John 20:18 – Did or did not the women tell what happened at the tomb?

Problem: Did the women tell the disciples what happened at the tomb and the resurrection of Jesus, or not? Matt 28:8; Mark 16:8; Luke 24:9; John 20:18

Solution:

1. They told what happened
   1. Matthew 28:8, “And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.”
   2. Luke 24:9, “and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.”
   3. John 20:18, “Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.”
2. They said nothing
   1. Mark 16:8, “And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.”

The first passages imply that the women reported what the angels told the disciples (Matt. 28:8; Luke 24:9; John 20:18). But Mark 16:8 said they reported nothing to anyone because they were afraid. Undoubtedly, the women reported what they saw later. After all, it does not seem reasonable to say it would keep it all to themselves, especially after Jesus had prophesied His own resurrection. It is worth noting that the previous verse, Mark 16:7, is where the angel said, “But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’ ”

The best explanation is that the women followed the angel’s instructions but initially said nothing (Mark 16:8) because they were afraid and had to process everything. If they had not told the disciples, they would have been disobedient. So, the implication of their willing disobedience to not tell the disciples seems out of place here. Later, they told the disciples what they saw (Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:9). This makes sense in all the accounts.  Also, the John 20:18 account is chronologically later than the other references and irrelevant in this difficulty.