“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.” - Proverbs 25:2
Critics of the Bible have a field day with the timeline of the appearances of Jesus Christ after His resurrection. There are apparent contradictions and it is a difficult timeline to sort out. A good way to view this topic is as a puzzle: some pieces are found in the four Gospels, some in Acts, and some in 1 Corinthians. What’s more, many of the pieces look similar which causes confusion to many readers.
Before we look at the order of events, let’s quickly debunk the myth that Jesus was not really dead.
Witnesses
Roman Soldiers:
"The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” - John 19:31-34
Pontius Pilate and the Roman Centurion:
"Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.” - Mark 15:43-45
Joseph of Aramathaea and Two Marys:
"And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.” - Mark 15:46,47
Luke:
Luke was a physician (Col. 4:14) that documented the eye witness accounts (Lk. 1:1-4).
John:
"Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.” - John 19:32-35
As you can see, there were multiple Gentile and Jewish witnesses from both genders to confirm the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is important to understand this as we go through the sequence of events because unbelief from the witnesses will be a common theme.
Event #1 - The Women Travel to the Sepulchre
The very first issue that we come across is how many women visited the tomb.
"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?" - Mark 16:1-3
Mark’s Gospel records three women by name, however as we will see below in Luke 24:10, there were more than three women in this group that traveled to visit the sepulchre.
Event #2 - An Angel Arrives
Mark 16:3 shows us that the women were expecting to show up to a closed tomb. They were not thinking of resurrection or planning a heist. These women were in mourning.
The Bible tells us that guards were placed at the sepulchre to prevent the body of Christ from being stolen:
“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” - Matthew 27:62-66
Before the women arrived at the sepulchre, an angel went to the tomb.
"And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men." - Matthew 28:2-4
As we will see shortly, these guards were not dead - they fainted.
Event #3 - The Women Arrive at the Sepulchre
"And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great." - Mark 16:4
After noticing the stone had been moved aside, they saw an angel. The angel spoke to the women and invited them into the sepulchre.
"And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." - Matthew 28:5-6
The women walked into the sepulchre and met an angel sitting that repeated the statement that Christ had risen.
"And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you." - Mark 16:5-7
The encounter with the angel is something that Bible critics love to hone in on because of the apparent contradiction. Mark’s account describes one angel and Luke’s account describes two. When you read the verses carefully, you’ll find that both accounts are accurate.
"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet 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.” - Luke 24:2-7
Mary and the others entered the sepulchre and saw one angel sitting that spoke with them. They walked in further and encountered two angels standing where the body of Jesus would have been that spoke to them. There is no contradiction. Each angelic encounter provided more of a revelation.
Event #4 - The Women Speak with the Apostles
"And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word." - Matthew 28:8
"And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid." - Mark 16:8
The group of women were understandably shaken up. They were ambivalent and still did not fully understand what was happening.
"And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not." - Luke 24:9-11
The Apostles did not believe what the women were telling them. After the group failed to convince the Apostles to go to the tomb, Mary Magdalene met with Peter and John to try and convince them that the women were not delusional:
"Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home." - John 20:2-10
Event #5 - Mary Magdalene Meets with Jesus
After Peter and John left the area, Mary stayed behind. It isn’t difficult to imagine her state of mind. She was expecting to find her Lord dead, was told He was alive, went into shock, her friends didn’t believe her, and she had travelled back and forth from the sepulchre in just a short period of time and was probably physically exhausted.
"But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." - John 20:11-17
After comprehending what was taking place, Mary Magdalene again ran back to the Disciples:
“Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her." - John 20:18
The Bible tells us plainly that the very first person to see the risen Saviour was Mary Magdalene:
"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils." - Mark 16:9
Event #6 - Jesus Meets with the Other Women
The group of women decided to travel back to the tomb. This is something that Simon Peter would eventually do after he and John had gone home. At some point after speaking with Mary Magdalene, Jesus met with the other women in the group and revealed Himself to them.
"And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me." - Matthew 28:9,10
Interlude
At this point, the Bible gives us an interlude to explain what happened to the guards at the sepulchre. In the midst of all of this activity, the guards awoke and went to the chief priests to explain what was taking place.
"Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day." - Matthew 28:11-15
Event #7 - The Lord Appears to Peter
The Bible records that the next person to speak with Jesus was Simon Peter (Lk. 24:34). Given that Peter was alone, we can easily assume that he went back to the sepulchre to investigate. It is important to keep in mind that all of these events, thus far, are still early in the same day. We must also keep in mind the fact that these people were still in mourning and openly weeping (Mk. 16:10). Everybody was frazzled and trying to figure out what was going on.
"Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass." - Luke 24:12
The Apostle Paul also tells us that Peter was the first of the Apostles to see Jesus Christ:
"And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:" - 1 Corinthians 15:5
Event #8 - The Road to Emmaus
"After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country." - Mark 16:12
"And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which 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 have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" - Luke 24:13-32
Event #9 - The Stories Converge
Jesus Christ had appeared four times:
1) Mary Magdalene
2) Multiple women
3) Simon Peter
4) The two men
"And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon." - Luke 24:33,34
"And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them." - Mark 16:13
All of these people met together with ten of the Apostles to tell them that Christ had risen, but those men did not believe.
Event #10 - Jesus Appears to the Apostles
The very same day in the evening (Jn. 20:19), as the group of people met to explain what was going on, Jesus appeared to all of the Apostles except for Thomas.
"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved 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 among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen." - Luke 24:36-53
"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, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." - John 20:19-25
Event #11 - Jesus Appears to the Apostles Again
According to John, eight days passed by after the mass appearance of Christ (20:26). We can see from the eleven Apostles that are present, that Mark 16:14 at John 20:26-29 are describing the same account.
"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen." - Mark 16:14
"And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." - John 20:26-29
Event #12 - Jesus Appears to the Apostles for a Third Time
Many commentators have the Great Commission taking place prior to Christ’s appearance at the sea of Tiberias, however, the Bible tells us in John 21:14 that this was His third appearance to the Disciples. This appearance and the Great Commission were within the same timeframe as this body of water is a part of the region of Galilee.
"After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead." - John 21:1-14
Event #13 - Jesus and Peter Have a Conversation
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” - John 21:15-23
Event #14 - The Great Commission
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:16-20
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - Mark 16:15-18
Event #15 - Jesus Appears to Over 500 People
"After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep." - 1 Corinthians 15:6
Event #16 - Jesus Appears to His half-brother James
"After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles." - 1 Cornthians 15:7
Event #17 - The Ascension
The Bible tells us in Acts 1:3 that these 17 events took place over a 40-day period. After the Apostles were given the Great Commission, they were told to go back to Jerusalem and wait for the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:4,5).
As the Disciples were gathered together, Jesus appeared to them one final time.
"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey." - Acts 1:6-12
Event #18 - Pentecost
On Pentecost, the promise that Christ gave to His Disciples of receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:4,5) took place.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4
Event #19 - Christ Appears to the Final Apostle
"And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." - 1 Corinthians 15:8
"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus." - Acts 9:1-8
This is a difficult topic for people to grasp. The Bible is not an easy book and God does give us some puzzles that we must spend time figuring out in order to grow our faith. Praise God that He made salvation much easier to understand (1 Cor. 15:1-4, Eph. 2:8-9)!