To whom did Jesus make his first post-resurrection appearance?
The accounts begin their appearance reports with different witnesses, but only the supplied Mark verse explicitly labels an appearance first.
- Textual conflict
- Weak tension
- The alleged conflict needs substantial assumptions, such as treating an omission as a denial or figurative language as literal.
- Importance
- Foundational
- A central claim about origins, salvation, divine justice, or religious authority.
Different opening witnesses in appearance reports do not establish rival first appearances because only Mark explicitly claims priority.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Matthew introduces Jesus appearing to the two Marys
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.
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.