Studies 1 to 3
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PER366
The Angels’ Message
The pericope PER366 analyzes the message of the angels to the women at the tomb on the Sunday morning of the resurrection. Comparing Matthew, Mark and Luke, it examines the differences in the number of angels, the vocabulary used, and the place of the women as the first witnesses. These variations reflect the evangelists’ editorial freedom and are indicators of the historical authenticity of the resurrection account.
Matthew 27.62-66 (King James Version) :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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER367
The Women Warn the Disciples
Pericope 367 examines the moment when the women warn the disciples of the resurrection, comparing Matthew 28.8, Mark 16.9-11, Luke 24.9-11 and John 20.2. A notable divergence appears: Mary Magdalene seems unaware of the angels’ message, unlike the other women. The hypothesis that Mary left early, before the angelic appearance, makes it possible to harmonize the accounts and to explain her persistent incomprehension before the empty tomb.
John 20.1 (King James Version) :The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER368
The Reaction of Peter and John
Pericope 368 examines the reaction of Peter and John after Mary Magdalene's testimony about the empty tomb. The two apostles run to the sepulchre, discover the burial linens and the folded face cloth, but do not yet grasp the reality of the resurrection. The article harmonizes the accounts of Luke 24.12 and John 20.3-12, distinguishes two successive announcements to the disciples, and highlights the initial lack of understanding in the face of Jesus' prophecies about his resurrection.
Mark 8.31 (King James Version) :And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org