For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: Where did Jesus first appear to the eleven disciples after the resurrection?
Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes indicate a Bible contradiction:
On a mountain top in Galilee.
“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.” (Matthew 28:16)
In a room in Jerusalem.
“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.” (Mark 16:14)
“33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 They began to relate [a]their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread. 36 While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be to you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit.” (Luke 24:33-37)
“So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)
Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:
The Domain for Truth 