The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in Christianity. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith, and the belief in Jesus’s resurrection is what sets Christianity apart from other religions.
But how many accounts of Jesus’s resurrection are there? Let’s explore.
The Four Canonical Gospels
The primary sources for the accounts of Jesus’s resurrection are the four canonical gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each gospel has its own unique perspective on the events leading up to and following the resurrection.
Matthew
Matthew’s account of Jesus’s resurrection begins with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting Jesus’s tomb. An angel appears to them and tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead. They then encounter Jesus, who instructs them to tell his disciples to meet him in Galilee.
Mark
In Mark’s account, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome visit Jesus’s tomb on Sunday morning. They find that the stone covering the entrance has been rolled away, and a young man dressed in white tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead. The women flee and tell no one.
Luke
Luke’s account begins with women who had followed Jesus visiting his tomb early on Sunday morning. They find that the stone covering the entrance has been rolled away and encounter two angels who tell them that Jesus has risen from the dead. The women then tell Peter and other disciples about what they have seen.
John
John’s account focuses on Mary Magdalene visiting Jesus’s tomb early on Sunday morning. She finds that the stone covering the entrance has been removed, and she assumes that someone has stolen Jesus’s body.
She encounters two angels who tell her that Jesus has risen from the dead. Mary then encounters Jesus himself.
Other Accounts
In addition to the four canonical gospels, there are other accounts of Jesus’s resurrection. For example, the apocryphal Gospel of Peter describes an encounter between two angels and a giant Jesus emerging from the tomb. The Gospel of Thomas contains a saying attributed to Jesus that suggests he will return to life after his followers have “trampled on” his garment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are multiple accounts of Jesus’s resurrection in the Bible, but the primary sources are the four canonical gospels. Each gospel provides a unique perspective on the events surrounding Jesus’s resurrection. While there may be differences in these accounts, they all agree that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his followers, inspiring a movement that continues to this day.