). The angel invites the remaining women to see inside the tomb, empty except for a second angel. The angels tell the women of the ressurection and sends them to inform the disciples.

[*] On their way to deliver this message, it is these women (EXCLUDING Mary) who meet Jesus himself.

[*] Meanwhile Mary reports the empty tomb to John and Peter and her conclusion that the body has been stolen. All three head back to inspect. When Mary gets back with Peter and John they inspect the tomb, empty save for the linen that had wrapped the body. The two men men leave perplexed. Mary, however stays behind alone weeping.

[*] Looking again inside the tomb she sees two men (angels) who ask her why she is so distressed. Turning from them she sees a third man who she mistakes for the gardener who is in fact the resurrected Jesus.

[*]She is sent to add her report to those of the other women

Jesus is subsequenly reported as appearing to his disciples over a period of 40 days, in at least 3 towns and dozens of locations to various individuals and groups (sized up to 500 in number ) .

THE MEN

[*] Instead of obeying the women and going north, the Apostles remain near Jerusalem, necessitating further appearance. He repeats his initial instruction to return north where he will further meet with them.

[*] Up north in Galilee there are several meetings over the course of a month. With a final "public" appearance of upward of 500 disciples. He commissions them to spead the good news.

[*] Jesus final meeting is in private back near Jerusalem (after his Galilean appearances) with only the 11 faithful Apostles present. He tells them to stay in Jerusalem until they receieve holy spirit.

[JehovahsWitness]

For posts related to the deductions above see the following ....

RELATED POSTS

To learn more please fo to other posts related to...

BIBLICAL SEQUENCING, RESSURECTION CHRONOLOGY and ...BIBLICAL INERRANCY

INDEX

When was the Passover meal?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 32#p893932

When is the Passover "New Moon"?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 96#p911296

What were Jesus last words?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 81#p933181

Did the sun stop shining the day Jesus died?
viewtopic.php?p=1008274#p1008274

Were corpes moved or bought back to life the day Jesus was executed?
viewtopic.php?p=775237#p775237

Was there a zombie apocalypse the day Jesus died ?
viewtopic.php?p=775340#p775340

Why did Jesus feel abandonned at his death?
viewtopic.php?p=933256#p933256

When (what time) did the women visit the tomb? (this post)
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 82#p986082

Why did the women visit the tomb
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 41#p926941

Who were the women that visited Jesus tomb?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 31#p908331

How many women visted Jesus' tomb
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 31#p908331

Was the tomb open when they arrived?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 35#p908335

Why did Mary and the others not see the angel sitting on the stone?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 88#p986388

Could Mary Magdalene have left the group of women before their angelic encounter?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 35#p986635

WHERE were the angels when the women first arrived?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 23#p986523

Could the angels have possibly moved from one spot to another in the course of their interaction with the women?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 66#p987266

How can Mary's various testimonies be explained?
viewtopic.php?p=1058230#p1058230

How many messengers (angels) were present when the women arrived?
viewtopic.php?p=1016247#p1016247

Where were these messengers (angels) situated when the women arrived?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 81#p926581

Who was at the tomb when the women arrived?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 36#p908336

What did the messenger(s) say?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 57#p926557

Why is Mary's name included in Luke's summary of events if she wasn't with the women when they met the angels?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 90#p986390

Did the women tell anyone what happened?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 95#p908395

Did the women report seeing Jesus or angels ( Cleopas)?
viewtopic.php?p=1039084#p1039084

When Mary returned from the tomb, did she know Jesus had been resurrected?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 68#p926568

When did Mary first see Jesus?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 69#p926569

How can Mary's various testimonies be explained?
viewtopic.php?p=1058230#p1058230

Could Jesus be touched after the resurrection?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 06#p908706

After the women, to whom did Jesus "first" appear?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 74#p926574

Where and when did Jesus first appear to his disciples?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 76#p926576

Did the disciples doubt?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 40#p927240

Did the APOSTLES believe the two men (Cleopus & his companion)?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 71#p926571

What happened at the appearance?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 77#p926577

Did the Apostles travel to Galilee on the first Sunday?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 77#p927277

Did Jesus stay on earth for a while?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 79#p926579

Why is there no mention in the gospels of 500 eyewitnesses of the risen Jesus?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 16#p970816

Was "Great Commission" given uniquely to the eleven Apostles?
viewtopic.php?p=937795#p937795

Where did the ascension take place?
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 61#p926561

PAST EASTER CHALLENGES
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 61#p890661
Extended list
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 71#p375671

Full list & explanations:
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/v ... 42#p357142

Further reading: The resurrection of Jesus: Did it really happen?
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/maga ... -of-jesus/

SFBT - Off site
http://searchforbibletruths.blogspot.co ... index.html

To learn more please go to posts related to...

BIBLICAL SEQUENCING, INERRANCY and ...THE RESSURECTION EVENTS

[TRANSPONDER]

One of the most blatant examples of contradiction between gospels is found in the stories of the resurrection morning.
...

It is contradictory only if you connect the scriptures in a wrong way. It seems that is the only way to make atheism work, but for people who don't need to see contradictions, this is how it goes (Text that is basically the same as previous scripture from another Gospel is in brackets):

I have underlined (and boldened) your notes so we can see what your arguments are.

Mark. 16:1 And the sabbath passing, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that coming they might anoint Him.
Note! There was two Shabbat days. The Shabbat day of feast of unleavened bread and weekly Shabbat. Apparently after first Shabbat, Friday, spices were prepared and after second Shabbat they were brought to the tomb.
Mark. 16:2 And very early on the first of the week, the sun having risen, they came upon the tomb.
Matt.28:1 But after the sabbaths, at the dawning of the first of the sabbaths, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the grave.
(Mark. 16:3 And they said to themselves, Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?)
(Luke 24:1 But on the first of the sabbaths, while still very early, they came on the tomb, carrying spices which they prepared; and some were with them.)
Matt.28:2 And, behold! A great earthquake occurred! For descending from Heaven and coming near, an angel of the Lord rolled away the stone from the door and was sitting on it.
Matt.28:3 And his face was as lightning and his clothing white as snow.
Matt.28:4 And those keeping guard were shaken from the fear of him, and they became as dead.
Note! Apparently, the earthquake and rolling of the stone was seen only by the guards, not the women that vent to the tomb.
Mark. 16:4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; for it was very large.
Luke 24:2 And they found the stone having been rolled away from the tomb.
John:20:1 But on the first of the week, Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, darkness yet being on it . And she saw the stone had been removed from the tomb.
John:20:2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They took away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they laid Him.
John:20:3 Then Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
Luke 24:3 And going in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Note! Apparently, Mary left the tomb, while other women stayed at the tomb.
Mark. 16:5 And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right, having been clothed in a white robe. And they were much amazed.
Luke 24:4 And it happened, as they were perplexed about this, even behold, two men in shining clothing stood by them.
Luke 24:5 And they becoming terrified, and bowing their faces to the earth, they said to them, Why do you seek the living with the dead?
Matt.28:5 But answering, the angel said to the women, You must not fear, for I know that you seek Jesus who has been crucified.
Matt.28:6 He is not here, for He was raised, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
(Mark. 16:6 But He said to them, Do not be amazed. You seek Jesus the Nazarene who has been crucified. He was raised. He is not here. See the place where they put Him?)
(Luke 24:6 He is not here, but was raised. Remember how He spoke to you, yet being in Galilee,)
Luke 24:7 saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and to be crucified, and the third day to rise again.
Luke 24:8 And they remembered His words.
7 And going quickly say to His disciples that He was raised from the dead. And behold! He goes before you into Galilee. You will see Him there. Behold! I told you.
Mark. 16:7 But go, say to the disciples and to Peter, He goes before you into Galilee. You will see Him there, even as He told you.
Matt.28:8 And going away from the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, they ran to report to His disciples.
Mark. 16:8 And going out quickly, they fled from the tomb. And trembling and ecstasy took hold of them. And they told no one, not a thing, for they were afraid.
Note!, some think that this means they never told about the matter to anyone ever. If that would be the case, we would not have this story. That is why it is reasonable to think they only didn’t tell on their way about it.
John:20:4 And the two ran together, and the other disciple ran in front more quickly than Peter and came first to the tomb.
John:20:5 And stooping down, he saw the linens lying; however, he did not go in.
John:20:6 Then Simon Peter came following him, and went into the tomb and saw the linens lying.
John:20:7 And the grave cloth which was on His head was not lying with the linens, but was wrapped up in one place by itself.
John:20:8 Therefore, then the other disciple also entered, he having come first to the tomb, even he saw and believed.
John:20:9 For they did not yet know the Scripture, that it was necessary for Him to rise from the dead.
John:20:10 Then the disciples went away again to themselves.
John:20:11 But Mary stood outside at the tomb, weeping. Then as she wept, she stooped down into the tomb.
John:20:12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
John:20:13 And they said to her, Woman, why do you weep? She said to them, Because they took away my Lord, and I do not know where they put Him.
John:20:14 And saying these things, she turned backward and saw Jesus standing, and did not know that it was Jesus.
Note! Apparently, the other women had left some other route from the tomb, because didn’t see Peter and May on their way. Also, the disciples that came with Mary, left and Mary stayed alone there for a while.
(Mark. 16:9 And rising early on the first of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.)
John:20:15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why do you weep? Whom do you seek? Thinking that it was the gardener, she said to Him, Sir, if you carried Him away, tell me where you put Him, and I will take Him away.
John:20:16 Jesus said to her, Mary! Turning around, she said to Him, Rabboni! (that is to say, Teacher).
John:20:17 Jesus said to her, Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God, and your God.
John:20:18 Mary Magdalene came bringing word to the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He told her these things.
(Mark. 16:10 That one had gone and reported to those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping.)
Mark. 16:11 And those hearing that He lives, and was seen by her, they did not believe.
Mark. 16:12 And after these things, He was revealed in a different form to two of them walking and going into the country.
Matt.28:9 But as they were going to report to His disciples, behold, Jesus also met them, saying, Hail! And coming near, they seized His feet and worshiped Him.
Note! Worship = to kiss the hand, or to kneel and show homage to superior rank, for example high priest.
Matt.28:10 Then Jesus said to them, Do not fear. Go tell your brothers that they may go into Galilee, and there they will see Me.
Luke 24:9 And returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven, and to all the rest.
Mark. 16:13 And going, those reported to the rest. Neither did they believe those.
Luke 24:10 And they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary mother of James, and the rest with them, who told these things to the apostles.
Luke 24:11 And their words seemed like foolishness to them, and they did not believe them.
Luke 24:12 But rising up, Peter ran to the tomb, and stooping down he saw the linen lying alone. And he went away wondering to himself at what had happened.
Matt.28:11 And they, having gone, behold, some of the guard coming into the city reported to the chief priests all things that occurred.
Matt.28:12 And being assembled with the elders, and taking counsel, they gave enough silver to the soldiers,
Matt.28:13 saying, Say that his disciples came and stole him by night, we being asleep.
Matt.28:14 And if this is heard by the governor, we will persuade him and will make you free from anxiety.
Matt.28:15 And taking the silver, they did as they were taught. And this report was spread by the Jews until today.
Note! Matt. 28:11-15 is a separate story line that seems to have happened as the same time with other events. Apparently guards told what they had witnessed in the city, while many disciples did other things.
Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them were going on the same day to a village being sixty stadia distant from Jerusalem, which was named Emmaus.
Luke 24:14 And they talked to each other about all these things taking place.
Luke 24:15 And it happened, as they talked and reasoned, coming near, Jesus Himself traveled with them.
Luke 24:16 But their eyes were held so as not to recognize Him.
Luke 24:17 And He said to them, What words are these which you exchange with each other while walking, and are sad of face?
Luke 24:18 And answering, one of them whose name was Cleopas, said to Him, Are you only one who resides in Jerusalem and do not know the things happening in it in these days?
Luke 24:19 And He said to them, What things? And they said to Him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a man, a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;
Luke 24:20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the judgment of death, and crucified Him .
Luke 24:21 But we were hoping that He is the One going to redeem Israel. But then with all these things, this third day comes today since these things happened.
Luke 24:22 And also some of our women astounded us, having been early at the tomb,
Luke 24:23 and not finding His body, they came saying to have seen a vision of angels also, who say Him to be alive.
Luke 24:24 And some of those with us went to the tomb, and found it so , even as the women also said; but they did not see Him.
Luke 24:25 And He said to them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe on all things which the prophets spoke!
Luke 24:26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into His glory?
Luke 24:27 And beginning from Moses, and from all the prophets, He explained to them the things about Himself in all the Scriptures.
Luke 24:28 And they drew near to the village where they were going, and He seemed to be going further.
Luke 24:29 And they constrained Him, saying, Stay with us, for it is toward evening, and the day has declined. And He went in to stay with them.
Luke 24:30 And it happened as He reclined with them, taking the loaf, He blessed, and breaking He gave to them.
Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. And He became invisible from them.
Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, Was not our heart burning in us as He spoke to us in the highway, and as He opened up to us the Scriptures?
Luke 24:33 And rising up in the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem, and they found the Eleven, and those with them, having been gathered,
Luke 24:34 saying, The Lord really was raised and appeared to Simon.
Luke 24:35 And they related the things in the highway, and how He was known to them in the breaking of the loaf.
Matt.28:16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mount where Jesus appointed them.
Mark. 16:14 Afterward, as they reclined, He was revealed to the Eleven. And He reproached their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him, having been raised.
(Luke 24:36 And as they were telling these things, Jesus Himself stood in their midst, and said to them, Peace to you!)
(John:20:19 Then it being evening on that day, the first of the sabbaths, and the doors having been locked where the disciples were assembled, because of fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, Peace to you.)
Luke 24:37 But being terrified and filled with fear, they thought they saw a spirit.
Matt.28:17 And seeing Him, they worshiped Him. But they doubted.
Luke 24:38 And He said to them, Why are you troubled? And why do reasonings come up in your hearts.
Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He? Feel Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see Me having.
Luke 24:40 And saying this, He showed them His hands and feet
(John:20:20 And saying this, He showed them His hands and side. Then seeing the Lord, the disciples rejoiced.)
Luke 24:41 But yet they not believing from the joy, and marveling, He said to them, Have you any food here?
Luke 24:42 And they handed a broiled part of a fish to Him, and from a honeycomb.
Luke 24:43 And taking these before them, He ate.
Luke 24:44 And He said to them, These are the words which I spoke to you yet being with you, that must be fulfilled all the things having been written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning Me.
Luke 24:45 Then He opened up their mind to understand the Scriptures,
Luke 24:46 and said to them, So it is written, and so the Christ must suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. No OT passage
Luke 24:47 And repentance and remission of sins must be preached on His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And you are witnesses of th48 And you are witnesses of these things.
Matt.28:18 And coming up Jesus talked with them, saying, All authority in Heaven and on earth was given to Me.
Mark. 16:15 And He said to them, Going into all the world, preach the gospel to all the creation.
Matt.28:19 Going, then, disciple all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matt.28:20 teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the completion of the age. Amen.
Mark. 16:16 The one believing and being baptized will be saved. And the one not believing will be condemned.
Mark. 16:17 And signs will follow to those believing these things: they will cast out demons in My name; they will speak new languages;
Mark. 16:18 they will take up snakes; and if they drink anything deadly, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will be well.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send forth the promise of My Father on you. But you sit in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.
Luke 24:50 He led them out as far as to Bethany. And lifting up His hands, He blessed them.
John:20:21 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.
John:20:22 And saying this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.
John:20:23 Of whomever you forgive the sins, they are forgiven to them. Or whomever you may retain, they are retained.
Luke 24:51 And it happened as He blessed them, He withdrew from them and was carried into Heaven.
Mark. 16:19 Then indeed, after speaking to them, the Lord was taken up into Heaven, and sat off the right of God. Psa. 110:1
Luke 24:52 And worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
Mark. 16:20 And going out, they preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs following. Amen.
Luke 24:53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
John:20:24 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
John:20:25 Then the other disciples said to him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands, and thrust my finger into the mark of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, in no way will I believe.
John:20:26 And after eight days, His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. The door having been locked, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said, Peace to you.
John:20:27 Then He said to Thomas, Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and thrust into My side, and be not unbelieving, but believing.
John:20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!
John:20:29 Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, Thomas, you have believed. Blessed are the ones not seeing and believing.
John:20:30 Then truly Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book.
John:20:31 But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Not very convincing. However you tinker about with the meaning of 'Shabbat' (which I doubt any Jew would accept), there was no reason to prepare spices until Jesus was dead, and no time really as Saturday evening was about to start, and a day of rest (as Luke says) means they can't do it after that. On Sunday during dark, but when would they have bought the doins?

Yes If the women had said nothing to anyone, we wouldn't have the story. But originally, there was no story, that's why when they were concocted, the accounts contradicted.

I see you have tried to argue that Mary Magdalene 'left the tomb' and didn't see the angel and didn't hear the message. That is not what the text says "and said to them, They took away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they laid Him." If she had not gone into the tomb how would she know the body wasn't there? And Mary at least was with her or why say "We"? Clearly this apologetic that Mary and the other split up and took different routes (1) also you ignore that Luke refutes your apologetic Luke 24:10 And they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary mother of James, and the rest with them, who told these things to the apostles.

I would love to know - because this is Text identical with a precious posted excuse - where did you get this apologetic from? However, out of that massive post you pick up only a couple of irrelevancies and poor excuses. In my post above I have raised a few others that you would do better to address.

Passing of the tomb guards is a bit evasive. Sure the descending angel rolling back the stone and frightening off the guards is before the women arrive. But they should have felt the earthquake and the angel was there sitting on the rock door. Apart from nobody mentioning any of this other than Matthew, the only contradiction is whether the angel delivered the message inside or out and of course whether Mary Magdalene heard the message and went in the tomb. The text of the synoptic show that she did and thus John really contradicts and your excuse fails.

Again, I would love to know where you got this from. Did you really think it up yourself? Whatever, your filibluster didn't really answer nor even address many of the contradictions, never mind that only the one about the tomb and angel were raised in the topic. That is feeble work and you gotta do better, Senator.

(1) aside from the argument that this was all on the mount of Olives and at Bethany anyway, and there was only one route - the 'descent from the mount of Olives' the track from Bethany down to the Temple.

[TRANSPONDER]

[Replying to JehovahsWitness in post #5]

That is really not adequate. I do not consider it a valid response to not make an inadequate answer by referring a query to some, book, website or Authority (never mind previous post that also didn't answer the question, aside they seem to ignore refutations that I posted). This is darn close to being dismissive to the point of insolence. That is really a disgrace

[TRANSPONDER]

Our pal JW did have an 'Expalnation'

Instead of obeying the women and going north, the Apostles remain near Jerusalem, necessitating further appearance. He repeats his initial instruction to return north where he will further meet with them.

[*] Up north in Galilee there are several meetings over the course of a month. With a final "public" appearance of upward of 500 disciples. He commissions them to spread the good news.

[*] Jesus final meeting is in private back near Jerusalem (after his Galilean appearances) with only the 11 faithful Apostles present. He tells them to stay in Jerusalem until they receieve holy spirit.[/i]

In fact, they receive it, but I sometimes misstype. I can excuse and forgive that. It's a nice idea to argue that the disciples stay in Jerusalem because they did not believe the women. But there's two problems - Matthew says they did go, and no mention of anything else, other than implying they were to spread the message. Which of course they don't do - Paul does that. But Luke changes the angel's message so they are NOT told to go to Galilee but to stay in Jerusalem, which they do.

So the contradiction is still there - they did go to Galilee when they were told not to rather than not going to Galilee when they were told to. There is no 500 - just the eleven, it says. Authority was given to them, not to any 500. You Assumed that to wangle the 500 (I Cor.) who saw the risen Jesus. You would rend the welkin with protests if I tried to do a wangle like that.

So you try to wangle it with meetings over a month in Galilee. This is clearly not what the Bible says which is Jesus visiting and teaching the disciples over a month at Jerusalem, just as they were told by 'the women'. They do not go to Galilee nor is there any time for it. You then try to wangle it back to Jerusalem to link up with Acts a month later with Jesus ascending from Bethany. That's a valiant attempt to bamboozle us, but I think it will be seen for what it is - a desperate attempt to unite a square peg and round hole. even if you hammer and wedge them together, anyone can see they don't really fit.

It might work in the dupes aren't aware of what the Bible actually says and you can sell them this counterfeit account, but that is why we have to put the other side, so they won't be fooled, Yes indeed, Socrates, at least, if they will listen to me.

P.s. The end of John is quite problematical, but (so one poster argued) is a later addition and so was not originally in John. That is best left aside for now.

[brunumb]

[Replying to 1213 in post #3]

Every time you used the word apparently, were you not making an assumption that is not clearly evident in the text?

[TRANSPONDER]

[Replying to 1213 in post #3]

Every time you used the word apparently, were you not making an assumption that is not clearly evident in the text?

It apparently means 'This is the best bet explanation' (of an apparent contradiction). It is fair apologetics. But as I argued, they really don't work that well, like arguing that Mary Magadalene didn't go into the tomb and ran off before hearing the angelic explanation, which is why John says nothing about it. Luke says expressly that she went in and was one of those who told the disciples about it, even if they didn't believe her. Or they are irrelevant. like interpreting 'worship'. It doesn't matter whether they were declaring Jesus a god or just saying 'Hi, had breakfast yet?' What matters is that nobody else mentions this remarkable encounter and Luke pretty much tacitly denies it in Cleophas' words. And of course the huge post does not even address a good many of the contradictions.