Based on my limited research, I tend to belief that the Gospels were written in this order:
1) John – the author asserts that he was there (the ‘other disciple’, ‘whom Jesus loved’)
2) Mark – author makes no claim of having firsthand knowledge, but surely written before Luke and Matthew.
3) Luke – Based on Mark.
4) Matthew – Also based on Mark, written independently, and likely in parallel with Luke.
Both Luke and Matthew elaborate on the events recorded in Mark’s gospel and both add unique material.
While there is nothing wrong with either elaborating on or adding to Mark’s narrative, what I have observed is a tendency for Matthew and Luke to go too far and thereby introduce credibility issues in particular areas. The following, for me personally, is an example where Matthew crossed the line.
I will lay out my case. You decide for yourself.
Miracles at the Crucifixion
Let’s walk through the four Gospels in the above order and examine the supernatural events that are asserted to have occurred on the day of Christ’s crucifixion.
John
The author who claims to be an eyewitness records only one strange event occurring at the crucifixion:
But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. (Joh 19:34 NAU)
Mark
Mark’s narrative on the crucifixion includes:
When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. (Mar 15:33 NAU)
And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mar 15:38 NAU)
Following the rules I set for myself, I must be on the alert for additions that contradict an earlier author’s version of events. As these early Christians were very aggressive in spreading the good news about Christ’s death and resurrection, I am also on the watch for unlikely exaggerations that were handed down orally and that became ‘truth’ to the hearers of these messages.
Darkness falling over the land during the daylight hours of the crucifixion, even though John did not mention such a thing, is suspect, but it is frankly not that important of a thing to question. The assertion that the veil of the temple was torn in two is a miracle of heavier consequence, and John did not include this amazing event in his gospel. In cases like this, I look for confirmation in the epistles.
The author of the epistle to the Hebrews is unknown, but we do know that it was written very near to the time that Paul wrote his epistles, and likewise may predate the writing of the gospels. Found in this epistle is this little gem:
…He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh (Heb 10:20 NAU)
The author may be alluding to the miracle that occurred at Christ’s death, giving some weight to the assertion.
Therefore, I give Mark the benefit of the doubt. The veil being torn in half has so much meaning to it that is consistent with the message of the Gospel.
(Continued in the next post)