14/07/2026
A QUESTION FOR CHRISTIANS: Who Went to the Tomb of Jesus?
The four Gospels appear to describe the women who visited Jesus' tomb differently. Consider the following passages:
John 20:1 John mentions Mary Magdalene going to the tomb early on the first day of the week.
Matthew 28:1 Matthew mentions Mary Magdalene and the other Mary—two women.
Mark 16:1 Mark mentions Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome—three women.
Luke 24:10 Luke mentions Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women with them—more than three women.
The Question
If these four accounts describe the same event, why do they mention different numbers of women?
Did only one woman go?
Were there two women?
Were there three women?
Or were there more than three?
How do Christian scholars reconcile these different descriptions? Is each writer focusing on different individuals present, or do these passages represent conflicting accounts?
This is intended as a sincere question for discussion. Please provide your explanation using the biblical text and sound reasoning.
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This version is more likely to encourage thoughtful responses while accurately presenting the Gospel passages.