The Resurrection of Jesus Christ Our Lord A Chronological Order of Events

The earthquake, followed by the descent of the angel, the opening of the tomb, and the resurrection (Matt. 28:2-4)

The group of women came together and started for the tomb while it was yet dark. (Mark 16:1; John 20:1)

Mary Magdalene ran ahead and came first to the tomb, finding it open. Immediately she ran back by the nearest way to inform Peter and John. (John 20:2)

The other women completed their two miles’ walk from Bethany to the sepulcher, arriving a little after the rising of the sun. (Mark 16:2)

An angel suddenly appeared and gave them an urgent message to the disciples. (Matt. 28:5; Mark 16:5)

Another party of women come a little later, and see “two young men” dressed in white at the tomb, and receive words of comfort and instruction. (Luke 24:4)

About 6:30 a.m. Peter and John arrive, John running ahead. (John 20:3-10)

Mary Magdalene coming a little later sees two angels (John 20:11-13) The other women had returned to bear the mes- sage to the other apostles (Luke 24:10)

About 7 a.m. Jesus first revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene. (John 20:14-18) A bit later He appeared to the company of women returned to the sepulcher and sent them with the charge to the brethren to go to Galilee. (Matt. 28:9)

About 4 p.m. He appeared to Simon Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5), and from 4-6 p.m. to Cleophas and his companion on the way to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-31)

Finally, in the evening, probably around 8 p.m., Jesus appeared to the 10 (Thomas not present), and others in the room with barred doors. (Luke 24:36; Mark 16:14)

Jesus would appear to others after His resurrection day, including Thomas eight days later. (John 20:26) Paul later revealed that Jesus was seen by more than 500 people at once at one point before the Lord ascended to heaven. (I Cor. 15:6)

Because the grave could not hold Jesus, it cannot hold those who are His!