What did the angels tell Mary?
Matt 28:6-7; Mark 16:6-7; Luke 24:5-7; John 20:13
The different gospel writers recalled, or were told, that which was said. Just like real witnesses who all view the same event, each says a slightly different version of the same thing. If each sentence were identical, then the charge of collusion would be raised. But the fact that each writer records the words of the angels in a slightly different manner suggests that they really did witness these events, or heard of them, and recorded them. The slight differences are proof that there were different people seeing the event. In other words, it really happened and each person recalled a slightly, but non contradictory, account of the angel's words.
Following is a suggested arrangement of words that might help to harmonize the words of the angels.
Matthew 28:6-7 | Mark 16:6-7 | Luke 24:5-7 | John 20:13 | |
women were afraid | "and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, | |||
Two angels spoke | "And 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." | |||
Two or one angel spoke | "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? | |||
One angel spoke | "And he *said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; | |||
"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. | He is not here; | 6"He is not here, but He has risen. | ||
Come, see the place where He was lying. | behold, here is the place where they laid Him. | |||
Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, 7saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." | ||||
7"But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said to you.’" | ||||
7"And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going before you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." |