Some skeptics and critics have claimed there is a contradiction in the gospels about whether Jesus died before or after the Temple curtain was torn in two. The article will examine the question, “Did Jesus Die before or after the curtain was torn?”

Here is claimed “contradiction”.

Did Jesus die before the curtain of the temple was torn?
(a) Yes (Matthew 27: 50-5 1;Mark 15:37-38)
(b) No. After the curtain was torn, then Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into thy hands I
commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last (Luke 23:45-46)

When we actually carefully read the scriptures that are alleged to contradict, we see there is no contradiction after all. 

“When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom”—Matthew 27:50,51 NIV

“The curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last”—Luke 23:45,46 NIV

“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom”—Mark 15:37,38 NIV

Jesus did not die before, or after, the Temple curtain was torn. No, Jesus died at the exact moment the Temple curtain was split in two, as Matthew 27:51 makes clear, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split.” (NRSV).

Looking at the scriptures very carefully, in their context, both local and remote, helps clear confusion, including any seeming contradictions. The four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, are designed by Almighty God to work harmoniously together. While they were written by four different men years apart, and in diverse locations, they harmonize with such brilliance that can only be attributed to their divine author, Almighty God.