Biblical Truths :: Examining the errancy of the bible

Time from resurrection to ascension?

At least the time it took the eleven disciples to walk from Jerusalem to Galilee - some 60-70 miles north
- Matt 28:16-20

More than eight days (this does not include events described in the more recent addition of John's chapter 21)
- John 20:26

With the John 21 appendix, this means it was even longer as it also features a Galilean appearance. One must add to the tale at least the time it would have taken the disciples to walk there.

40 days
- Acts 1:3

However, it is made very clear that jesus rose, made all his appearances, and ascended into heaven - wait for it - all on the same day!
- Luke 24:13, 33, 36, 50

Because it says the post crucifixion events happen on the same day, Luke makes an appearance at, or journey to Galilee impossible because everything reportedly happens in the area of Jerusalem.

Remember, the disciples are told to stay there until Pentecost ( Luke 24:49 ) and at the conclusion, jesus ascends to heaven from Bethany -just outside Jerusalem- that day.

Luke has jesus appearing to "the eleven" on the same day as the resurrection
- Luke 24:33-36

Yet, thomas was missing on this appearance and it was over a week later that jesus actually appeared to all eleven - that is, with thomas present
- John 20:24, 26

Jesus commands the apostles to stay in Jerusalem until pentecost
- Luke 24:49

Jesus tells the women to instruct the disciples to go immediately up to Galilee
- Matt 28:10

This is odd, since he was apparently going to see them himself later that day in Jerusalem, if you believe Luke and John.

Remember, though, that the women 'said nothing to anyone'
- Mark 16:7

The two marys on their way from the tomb
- Matt 28:9-10

Mary magdalene, alone
- John 20:14-17, Mark 16:9

Two disciples on road to Emmaus
- Luke 24:15

Luke's sprinting disciples

You know the two traveling to Emmaus in the reference above?
Well, Emmaus is about 10 miles west of Jerusalem, and Luke 24:13-33 has the two being visited by jesus, and the two then go that same hour to the eleven in Jerusalem.

This means these guys ran 10 consecutive miles averaging less than six minutes per mile without stopping for water or breath...in sandals.
Truly a miracle.

There are certainly more fantastic stories found in the bible, yet this one is not portrayed as a miracle. It is more likely an error due to the author's ignorance of Judean geography and/or careless editing.

Jesus foretold he would be buried in the heart of the earth for three days and nights, as jonah was in the fish
- Matt 12:40

According to all four gospels, he was buried for just one day and two nights

Who went?

2 marys
- Matt 28:1

2 marys & salome
- Mark 16:1

4 women & several others
- Luke 24:10

mary magdalene alone!
- John 20:1

-- --

When did they go?

Early morning

No one ascended to heaven before jesus
- John 3:13

Oh, that's right- elijah had already done so back in
- 2 Kings 2:11