The Skeptics Annotated Bible (772 page)

(28.2b)
“The angel of the Lord … rolled back the stone … and sat upon it.”
404 Whom did they see at the tomb?
405 Was the tomb open or closed?
406 Were the men or angels inside or outside the tomb when first seen?

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.

(28.3-4)
“His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”

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.

(28.6)
“He is risen.”
Jesus came back to life after being dead for a while.

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.

(28.8)
“They departed quickly … and did run to bring his disciples word.”
407 Did they immediately tell the disciples?

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.

(28.9)
“As they went to tell his disciples … Jesus met them…. And they came and held him by the feet.”
408 To whom did Jesus first appear?
409 Did Mary Magdalene recognize Jesus?
410 Was it OK to touch the risen Jesus?
411 Was Mary Magdalene happy or sad when she saw the risen Jesus?

10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

(28.10)
“Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”
412 Where did Jesus tell his disciples to meet him?

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.

(28.15) “Until this day” Once again (see also 27.8), the phrase “until this day” implies that the gospel of Matthew was not written until long after the events supposedly occurred.