CLAIM: Matthew records that there was an “angel” at the tomb, but John records that there were “two angels” (Jn. 20:12). Which is true?
RESPONSE: Some commentators point out that Matthew did not say that there was only one angel. Instead, he was just focusing on one of the two angels present.
However, this resolution isn’t necessary. When we compare this passage with John 20, we see that Matthew and John are describing different time periods. Matthew is describing the initial moving of the stone. John is describing the initial meeting of Jesus. Another angel could have appeared during this later event. This is no more contradictory than saying that one person showed up to my dinner party at 9 pm, but two people were there by 9:30 pm. These authors are speaking about different times in the resurrection account.
Resurrection Accounts |
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Matthew 28 |
John 20 |
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Mary and Mary Magdalene come to the tomb (v.1). |
Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb (v.1). John doesn’t mention the other Mary accompanying her. |
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The angel rolls away the stone (v.2). |
John doesn’t mention how the angel rolls away the stone. |
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The angel scares the guards (v.4). |
John doesn’t mention how the guards are scared. |
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The angel tells them that Jesus was raised and to bring the disciples to Galilee (v.7). |
Mary runs to tell the disciples that Jesus’ tomb is missing (v.2) |
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They meet Jesus for the first time and worship him (v.8). |
Mary sees the two angels (v.12), which is clearly a different event. Mary meets Jesus for the first time and worships him (vv.16-17). |
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Jesus announces that he was raised and to bring the disciples to Galilee (v.10). |
Jesus announces that he was raised and to bring the disciples to Galilee (v.17). |