As an expert in biblical studies, I can provide a detailed account of the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ as documented in the New Testament. The Resurrection of Jesus is a central tenet of Christian faith, and the accounts of his appearances after his death are varied and rich in theological significance. It is important to note that the Gospels, which are the primary sources for these events, each present slightly different narratives. Here, I will consolidate the information from the Gospels to give a comprehensive overview.

Step 1: English Answer

After his death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus Christ is said to have appeared to a number of individuals and groups. The accounts of these appearances are primarily found in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides unique details, and when combined, they offer a fuller picture of the events following Jesus' Resurrection.

Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 28) records that the first appearance was to Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" at the tomb. These women had come to anoint Jesus' body but found the tomb empty. An angel informed them of Jesus' Resurrection, and as they were leaving, Jesus appeared to them. This is the first post-Resurrection appearance mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew.

The second appearance, as per Matthew's Gospel, is to the disciples. Jesus meets them on a mountain in Galilee, where he gives them instructions and authority, commissioning them to preach the gospel to all nations. This is a significant moment as it establishes the mission of the disciples and the foundation of the Christian Church.

Mark's Gospel (Mark 16:7) also mentions the appearance to Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the empty tomb, and it is implied that Jesus appeared to other women who had come with her. However, Mark's Gospel ends abruptly, and some of the oldest manuscripts do not include the longer ending found in later versions, which describes additional appearances.

Luke's Gospel (Luke 24) describes Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. These disciples did not recognize Jesus at first, but after a shared meal and his breaking of bread with them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Later, Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles, who were gathered together, and he showed them his hands and his side to verify his physical presence.

John's Gospel (John 20) provides a detailed account of Jesus' appearance to Mary Magdalene, where she initially mistakes him for a gardener before recognizing him as the risen Lord. Jesus then instructs her not to touch him, as he has not yet ascended to the Father. Later, Jesus appears to his disciples, including Thomas, who was not present at the initial appearance. Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds, but also makes a point to say that faith without physical evidence is commendable.

In addition to these, there are other accounts of Jesus appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21), where he performs miracles and further instructs Peter. There is also a mention of an appearance to over 500 brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:6), although this is not detailed in the Gospels.

The post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus are pivotal in establishing the belief in his divinity and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. They also serve to authenticate the disciples' experiences and to empower them for their future mission.

**read more >>

Matthew has two post-Resurrection appearances, the first to Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary" at the tomb, and the second, based on Mark 16:7, to all the disciples on a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus claims authority over heaven and earth and commissions the disciples to preach the gospel to the whole world.read more >>