Contradictions in the Resurrection Accounts
G.D.O'Bradovich III
August 7, 2015
We have shown that the author of the fourth Gospel treats Simon and Simon Peter as distinct individuals and we have discussed how Erasmus altered scripture and took liberties with the text ( quote). These deficentes might be an indication, if not of scribal error, but poor knowledge or Lain. Upon reflection, one finds it incredible that one of the most astute minds of his time did not notice the contradictions int he version of the resurrection.
It is unfathomal becasue he did not change the text so that it would coform, that is not have contradictions. Eramus’ overshight is our gain. We propose that Eramsus di not altar any text, as is claimed, and we further suggest that the original editor was thourough and there were no contradictions int he text. The asture, but casual reader, will notice the inconsisitancies.
We will use the timeline found int hr fourth Gospel and place passage from the Synoptic Gospels to demonstrate there are no contradictions int eh rusurrection accounts: the four versions are a unifed or edited whole.
Unlike John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene or Miriam of the tower does not clarify or distinguish Mary, but obscures who she is or her role. The same obersavtion is applicalbe to Simon Zeolotes, Judas Iscratiot and Jesus of Nazarene, where scholars are divided on the opinion if Jesus was born in Nazarene or that he took the vow of a Nazarene.
The text of the fourth Gospel is in black and Luke is in red.
It is unfathomal becasue he did not change the text so that it would coform, that is not have contradictions. Eramus’ overshight is our gain. We propose that Eramsus di not altar any text, as is claimed, and we further suggest that the original editor was thourough and there were no contradictions int he text. The asture, but casual reader, will notice the inconsisitancies.
We will use the timeline found int hr fourth Gospel and place passage from the Synoptic Gospels to demonstrate there are no contradictions int eh rusurrection accounts: the four versions are a unifed or edited whole.
Unlike John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene or Miriam of the tower does not clarify or distinguish Mary, but obscures who she is or her role. The same obersavtion is applicalbe to Simon Zeolotes, Judas Iscratiot and Jesus of Nazarene, where scholars are divided on the opinion if Jesus was born in Nazarene or that he took the vow of a Nazarene.
The text of the fourth Gospel is in black and Luke is in red.
[11:38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
[11:41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.
After the Last Supper, Jesus:
[18:1]... went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
[18:2] And Judas ... knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
Jesus and his disciples often went to this garden. Interestingly, there is a garden where Jesus was crucified and a "sepulchre" was nearby.
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and ... a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. [19:42] There laid they Jesus ...; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
The Synoptic Gospels agree that the women were standing away from the crucifixion, while the fourth Gospel states that certain individuals were standing by the cross. According to the fourth Gospel, those by the cross are his mother, his aunt, Cleophas' wife and Mary Magdalene. The fourth gospel does not mention Jesus' mother by name. Matthew and Mark doe not mention Mary Magdalene until the crucifixion. Luke mentions Mary Magdalene in the eight chapter and not again until the crucifixion.
[11:41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.
After the Last Supper, Jesus:
[18:1]... went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
[18:2] And Judas ... knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
Jesus and his disciples often went to this garden. Interestingly, there is a garden where Jesus was crucified and a "sepulchre" was nearby.
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and ... a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. [19:42] There laid they Jesus ...; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
The Synoptic Gospels agree that the women were standing away from the crucifixion, while the fourth Gospel states that certain individuals were standing by the cross. According to the fourth Gospel, those by the cross are his mother, his aunt, Cleophas' wife and Mary Magdalene. The fourth gospel does not mention Jesus' mother by name. Matthew and Mark doe not mention Mary Magdalene until the crucifixion. Luke mentions Mary Magdalene in the eight chapter and not again until the crucifixion.
[55] And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
[56] Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. |
40] There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
[41] (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem. [42] And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, |
[49] And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
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[25] Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
[26] When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! [27] Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. [28] After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. [29] Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. [30] When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. [31] 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. [32] Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. [33] But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: [34] But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. [35] And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. [36] For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. [37] And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. |
The Gospels agree Joseph of Arimathaea was involved in the Jesus' burial.
[57] When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
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[43] Joseph of Arimathaea, and honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
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[[50] And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just:
[51] (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. |
[38] And after this Joseph of Arimathaea,
being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews |
Mathews notes that Joseph was rich. Mark and Luke state he was a counselor, which we understand as being in the Jewish council. The fourth Gospel notes that he was a secret disciple.
All Gospels agree that Pilate released the body.
All Gospels agree that Pilate released the body.
[58] He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
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[44] And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
[45] And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. |
[52] This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
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, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave.
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By merging the four accounts, we understand Joseph to be a rich member of the council. Since he would be known to the high priest, we can conclude the beloved disciple who let Peter into the courtyard was Joseph. Since Lazarus had a tomb and not a grave, we conclude that he was also rich.
All Gospel state that Joseph buried the body and Luke and the fourth Gospel mention that it was not previously a tomb. The Synoptic Gospels state that Jesus was wrapped in linen cloth, while the fourth Gospel gives details.
All Gospel state that Joseph buried the body and Luke and the fourth Gospel mention that it was not previously a tomb. The Synoptic Gospels state that Jesus was wrapped in linen cloth, while the fourth Gospel gives details.
[59] And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
[60] And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. |
[46] 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.
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[53] And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
[54] And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. |
He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
[39] And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. [40] Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. [41] Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. [42] There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. |
The Synoptic Gospels agree that the women saw were Jesus was laid. The fourth Gospel does not mention this detail, but informs us that there was a garden. The Synoptic agree that it was cut out of a rock, however common place this information is considered today, it was not known to Renaissance artists [vide].
[61] And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
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[47] And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
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[55] And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
[56] And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. |
Mark gives the following:
[62] Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
[63] Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. [64] 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. [65] Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. [66] So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. |
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All the Gospels agree the Sabbath was over.
[1] In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
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[1] 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.
[2] And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. |
[1] Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
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[1] The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre,
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Mathews does not give a reason why the women were going. to the tomb. Mark and Luke agree they were coming to anoint the body. The fourth Gospel has Joseph and Nicodemus applying a an hundred pound weight, therefore there is no reason for Mary to be visiting the tomb.
At this point, the Gospel of Matthew diverges from the other Synoptic Gospels. Matthew has an angel move the stone, whereas in the remaining accounts the women find the stone removed. Therefore, if these are versions of the same event, then Matthew must occur before the other accounts.
[2] 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.
[3] His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: [4] And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. |
[3] And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
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[5] And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
[6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. [7] And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. [8] And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. |
[4] And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
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[2] And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
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Mark and Luke diverge from the fourth Gospel by having the women enter the tomb.
[5] And entering into the sepulchre,
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[3]And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.[4] And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout,
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The women encounter one person sitting in Mark's version, two men standing in Luke's account.
they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
[6] 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. [7] 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. |
behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
[5] 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? [6] He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, [7] Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. [8] And they remembered his words, |
The women leave the tomb.
[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.
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[9] And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
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and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
[2] 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. |
[9] 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.
[10] Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. [11] 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. [12] And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, [13] Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. [14] And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. [15] So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. [16] Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. [17] And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. |
[10] 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.
[11] And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. |
[3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
[4] So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. [5] And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. [6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, [7] And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. [8] Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. [9] For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. [10] Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. |
Although mention by the four Gospels, only the fourth Gospel [verse 7] and Luke [verse 12] mention the linen clothes after the Sabbath.
[12] 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.
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[9] 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.
[10] And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. [11] And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. |
[11] But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
[12] 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. [13] 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. [14] And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. |
The appearance on the road to Emmaus.
[12] After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
[13] And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. |
[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
[14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened. [15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. [16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. [17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? [18] 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 therein these days? [19] 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: [20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. [21] 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. [22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; [23] 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. [24] 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. [25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: [26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? [27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. [28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. [29] 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. [30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. [31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. [32] 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? [33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, [34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. [35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. |
In verse 18, Luke names of the men as Cleopas. The Simon in verse 34 of Luke's Gospel must be the name of the other man who talked with Jesus, as Peter has not seen the risen Christ [verse 12] in Luke's version.
[15] 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.
[16] Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. [17] 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. [18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. [18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. |
[14] 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.
[15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. [17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [18] 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. [19] So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. [20] And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. |
[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
[37] But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. [38] And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? [39] 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. [40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. [41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? [42] And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. [43] And he took it, and did eat before them. [44] 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. [45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, [46] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things. [49] 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. [50] And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. [51] And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. [52] And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: [53] And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. |
[19] 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.
[20] 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. [21] Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: [23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. [24] But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] 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. |
[26] 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.
[27] 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. [28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. [29] Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. [30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: [31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. |