Did the Women Tell Anyone About the Tomb?

"Contradictions" in the Bible Apologetics Posts

Some argue that the Bible is contradictory concerning the question, “Did the women tell anyone about the tomb?” The argument is that Mark 16:8 says that the women said nothing to anyone, but Matthew 28:8, Luke 24:9, and John 20:18 say that they told the disciples. However, the solution to this alleged contradiction in the Bible is simple.

Scriptures – Did the Women Tell Anyone About the Tomb?

The Women Said Nothing

And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
Mark 16:8

The Women Told the Disciples

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew 28:8

and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
Luke 24:9

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
John 20:18

The Answer – Did the Women Tell Anyone About the Tomb?

The Women at First Said Nothing, Then Told the Disciples

Most likely, the women were at first afraid, and so said nothing to anyone, and then after some time had passed, their fear had subsided and they told the disciples. There is simply no contradiction between these passages.

Foundational Principles Regarding Bible Difficulties

There are some foundational principles that apply to all alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible. To read more, see Bible Difficulties: Foundational Principles.