The greatest historical claim of Christianity is that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This was an absurd claim to make in an ancient culture that considered itself highly sophisticated and in which the concept of bodily resurrection did not exist at all.

That’s why the first believers in the resurrection of Jesus were always open to the attack that their faith was based on a lie. And that’s also why the details that Mark adds to his gospel are so important. They highlight the factual authenticity of his account. He has just told us that Joseph of Arimathea has sealed the tomb of Jesus with a large stone. So, now look at what he writes next.

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. – Mark 15:47