It is helpful to remember that biblical authors did not produce their works within the historical-sociocultural-literary environment of 21st-century westerners. While completeness and accuracy were important, ancient biography and historiography were not bound by the modern-day preoccupation with linear thinking, chronological arrangement, and precision of dating. That is why it is such a challenge to chronologically harmonize the Gospel accounts. The inspired authors did not think like we think and were not catering to our literary expectations. Reporting the facts for evangelistic and theological purposes, often arranged thematically rather than chronologically, appears to have been the aim. Nevertheless, the following is a feeble attempt to chronologize the biblical data of the Lord’s resurrection.
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Early Sunday morning a small group of women journeyed to the tomb “while it was still dark” (John 20:1), and as it “began to dawn” (Matt. 28:1) they arrived at the tomb “when the sun had risen” (Mark 16:1). They were the first to discover the vacated premises but were initially unaware of what had happened. Mary Magdalene went and informed Peter and John, and they came, saw the empty tomb, and left (John 20:1-10).
There were two angels at the tomb in the form of men (Luke 24:4; John 20:12), one of whom had earlier rolled back the stone and had frightened the guards (Matt. 28:2-4). The angels told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead and instructed them to inform the disciples “and Peter,” or especially Peter (Mark 16:7). Because of fear the women said nothing to anyone as they fled from the tomb (Mark 16:8), but eventually they did (Matt. 28:8; Luke 24:9-10, 22-23).
Appearances of the Risen Christ
Mary Magdalene, at some point separated from the others, was the first to whom Jesus appeared (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18), though in due course to the other women as well (Matt. 28:9-10). Having been informed of what the women had been told and/or what they had seen, it is possible that Peter returned to the tomb again (Luke 24:12), as well as others (Luke 24:24), unless Luke and his fellow Gospel writers are simply reporting the facts without particular concern for chronological arrangement. Jesus then appeared to Simon Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5), two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), and multiple appearances to the apostles and many others in Judea and Galilee (1 Cor. 15:5-7).
Conclusion
While there is a great deal of overlap among the Gospel narratives, the differences confirm the independent testimony of each, contrary to critical theories of literary dependence and accusations of plagiarism. Each inspired author has provided an abridged account, reporting and arranging the facts to promote faith rather than attempting to satisfy our chronological curiosity. True accounts are provided by all the NT Gospels, and our proposed harmony supports their collective integrity.
--Kevin L. Moore
Related Posts: Chronology of Jesus' Death & Resurrection, Resurrection of Jesus Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Image credit: https://www.wijngaardsinstitute.com/the-risen-christ-is-our-sun/
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