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In this connection I should stress that the discovery of…

“In this connection I should stress that the discovery of the empty tomb appears to be a late tradition. It occurs in Mark for the first time, some thirty-five or forty years after Jesus died. Our earliest witness, Paul, does not say anything about it.” quote by Bart D. Ehrman
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““In this connection I should stress that the discovery of the empty tomb appears to be a late tradition. It occurs in Mark for the first time, some thirty-five or forty years after Jesus died. Our earliest witness, Paul, does not say anything about it.””

Bart D. Ehrman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The empty tomb story emerged decades after Jesus’ death and is not found in earliest Christian writings.

In simple terms: The tomb story is a later tradition.

Key Takeaway

Recognize later developments in religious narratives.

Themes

historical criticism early Christianity tradition formation

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

scholarly analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • theological debate
  • biblical scholarship

Key Concepts

textual analysis historical methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this affect faith?
  • What other traditions may be later additions?
A Different Perspective

Early Christian texts do not mention the tomb, suggesting later invention.

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