In contrast to a series of careful time designations reaching back at least to 19:14 (“it was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour”) and continuing through 19:31, 42; 20:1, 19, 26 (“the day of Preparation,” “the Jewish day of Preparation,” “early on the first day of the week,” “on the evening of that first day of the week,” “a week later”) the account of Jesus’ last resurrection appearance begins with the vague expression afterward (v. 1; cf. 5:1; 6:1; 7:1). How long after, we are not told; nor are we told the circumstances of the disciples’ journey from Jerusalem to Galilee.

The angelic message of Mark 16:7 intended for “his disciples and Peter” was that “he is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” It may be that Jesus’ ap…