A second example
I will not be listing every concern I have with Matthew’s historical record, as there are many which can be identified following my self-imposed rules of thumb. But presented in this post is a typical example found nearby:
Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, "Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I am to rise again.'
"Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last deception will be worse than the first."
Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how." And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. (Mat 27:62-28:4 NAU)
Notice we have yet another earthquake, coupled with a questionable story not mentioned in any earlier gospel or epistle. Like the previously mentioned earthquake and the associated resurrection of saints, this falls into the same general category: an exaggerated version of events that likely evolved in legendary fashion, and that were handed down to the author by word of mouth. I do not fault the author for recording what he understood to be the truth: he without doubt was zealous for the gospel and as such I would assume he did not intentionally lie. However, his error was to over-embellish the narrative of Mark without properly researching the testimony of his fellow believers.
It is easy to imagine how this story about Pilate, the Pharisees, and the guards came into being: the reason is given in the story itself. Hearers of the gospel of the resurrection of Jesus would naturally be suspicious of the story, and would assume that the disciples simply stole the Lord’s body. This legend came into being to counter that argument.
My Love/Hate Relationship with Matthew
I must confess something at this point. I love Matthew’s gospel. The historical record is quite flawed, but the author’s focus on the King and the Kingdom is exemplary. His organization of the parables focusing on the kingdom of the heavens, and his focus on end-times prophecy make this a valuable addition to the New Testament. I am glad this work has been retained over the centuries for us to digest. I have learned a lot from this gospel, and see its value in spite of its exaggerations.