Posted by Bibleman [Bibleman] on November 12, 1999 at 09:54:58 {CkRQXOxAaIMSSTtTA17sslyACFuF8c}:
In Reply to: Jesus' Resurrection posted by kc on November 12, 1999 at 07:29:14:
Hi kc and mntzion,
I think the problem of lack of "inspiration" is not with the gospel writers but with the culturally-biased interpretators of this account.
"Mary Magdalene" in Palestine was probably as common a name as "Mary Gonzalez" is in Mexico.
There were at least three Mary Magdalanes in Jesus' immediate company, all of whom went to the tomb, but they went at different times. The gospel writers, in order to make sure there was no later conflict between the three encounters at the tomb of the different Mary Magdalenes, decided to include separate accounts for each one, but specifically giving details and the specific time they arrived at the tomb so that it was clear these were different women.
John talks about Mary Magdalene who came along, AT DARK, with Peter and John. She saw Jesus. She was the first to come to the tomb.
Then Matthew gives the account of another Mary Magdalene who comes to the tomb, without spices, and with her companion, yet another Mary. They see Jesus not in the garden but on the road. The timing for this is given as "as it was getting light."
Then Mark gives the account of the third Mary Magdalene who arrives with Jesus' relatives "after the sun had risen" with spices.
Therefore, there is no conflict when you take into account the culture where Mary was an extremely popular name.
Once you do this, then the "inspired" accounts cease to be confusing. One must sometimes remove cultural bias and look at the specific details of ancient accounts written in ancient tongues before deciding superificially that there is an "error" in the text, which some gleefully would prefer to do rather than attempt to resolve the implied conflict with a little research and a little inspired imagination.
There is no conflict here.
There were three Mary Magdalenes.
The Bible is inspired.
Know this.
Cheers,
Bibleman