The Resurrection

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
Many objections have been raised against the account of the resurrection in the four gospels, some persons supposing them to be irreconcilable, and a proof that the gospels are not fully inspired.
But the great thing to remember is, that each gospel has a distinctive character; that God caused them to be written precisely as He wished; and therefore we ought to have confidence that what He has done He has done wisely and perfectly, whether we can understand them or not. With this confidence we can calmly look at the difficulties.
First, notice that the women began to prepare the spices on Friday evening before the Sabbath commenced, but rested during the Sabbath (Luke 23:5656And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. (Luke 23:56)).
Then Matthew 28:11In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. (Matthew 28:1), is Saturday evening after the Sabbath (not Sunday morning, as often supposed). It was the “dusk of the next day after the Sabbath” when they come, and they then return and finish their preparations.
They rest Saturday night, and Mary comes while yet dark on Sunday morning to the sepulcher (John 20:11The 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)), but Christ has risen. Women are sometimes spoken of as “the women,” in a general way, without specifying who they were.
For further detail, refer to the chronological tables. All of course may not be exactly as the events occurred; but at least thus placed all difficulties disappear.