DawahBible

CONTRADICTION · RESURRECTION

Position of the Stone

Mark 16:4; Luke 24:2; John 20:1Matthew 28:1-6

The Tension
PASSAGE AMark 16:4; Luke 24:2; John 20:1
Mark: ...the stone was rolled away. Luke: ...found the stone rolled away. John: ...seeth the stone taken away.
PASSAGE BMatthew 28:1-6
Matthew: ...the angel... rolled back the stone and sat on it.
Analysis

This detail matters because it concerns the core event of the resurrection narrative. Variations in describing the stone’s position raise doubts over factual accuracy. Muslims use such contradictions to illustrate that the Bible’s text has not remained pure, unlike the Quran’s stable and consistent narrative.

Perspectives

THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

Matthew’s focus is on the angel’s action, while others describe the aftermath. Each writer selects different details.

THE ISLAMIC POSITION

Muslims note if divine perfection guided these texts, why vary in depiction? Such differences hint at human editing. The Quran’s consistent storytelling avoids these mixed accounts.

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TOPIC

Position of the Stone