John 20:12

Contradictions (5)

Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.

• Who did the women see at the tomb?

  Matthew 28:2 has an angel of the Lord descend from heaven, roll back the stone, and sit on it — a single angelic figure. Mark 16:5 has a young man (*neaniskos*) sitting inside the tomb in a long white garment — one figure, not explicitly an angel.

  Critical scholarship: Leans toward a genuine contradiction.

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  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

• To whom did Jesus make his first post-resurrection appearance?

  Matthew 28:9 says the first appearance was to the two Marys together. Mark 16:9 and John 20:14-17 say it was Mary Magdalene alone.

  Critical scholarship: Widely regarded as a genuine contradiction.

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  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

• Were the men or angels sitting or standing?

  Mark 16:5 has the women enter the tomb and find 'a young man sitting on the right side.' John 20:12 has Mary Magdalene see 'two angels in white sitting' — one at the head and one at the feet of where Jesus had lain.

  Critical scholarship: Widely regarded as a genuine contradiction.

  Parallel accounts (distinct sources)

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  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

• Were the men or angels inside or outside the tomb when the women arrived?

  Matthew 28:2 places the angel outside the tomb, having descended from heaven, rolled the stone back, and seated himself upon it. Mark 16:5 has the women enter the tomb and find a young man sitting inside on the right side.

  Critical scholarship: Widely regarded as a genuine contradiction.

  Parallel accounts (distinct sources)

  More on this question

  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

• Was Mary Magdalene happy or sad when she saw the risen Jesus?

  Matthew 28:1-9 has the women — including Mary Magdalene — leave the empty tomb with "fear and great joy," meet Jesus on the way, grab his feet, and worship. John 20:11-15 has Mary Magdalene weeping at the tomb, talking to angels through tears, and failing even to recognize Jesus when he stands in front of her, mistaking him for the gardener.

  Critical scholarship: Leans toward a genuine contradiction.

  Parallel accounts (distinct sources)

  More on this question

  The proposed answers and sources for each reading are on the question page.

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