Why do details in Matthew 28 about the resurrection differ from accounts in the other Gospels?

Differences in Matthew 28 Compared to Other Gospel Accounts

Overview of the Resurrection Narratives

All four Gospels proclaim that the tomb was empty and that Jesus rose from the dead. However, there are variations in details—such as how many individuals appeared first at the tomb, the specific words spoken, and the timeline of the women’s arrival. These variations often raise questions about consistency. Yet when examined closely, they reveal a unified historical event with each Gospel writer highlighting details for distinct audiences and theological emphases.

Focus of Matthew 28

Matthew 28 accentuates the authority and kingship of the risen Christ, culminating in the Great Commission. Its key elements include:

1. The women discovering the empty tomb.

2. A singular angel’s declaration of the resurrection.

3. Jesus appearing to the women and later to the disciples, commissioning them to make disciples of all nations.

Below is the specific text cited from the Berean Standard Bible:

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake... The angel said to the women: ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said...’” (Matthew 28:1–6)

Comparisons with Mark, Luke, and John

- Number of Angels: Matthew’s account emphasizes the angel who speaks (Matthew 28:2–5). Mark (Mark 16:5) refers to a “young man dressed in a white robe,” while Luke (Luke 24:4) describes “two men in radiant apparel.” John (John 20:12) likewise speaks of “two angels.” These are complementary rather than contradictory descriptions. Matthew focuses on the one angel who speaks, while Luke and John record there were indeed at least two present.

- Timing and Arrival of the Women: Matthew highlights Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” arriving “at dawn on the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1). Mark (16:2) says “very early on the first day of the week,” and Luke (24:1) similarly places their arrival early in the morning. John (20:1) notes Mary arriving “while it was still dark.” These varying details reflect slightly different recollections of time but do not stand in conflict. They indicate that the women made their way to the tomb during (or just before) dawn, a normal historical variation common to eyewitness accounts.

Why Variations Are Expected

1. Different Target Audiences:

- Matthew wrote primarily with a Jewish audience in mind, emphasizing fulfilled prophecy and the Kingship of the Messiah (Matthew 1:22; 2:15).

- Mark wrote in a compact style, possibly addressing Roman believers.

- Luke, a physician and historian, gathered detailed testimonies, writing for a broad Greek audience (Luke 1:1–4).

- John’s Gospel often highlights deeper theological truths (John 20:31).

These diverse contexts result in selective reporting. A modern historical parallel would show how four journalists might recount the same event with slightly different angles based on their intended readers.

2. Common Practice of Ancient Historiography:

Ancient writers often arranged events thematically rather than strictly chronologically. Minor details could be abbreviated or expanded depending on rhetorical purpose. Archaeological studies—such as finds of first-century tombs near Jerusalem—corroborate the existence of tombs like the one described in the Gospel accounts, lending authenticity to the setting even if each writer chose specific narrative focuses.

3. Focus on Essential Facts:

All four Gospels agree on central facts:

- The tomb was empty.

- Women were the first witnesses of the empty tomb.

- Jesus physically appeared to His disciples, confirming He was alive.

- Believers were commissioned to proclaim this reality.

Reputable New Testament manuscripts (including early papyri such as P66 and codices such as Codex Vaticanus) confirm these core points, supporting the reliability and authenticity of the resurrection narratives.

Harmonizing the Events

Bringing the accounts together reveals a broad picture:

1. Women Arrive Early: At least Mary Magdalene and other women come to the tomb near dawn. They discover the stone rolled away.

2. Angelic Appearance(s): They encounter one or more angels who proclaim that Jesus is risen (Matthew 28:2–5; Mark 16:5–7; Luke 24:3–7; John 20:12).

3. Initial Reactions: The women respond with a mix of fear, confusion, and joy (Matthew 28:8; Mark 16:8; Luke 24:8–9; John 20:13).

4. Encounters with the Risen Jesus: Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and to other disciples (Matthew 28:9–10; John 20:14–17).

5. Commission to Spread the News: Ultimately, Jesus commissions His followers to proclaim the good news (Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46–49; John 20:21–23).

Different Gospels emphasize particular details of these events, hence the variations in wording and focus.

The Issue of Multiple Witnesses

Differences in the accounts can be compared to police reports from eyewitnesses at an accident scene: the main facts align, but the viewpoints vary. Each Gospel writer had access to different eyewitnesses and shaped their narratives around specific theological points, without contradicting the core truth. Scholars such as Dr. James White, Dr. Dan Wallace, and numerous textual critics affirm that these variations do not undermine the reliability of the text but rather support the authenticity of independent eyewitness testimony.

Outside Historical Documents and References

- Josephus (1st-century Jewish historian) alludes to Jesus’ crucifixion under Pilate and the early Christian claim of His resurrection.

- Tacitus (2nd-century Roman historian) indirectly confirms that Christians believed Jesus survived death.

- Early Christian Writers such as Ignatius and Polycarp quote or reference Gospel events close to the apostolic era, reinforcing the consistent belief in the resurrection.

While secular references do not detail the biblical narrative fully, they corroborate that the belief in a risen Jesus was widely held from the earliest times and that the Gospel accounts circulated broadly and reliably.

Theological Implications

The minor differences do not cast doubt on the truth of the resurrection. Instead, they remind us that these narratives stem from multiple sources, all converging on one centerpiece: the risen Christ. As Scripture teaches, “He is not here; He has risen” (Matthew 28:6). This message stands at the core of the Christian faith, anchored in the earliest proclamations and supported by a multitude of manuscripts, testimonies, and historical considerations.

Conclusion

The distinct details in Matthew 28 compared to Mark, Luke, and John underscore the complementary perspectives and purposes of each Gospel writer. They do not constitute contradictions but rather reflect the kaleidoscope of eyewitness remembrance and specific authorial intent. These varied, yet harmonious, accounts collectively testify to the most crucial event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus.