Are There Contradictions in the Gospels?

The Gospel Accounts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

Is it true that the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, contradict one another in the details about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Yee nope. The Gospels were in full agreement that Jesus' last supper with his disciples was on Thursday night, that they went to the Mount of Olives to pray, that Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for money and arrested, that he appeared before the high priest, and that Jesus claimed to be God.

Yes, in all four Gospels. Jesus was denied by Peter three times, Friday morning he appeared before Pontius Pilate, that he was beaten, the prisoner Barabbas was set free in exchange, Jesus was crucified at a place called the Skull, he hung on his cross between two other criminals, and he died and was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

The Empty Tomb and Mark’s Ending

On Sunday at dawn, Jesus rose from the dead. The empty tomb was first found by the women, one of whom was Mary Magdalene, and then they went and told the disciples. But wait, the doubter says, Mark is supposed to end with verse eight, where it says that the women were terrified by what they had seen and told no one.

Well, obviously they told someone, genius, or Mark wouldn't have written about it. The angel told the women to go and tell the disciples, and it is understood that's exactly what they did. It's true that the Gospels differ on other specifics, but these details do not contradict one another and in no way negate the Gospel truth.

The Historical Certainty of the Resurrection

That Jesus Christ died on a cross, was buried in a tomb, and came back from the dead is historical fact. You can be more certain of that truth than you can be that you'll see the sunrise tomorrow. Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. That's a truth you can know and place your hope in when we understand the text.