Do Any Inconsistencies about the Period between Jesus' Resurrection and His Ascension Disprove these Happened or that Jesus Is the Son of God?


I’m sure that many of you have heard how there are some Atheists out there that tell Christians that they can disprove that Jesus Is the Son of God, because they say that the Bible is full of lies and inconsistencies, but is that really true?

I will do extensive research and analysis of the main passages that pertain to Jesus’ Resurrection and His Ascension to see if there are any inconsistencies and whether they are significant enough to disprove that Jesus arose from the grave and later ascended into heaven and that He Is the Son of God.

I will use the New King James Version [NKJV] of the Bible and internet resources, as needed. There are times that both he and him are used within the same Bible verse, so I will put within brackets who is speaking and who is being spoken to if I feel it may not be clear by the context. Additionally, I will put my analysis, evaluations, comments, and opinions within brackets and will try to let you know when I am sharing this information. 

If you would like to read this research project further, you can go to either of these two blogs I felt led to create to post my research analysis and results: Biblical Proof! at https://BiblicalProof.blogspot.com or Do Biblical Inconsistencies Really Matter? at https://Biblicalinconsistencies.blogspot.com/

I will first put any related Bible passages together and share those with you. Afterward, I will copy portions of each passage related to the particular question I am analyzing, so I can see if there are any significant inconsistencies. 

Matthew 28:1-20 says: Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. “And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they [women] went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together they gave a large sum of money to the soldier, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ “And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Mark 16:1-20 says: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away-for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. “But go, tell His disciples-and Peter-that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After that, He appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. 

Luke 24:1-53 says: Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? “He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ “And they remembered His [Jesus’] words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, “and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. “Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. “When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. “And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him [Jesus] they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [Jesus] expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.” And He [Jesus] went in to stay with them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He [Jesus] vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He [Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? “Behold My hands and My feet that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” When He [Jesus] had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him [Jesus] a piece of broiled fish and some honey comb, And He took it and ate in their presence. Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”  And He [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. “And you are witnesses of these things. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with the power from on high.” And He [Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. 

John 20:1-31 says: Now on 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. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved [John, this is the way he refers to himself], and said to them, they have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple [John], and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple [John] outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he [John], stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him [John], and went into the tomb; and he [Simon Peter] saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His [Jesus’] head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple [John], who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he [John] saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He [Jesus] must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples [Simon Peter and John] went away again to their own homes. But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She supposing Him [Jesus] to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God’ ” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He [Jesus] showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He [Jesus] had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. 

John 21:1-25 says: After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He [Jesus] showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He [Jesus] said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved [John] said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”- knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He [Simon Peter] said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Peter]“Feed My lambs.” He [Jesus] said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He [Simon Peter] said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Simon Peter], “Tend My sheep.” He [Jesus] said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He [Jesus] said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he [Peter] said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. “Most assuredly, I say to you when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. and when He [Jesus]  had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved [John] following, who also had leaned on His [Jesus’] breast at the supper [Last Supper], and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays you?” Peter seeing him [John], said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him [Peter], “If I will that he [John] remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Acts 1:1-11 says: The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He [Jesus] said, “you have heard from Me; “for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him [Jesus], saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He [Jesus] said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He [Jesus] was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” 

[Who first saw that Jesus’ tomb was opened when they came on Sunday, the third day after His crucifixion?] 

Matthew 28:1-6 says: Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 

Mark 16:1-6 says: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away-for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 

Luke 24:1-8 says: Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? “He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ “And they remembered His [Jesus’] words.

John 20:1 says: Now on 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.

[The Gospel of Matthew says after the Sabbath (Sunday) that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had come to see the tomb. It goes on to say that there was a great earthquake and an angel of the Lord whose countenance was like lightning and had clothing as white as snow came down from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it. Additionally, it says that the guards were afraid and shaking for fear of him [the angel. The Gospel of Mark says that when the Sabbath was past (Sunday) Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices, that they might come and anoint Him [Jesus]. They were wondering on the way to the tomb who would roll the stone from the door of the tomb for them, but when they got there they realized that the large stone had already been rolled away. In Luke it says the first day of the week (Sunday), they and certain other women with them came to the tomb bringing spices they had prepared and found the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. The Gospel of John says that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early on the first day of the week (Sunday) and saw the stone had been taken away from the tomb.]

[All four Gospels are consistent that the large stone of Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away early on Sunday morning. They are inconsistent about which women went to the tomb with spices. Matthew says it was Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Mark says Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, but Luke only says certain other women, while John says only Mary Magdalene. Are these inconsistencies significant?]

[Does it really matter if the first person or persons to the tomb happened to be Mary by herself, or if she was with one other woman or several others? Not really! This doesn’t change that one or more women went to the tomb early on Sunday, the third after Jesus’ crucifixion and the stone was rolled away and Jesus wasn’t in the tomb!]

[Does it matter that the Gospel of Matthew said that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there while there was a great earthquake and an angel of the Lord whose countenance was like lightning with clothing as white as snow came down from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it, but the other Gospels don’t mention the earthquake and say that the stone was already removed from the tomb door by the time they got there? Whether they were there when the large stone was removed from Jesus’ tomb or came after it had been removed, isn’t really relevant to whether the stone was removed from the tomb, which it was.]

 [Although there are minor inconsistencies in wording, it basically says the same thing. You will find out if you watch this brief video by J. Warner Wallace, a L.A. Cold-Case Detective, who tells that witnesses rarely report things exactly the same way.   Were the Gospels Written by Eye Witnesseshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siOcvLyKuEk (3 minutes 27 seconds) In my opinion, this video is really worth watching, because it clarifies so many things about the inconsistencies in the Gospel recordings, but proves that they are reliable witnesses.]

[Additionally, does it matter that the Gospel of Matthew is the only one that mentions that the guards who were there to secure Jesus’ tomb were shaking for fear of the angel? In that the other Gospels doesn’t mention this, doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen, plus it’s very plausible! I would be shaking in my boots if I had seen an angel, so it’s totally understandable that they would, as well. There is more that corroborates the report about the guards, but that will be introduced later as I get to those passages. Since there are so many different aspects of this time frame that I need to analyze for inconsistencies, I have to stay focused on the questions, at hand. Just so you know, I do plan to do a thorough analysis on the passages that I have listed, but I need to make sure I don’t get off-task in my focus.]

[Next, are there any inconsistencies related to the angel/s at Jesus’ tomb?]

Matthew 28:2-3 says:  And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 

Mark 16:2-5 says:  Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away-for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 

Luke 24:2-4 says:  But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 

John 20:11-12 says:  But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 

[In the Gospel of Matthew, one angel is recorded, while the Gospel of Mark mentions a young man clothed in a long white robe, but doesn’t call him an angel. The Gospel of John has recorded that there were two angels in white, but the Gospel of Luke records that there were two men who stood by them in shining garments. Do these inconsistencies matter? It doesn’t matter whether there were one, two, or thirty angels. The big point is that Jesus Christ arose from the dead and there were witnesses of the empty tomb!]

[Does it matter that the Gospel of Matthew says that the angel’s countenance was like lightning and his clothes were as white as snow, the Gospel of John said similarly: they had shining garments, where the Gospel of Mark said that the young man was clothed in a long white robe, but John just said that they were in white? One thing I’ve learned after doing lots of Biblical research and analysis, is that some Gospel writers add more detail and some fewer details. Others add additional information that wasn’t already recorded in the other Gospels, for further clarification. So, whether the clothing was white and glowing or just white, isn’t very significant to this analysis. Neither is it significant if the angel was a man or a young man.]

[I need to evaluate these to see if there are any inconsistencies about what the angels said.]

Matthew 28:5-7 says: But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. “And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. behold, I have told you.”

Mark 16:5-7 says: And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. “But go, tell His disciples-and Peter-that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

Luke 24:2-8 says: But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they [the angel/s] said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? “He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ “And they remembered His [Jesus’] words. 

John 20:11-17 says: But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 

[All four Gospels are basically consistent in saying the angel/s told them not to be afraid or alarmed. The angel/s asked why they sought the living among the dead, because Jesus had arisen on the third day like He had told them He would, and she should go quickly and tell the disciples that they would see Jesus in Galilee, although the Gospel of John doesn’t say that yet, but will. There are minimal to no inconsistencies and those are not significant.]

[What happened when they went to tell the disciples that Jesus has arisen from the grave on the third day like He said He would?]

Matthew 28:8-10 says: So they [women] went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” 

Mark 16:8-10 says: So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Now when He [Jesus] rose early on the first day of the week, He [Jesus] appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.  And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 

Luke 24:9-10 says: Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles.

John 20:14-18 says: Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She supposing Him [Jesus] to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God’ ” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

[These basically say the same thing, except some of the passages include more people, as additional information. The most significant part is that both the Gospels of Matthew and John say that Jesus made Himself known to the woman/women who were going to tell the disciples that He [Jesus] had arisen on the third day, as He said he would, and Jesus would see them in Galilee. Is it significant that the Gospels of Mark and Luke don’t say this? As you heard in the J. Warner Wallace video, sometimes witnesses don’t report things exactly the same, but are still valid witnesses.]

[What happened when the disciples were told by the women that Jesus had arisen from the grave on the third day?]

Matthew 28:9-10 says:  And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” 

Mark 16:10-11 says: She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 

Luke 24:9-12 says:  Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

John 20:1-10 says: Now on 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. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved [John, this is the way he refers to himself], and said to them, they have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple [John], and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple [John] outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he [John], stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him [John], and went into the tomb; and he [Simon Peter] saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His [Jesus’] head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple [John], who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he [John] saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He [Jesus] must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples [Simon Peter and John] went away again to their own homes.

John 20:18 further says: Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He [Jesus] had spoken these things to her. 

[The Gospel of Matthew doesn’t say how the disciples reacted, while the Gospels of Mark and Luke say that the disciples didn’t believe it when they were told the woman/women saw Jesus. The Gospel of John tells of the two times that Mary went to the tomb. The first time, in John 20:2-3, she told Simon Peter and John who ran to the tomb. The second time, when Jesus was the one to tell her to tell the disciples that He would see them in Galilee, doesn’t say what their response was. Does that mean that all the disciples believed the report that Jesus had arisen, since the Gospels of Matthew and John didn’t say otherwise? No, it’s more evident further on that the disciples didn’t believe when they were initially told this. I think that relates to John 20:9 which says: For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He [Jesus] must rise again from the dead.]

[In my opinion, an interesting point is related to all the times that Jesus foretold of His betrayal, death, and resurrection on the third day, but the disciples didn’t understand it. It didn’t make sense to them, so when it does happen, they don’t even connect it to what Jesus had told them beforehand, thus they don’t believe it, at first, when it happens.]

[Who else knew Jesus had arisen from the grave three days after His crucifixion, before Jesus went to see His disciples in Galilee?]

Matthew 28:11-15 says:  Now while they [the women] were going [to tell the disciples], behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together they gave a large sum of money to the soldier, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ “And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they [the guards] took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Mark 16:12-13 says:  After that, He appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

Luke 16:13-15 says: Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, “and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. “Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. “When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. “And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him [Jesus] they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [Jesus] expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.” And He [Jesus] went in to stay with them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He [Jesus] vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. 

John 20:2-10 says: Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved [John, this is the way he refers to himself], and said to them, they have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple [John], and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple [John] outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he [John], stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him [John], and went into the tomb; and he [Simon Peter] saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His [Jesus’] head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple [John], who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he [John] saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He [Jesus] must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples [Simon Peter and John] went away again to their own homes. 

[I think that I will evaluate this in sections, because there are several different things going on in these passages.]

[Earlier, Matthew 28:2-6 said: And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. “He is not here; but He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.”
But then, Matthew 28:11-15 goes on to say:  Now while they [the women] were going [to tell the disciples], behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ “And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” So they [the guards] took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.]

[This verifies that the guards who watched over Jesus’ tomb after His crucifixion, saw and/or heard that the angel of the Lord with countenance like lightning and clothing as white as snow had descended from heaven and they [the women] also saw that the stone was rolled back from the door of the tomb. There are quite a lot of things to note in these two passages from Matthew. There was more than one guard who was a witness that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, since the verse says:  And the guards shook for fear of him [the angel], and became like dead men. Both the word guards and men verify that there were two or more guards who were witnesses, because both are plural, denoting more than one.]

[Now in Matthew 28:11 it says: Now while they [the women] were going [to tell the disciples], behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. This would lead a person to determine that there were more than two people watching over Jesus’ grave in that it says some of the guard came and reported to the priests [about the empty tomb.] You wouldn’t say it that way if there were only two guards watching the tomb and one left, so there had to be three or more guards watching the tomb. In that case, there were three or more eyewitnesses who were not necessarily followers of Christ, who knew about the empty tomb and that Jesus’ had arisen.]

[The reason this is significant is that there are those who say that there were only Christians as witnesses to Jesus’ Resurrection, but this proves that’s not the case. It isn’t that Christians made up some story to perpetuate a myth that Jesus arose, it really, truly happened. These are not the only non-Christian witnesses that Jesus arose from His grave after being crucified.]

[Of course, as noted by verses 12-15 above, the chief priests assembled with the elders and came up with a plan to offer the three or more guards a large sum of money, so they would say that Jesus’ disciples had stolen Him away while the guards were sleeping. They also said that if the governor happened to hear about this, they would cover for the guards and protect them. Now, if you analyze all of this carefully, it says some additional things. First and foremost, it says that the priests and the elders thought the eyewitness accounts of the guards was so credible that they had to offer them a big bribe to get them to lie about why Jesus wasn’t still in the tomb. Additionally, it says that not only did the priests have to shut the guards up so that they didn’t share that Jesus was no longer in His tomb, but they had to devise an elaborate story with the fear hanging over their heads of the governor hearing of this. This made the guards fearful for their safety and beholding to the priests and elders, so that they didn’t tell others that Jesus Christ had arisen on the third day, as He had foretold He would.] 

[These two passages in Matthew add even more credibility to Jesus Christ rising from the grave. I went to WikiDiff and found this definition that adds clarity, since  I wanted to make sure my analysis was accurate about this. Once at the site, I looked up the difference between an eyewitness and a witness found it at: https://wikidiff.com/eyewitness/witness   This is what it said:

Eyewitness is a derived term of witness.
  • As nouns the difference between eyewitness and witness is that eyewitness is someone who sees an event and can report or testify about it while witness is attestation of a fact or event; testimony.
  • As verbs the difference between eyewitness and witness is that eyewitness is to be present at an event, and see it while witness is to furnish proof of, to show.

[So, the three plus guards who knew the tomb was empty, were eyewitnesses, because they were there and saw and heard what happened when the angel talked with women when they came and found the tomb empty. This is additionally proven when some of the guards went to talk to the high priests and elders about it and it was determined to be a credible report or they wouldn’t have given the guards a large sum of money to give the false testimony. ]

[The reason I looked this up on the internet was that the priests and elders who assembled to talk to the guards and bribe them are also witnesses that the tomb was empty and that Jesus had arisen, like He said He would. WikiDiff said “...while witness is attestation of a fact or event; testimony. In other words, the eyewitness [guards] were there at the event and the witness priests and elders had sufficient proof from the guards that they could have attested to the fact or event that Jesus’ tomb was empty, although they weren’t there to actually witness it happen. Of course, it wasn’t to their advantage to do so, because to tell the truth threatened their positions in the synagogues as priests and elders. That’s why they bribed the guards to share a lie instead of the truth!]

[There are some times when doing this Biblical research is soooo exciting! This is one of those times! I’ve read this passage many times over the years and realized that it was significant that the priests and elders gave the guards a large sum of money not to share the truth about why the tomb was empty. I never realized until now, that all the priests and elders assembled together to concoct this plan, were also witnesses to Jesus’ empty tomb from the credible eyewitness accounts of the guards, although none of them were followers of Jesus Christ. This additional proof from non-Christian eyewitnesses and witnesses makes the empty tomb and Jesus’ Resurrection even more significant!]

[To continue on with the analysis of those who also knew Jesus’ tomb was empty three days after His crucifixion, before Jesus went to see His disciples in Galilee. But before I get into the analysis of these two passages, I think these are excellent examples of a point I made earlier. I explained how some of the Gospel writers write with more detail and some with fewer and how some of them only add additional details for clarity if they didn’t feel enough was included in the other Gospels. Also, the Gospel of Matthew is the only one to record the information about the guards who watched Jesus’ tomb and their deal with the priests and elders of the synagogue. In my opinion, since the Gospel of Matthew included so much pertinent information about the guards, the other Gospel writers didn’t feel a need to mention it.]

Mark 16:12-13 says:  After that, He appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest [of the disciples], but they did not believe them either.

Luke 16:13-15 says: Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, “and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. “Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. “When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. “And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him [Jesus] they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [Jesus] expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.” And He [Jesus] went in to stay with them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He [Jesus] vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. 

[First of all, the brief passage in Mark corroborates what the detailed passage in Luke says. Also, the brief passage in Mark also corroborates that the disciples didn’t believe that Jesus’ had arisen when they were first told about seeing Him.]

Luke 24:18 says: Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him [Jesus], “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?” 

Luke 24:33-34 goes on to say:  So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

[There is lots of controversy on the internet about who the other person on the road to Emmaus was. Some feel it was two men, some feel two women, one of whom is the wife of the person with the name Cleopas. Others think it was Cleopas and his wife. The thing is, this isn’t an inconsistency, it’s just people trying to figure out who the other person was. Even if it were an inconsistency, although it’s not, would it be significant? No. It doesn’t matter who the other person was that was joined by Jesus on the road to Emmaus. With that said, it seems like Luke 24:34 is saying that the other person was Simon aka known as Simon Peter.]

[A thing that I think is interesting is that several of the people who first encounter Jesus after He’s arisen, don’t know it’s Him. I will include several other passages where this is the case related to this topic of research.]

Luke 24:15-16 says: So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained so that they did not know Him

Luke 24:29-34 goes on to say: But they [two on the road to Emmaus] constrained Him [Jesus], saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.” And He [Jesus] went in to stay with them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He [Jesus] vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

In John 20:13-16 says: Then they [the angels] said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She supposing Him [Jesus] to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). 

[Luke 24:15-16 gives a reason and says that their eyes are restrained. Luke 24:31 says:  Then their [two on the road to Emmaus’] eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He [Jesus] vanished from their sight. John 20:15 says: Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She supposing Him [Jesus] to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” This also relates to John 20:9 which says: For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He [Jesus] must rise again from the dead. ]

[I think I need to break this down into subtopics, so that the analysis is more focused. First, what happens when Jesus meets up with the disciples in Galilee?]

Matthew 20:16-17 says:  Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him [Jesus], they worshipped Him; but some doubted. 

Mark 16:14 says:  Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He [Jesus]  rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 

Luke 24:35-49 says:  And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He [Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? “Behold My hands and My feet that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” When He [Jesus] had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him [Jesus] a piece of broiled fish and some honey comb, And He took it and ate in their presence. Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. “And you are witnesses of these things. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with the power from on high.”

John 20:19-23 says: Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He [Jesus] showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He [Jesus] had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.

[All four Gospels were consistent that when most of the disciples first saw Jesus, they were frightened and didn’t believe He had arisen. Both the Gospels of Luke and John tell how Jesus showed the disciples His hands, feet and side, although the Gospels of Matthew and Mark don’t say this? Does that mean that Jesus didn’t show the disciples His hand, feet and side? No! Again, remember from the research I’ve done, I’ve found that some of the Gospel authors don’t put information that has already been adequately recorded in other Gospels or they briefly record events. The Gospel of John records this information while the Gospel of Luke really has lots of details of how Jesus told the disciples to touch His body to see that He has flesh, because a spirit wouldn’t. He also asks the disciples if He might have something to eat, as additional proof that He truly is the arisen Lord and not some spirit.] 

[When Jesus met with the disciples in Galilee, what did He tell them to do?]

Matthew 28:18-20 says: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Mark 16:15-20 says: And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Luke 24:44-49 says:  Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. “And you are witnesses of these things. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with the power from on high.”

John 20:20-21 says: When He [Jesus] had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

[As recorded in Luke 24:44-49, Jesus opens their understanding about Scripture and how He had to fulfill what had been prophesied about Him through Moses, the Prophets and in Psalms. He explains that it was necessary for Him to suffer and rise again on the third day, so that repentance and remission of sins could be preached to all nations. The Gospel of Matthew and Mark are pretty consistent with this, although the Gospel of Mark includes these signs: that demons will be cast out in His name, and they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents and they won’t be hurt if they drink anything deadly and that they will lay hands upon the sick and they will recover. The Gospel of John includes  more information about teaching others about Christ in the passages where Jesus talks to Peter about feeding His sheep in John 21:15-17. ]  

[When was the next time that the disciples saw Jesus?]

John 20:24-31 says: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. 

[The Gospel of John gives thorough details about how Thomas told the other disciples that He didn’t believe they had seen Jesus after He had arisen from the grave. Thomas tells the others that he won’t believe it until he sees the prints in Jesus’ hands and touches them and puts his hand into Jesus’ side. It also tells how eight days after Jesus originally met with the disciples in Galilee after He arose, He joined them again when Thomas was there to witness that He is the arisen Lord. Jesus told Thomas to touch His [Jesus’] hand with his finger and to stick his hand into Jesus’ side, so that he might believe. I think John 20:30-31 are significant when John tells them that Jesus did so many signs in front of the disciples, so that they might believe He is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, so believers might have salvation. In my opinion, the other Gospel writers may not have recorded this information again, because it was thoroughly recorded in the Gospel of John.]

[What happened the third time Jesus met with the disciples before He ascended into heaven?]

John 21:1-24 says: After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He [Jesus] showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He [Jesus] said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved [John] said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”- knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He [Simon Peter] said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Peter]“Feed My lambs.” He [Jesus] said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He [Simon Peter] said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Simon Peter], “Tend My sheep.” He [Jesus] said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He [Jesus] said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he [Peter] said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. “Most assuredly, I say to you when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. and when He [Jesus] had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved [John] following, who also had leaned on His [Jesus’] breast at the supper [Last Supper], and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays you?” Peter seeing him [John], said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him [Peter], “If I will that he [John] remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

Acts 1:1-5 says: The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He [Jesus] said, “you have heard from Me; “for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

[Chapter 21 of the Gospel of John tells how Jesus cooked breakfast at the Sea of Tiberias for Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee [John and James], and two other disciples of Jesus, unbeknownst to them. The disciples had gone out fishing and had caught nothing the night before. Then, Jesus called out to them from the shore to cast their net on the right side of the boat to find some fish. They caught so many fish that they were not able to pull it into the boat. When the Apostle John said to Peter it was the Lord, Simon Peter grabbed his clothes and plunged into the sea. The other disciples followed behind him in a boat. They saw the fire and coals Jesus had made to cook their breakfast and Jesus asked them to bring the fish they had just caught. Upon hearing that, Peter dragged the net full of large fish and there were 153, but the net wasn’t broken. In addition to all these witnesses who saw the miracle that Jesus did with allowing them to catch a 153 large fish, there is also the conversation where Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Jesus more than these and asks Peter to feed and tend His sheep. The apostle John ends this by stating that he can personally attest to all of these things being true!]

[Both Chapter 21 of the Gospel of John and Acts 1:1-5 have pertinent information about what happened the third time Jesus met with the disciples before He ascended into Heaven.  I especially like to focus on Acts 1:3, which says: to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. It is extremely important to know that Jesus had shown Himself to His disciples and others during the forty days after He had arisen from the grave. This is especially significant with the following passages that tell about when Jesus ascended into heaven, but I will discuss that further in after that subtopic.]

[What happened when Jesus ascended into heaven?]

Mark 16:19-20 says:  So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. 

Luke 24:50-53 says:  And He [Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. 

John 21:25 says:  And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Acts 1:6-11 says: Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him [Jesus], saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He [Jesus] said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He [Jesus] was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” 

[These passages are basically all consistent, but Acts has much more detail about what Jesus said and what the angels said to the disciples and others watching as Jesus arose to heaven.]

[There is an interesting thing of note. I may not have been aware of it on my own, but I had watched a J. Warner Wallace video some time ago, that told about how the part I have listed for the ascension in Luke is the same person who also wrote Acts, that has even more details.]

Luke 24:45-53 says: And He [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. “And you are witnesses of these things. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with the power from on high.” And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He [Jesus] lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. 

[Luke has: “And He led them as far as Bethany, and He [Jesus] lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.” This follows immediately after where Jesus is opening the disciples' understanding when He [Jesus] met with the disciples in Galilee the day He had arisen from the grave, as shown in Luke 24:45-53. It sounds like Jesus ascended into heaven right after He met with the disciples in Galilee on the day He arose from the grave.]

[The following is some of the proof I heard about in the J. Warner Wallace YouTube Video I had watched some time ago but can’t remember the title of it.] 

Luke 1:1-4 says: Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative off those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

Acts 1:1-3 says: The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 

[In Acts, the writer talks about the former account he made, which makes sense if he also wrote the Gospel of Luke. He addresses this to Theophilus, as he does in the Gospel of Luke. No other Gospel writer does this. The extremely significant portion of Acts 1:1-3 (paraphrased) is that Luke states that Jesus was taken up [arose into heaven] after He had presented Himself alive for 40 days after His suffering, death, and burial, while Jesus spoke, pertaining to the kingdom of God.]

[Jesus was alive for 40 days and there are many infallible proofs of this. This means that Jesus’ ascension into heaven wasn’t on the same day as I had mistakenly thought it was, prior to watching the J. Warner Wallace YouTube Video and checking the proof out for myself. Actually, in Acts 1:1-3, Luke clarifies that he is adding these additional details to the former [orderly] account he made in Luke which includes accounts from eyewitnesses and ministers, as well as, his and the other disciple’s knowledge of the things that had been fulfilled through Jesus. (paraphrased)[

[So, Mark 16:19-20 didn’t happen immediately after Jesus talked with the disciples in Galilee the day He had arisen from the dead.  This passage took place 40 days later but was just placed after what had been written about the meeting in Galilee. Mark 16:19-20 says: So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.]

[If this isn’t enough proof for you, John 20:24-31 says: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.]

[The passage in the Gospel of John 20:24-31 shows that the disciples were together with Jesus again in Galilee eight days later when Thomas comes and Jesus lets him touch the wounds in His hands and put his hand where the soldier’s sword pierced His side, before they took Jesus off the cross and buried him.]

[To top that off, John 21:1-25 says: After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He [Jesus] showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He [Jesus] said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved [John] said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”- knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He [Simon Peter] said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Peter]“Feed My lambs.” He [Jesus] said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He [Simon Peter] said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He [Jesus] said to him [Simon Peter], “Tend My sheep.” He [Jesus] said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He [Jesus] said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he [Peter] said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. “Most assuredly, I say to you when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He [Jesus] spoke, signifying by what death he [Peter] would glorify God. and when He
[Jesus] had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved [John] following, who also had leaned on His [Jesus’] breast at the supper [Last Supper], and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays you?” Peter seeing him [John], said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him [Peter], “If I will that he [John] remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.]

[That’s lots of witnesses attesting to seeing Jesus alive after He arose from the grave. This is even more significant: 1 Corinthians 15:3-10 says: For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He [Jesus] was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain in the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God which was with me.]

[I realize that the Apostle Paul who wrote 1 Corinthians 15:3-10, formerly known as Saul, used to persecute the Christians, but became a devout Christian after Jesus who had ascended into heaven, appeared to Saul on the Road to Damascus. I’ve been trying to check on the internet to find out when Jesus died, arose, and ascended into heaven and the answers range generally between 30-33 A.D. I think it is 33 A.D. based on this Biblical proof from  Luke 3:23 says: Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli…(it continues through Jesus’ genealogy all the way back to Adam.)]

[I searched high and low to find out how long Jesus’ ministry was and/or how old He was when He died. When I went to NeverThirsty.org which is located at: https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/how-old-was-yeshua-when-he-died/  This is what I found. Date of Jesus’ Death]
We know that Jesus could have died only in the two years of A.D. 30 or A.D. 33 since the gospels say that Jesus died on a Friday during the Passover. The Passover date is significant because it could occur only during a full moon. The Jews selected Passover by the lunar cycle. Between the time period of A.D. 29 and A.D. 35, lunar eclipses occurred only on a Friday in the years of A.D. 30 or A.D. 33. Since Christ could not have died in A.D. 30, the year A.D. 33 is the only year that qualifies as the year in which He died.]

[This is their] Conclusion: This means Jesus was 33 to 34 years of age when He died.]

[I also checked to see when Paul, formerly known as Saul was converted when Jesus appeared to him on Saul’s way to Damascus. The answers range from 33-36 A.D. I found the following: Amazing Bible Timeline with World History located at: https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/sauls-conversion/ It said the following:]

Zealous, brutal, and loyal to his religious heritage—this was how the book of Acts introduced the man called Saul of Tarsus who quietly approved of and watched the death of Christianity’s first martyr, Stephen. The death of Stephen and the persecution that followed was a blow to the community of believers and it pushed many others to leave Jerusalem for the surrounding towns. Saul, meanwhile, started the search for the members of this new movement with the intent of imprisoning them. The conversion of Saul is recorded on the Bible Timeline Poster around 34 AD.]

[Even if I pick the dates furthest from each other 30 A.D. for Jesus’ death, arising from the grave, and resurrection and 36 A.D. for Paul, formerly known as Saul's conversion to Christianity, that is only a matter of six years. So it stands to reason that when the Apostle Paul wrote: “After that He [Jesus] was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain in the present, but some have fallen asleep.  1 Corinthians 15:6,” stands to reason that most of those witnesses would still be alive when  Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in 55-56 A.D. and would be able to give their testimony about seeing Jesus, the arisen Lord.]

[To get that information, I checked the Amazing Bible Timeline with World History again to find out when Paul wrote 1 Corinthians at: https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/paul-the-letters-of/ and it said between 55 A.D. and 56 A.D. So, if someone was 35 when they saw Jesus after He had arisen from the grave or saw Him when He ascended into heaven, he would be about 55ish at the point 1 Corinthians 15 was written.  I looked on the internet and found the following site: Christmas on December 25 at:
It said: 4) HOW OLD WAS ZACHARIAH WHEN HIS WIFE GAVE BIRTH TO JOHN THE BAPTIST?
Question
How old was Zachariah when his wife gave birth to John the Baptist?
Answer
The Gospel does not mention a figure and only informs that Zachariah was in an advanced age at the time of Gabriel's visit.
And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well advanced in years. (Lukas 1: 7)
And Zachariah said unto the angel, How shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well advanced in years. (Lukas 1: 18)
He was as old as his wife (Luke 1: 7), both of them are in advanced age.
How old were they?
Advanced age, old age, or elderly age begin at 60 years old.1
Risk of stillbirth by mother’s age

Bibliography: 1Forman DE, Berman AD, McCabe CH, Baim DS, Wei JY, “PTCA in the Elderly: the ‘young-old’ versus the ‘old-old’”

[Hence, Zachariah and his wife’s ages are possible to quantify, i.e, ranging from 60 to 70 years old.]

In order to see how old the disciples were at their death: I went to BibleCharts.Org at http://www.biblecharts.org/netestaament/howtheapostlesdiedone.pdf
[I couldn’t paste the chart here, but it said that Peter died in 54-56A.D., Matthew at 60 A.D, James at 66 A.D. just to name a few, and those were killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. Which is additional proof that Jesus Is the Son of God because most people wouldn’t give their life for some made up story. When asked before they were killed, they could have denounced what they said about Jesus’ Resurrection from the grave to save their lives, but they didn’t -because it was true. Jesus Christ Is the Son of God, who was born man, lived a holy and perfect life, but was betrayed and crucified on the cross, buried and arose from the grave on the third day and was seen by His disciples, 500 and others during the 40 days from His resurrection from the dead to His ascension into heaven.]

[Don’t let people confuse you about your faith in Jesus, your Savior, by saying that the Bible is full of lies and inconsistencies. Yes, there are inconsistencies in the Bible, but they are minor and none are significant enough to disprove that Jesus died and arose on the third day and ascended into heaven after 40 days.]

[Remember John 3:16-20 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God. “And this is the condemnation that the light has come into the world and men loved the darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”]

Jesus gives us all the chance to follow Him, the Light of the world. Follow the light instead of darkness!