How many angels were at the tomb- One or Two?

This is a pet question of non-believers who like to denounce the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They will be very quick to point out that according to Gospels recorded by Mathew and Luke, there is only one angel, whereas, John and Mark record two angels at the tomb, when Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome visited the grave of Jesus Christ on Sabbath day after His crucifixion.

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes white as snow...The angel said to the women...(Mathew 28:2-6)

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in white robe..."Don't be alarmed", he said, "You are looking for Jesus..." (Mark 16:4-6)

While they were wondering about ths, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them..."Why do you look for the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:4-6)

...and saw two angels in white seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot (John 20:12-13)

Actually nothing is contradictory here. Mathew and Mark talked of two angels and mentioned the appearance of one and quoted the statement of the other angel who conversed with Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome. Luke and John record in detail whereas, Mathew and Mark record the necessary things in the event - Jesus is risen.

Thank you for explaining this as I read about this contradiction on a muslim website. I struggled to find an answer but nearly all of them said, while copying down, the copyist made a mistake. I will be looking forward for other answers too.

God bless

Thank you Daniel for posting this here. It is good to explain things that seem difficult passages in the Bible. I hope that we will be reading lots of such misunderstood passages from the Bible. I also struggled with this passage when a colleague of mine raised the same question. Even though I have full faith in Bible as Word of God but I was speechless and had no answer. Thank you for explaining it.

God bless

Sweet explanation! Yes, when I read the verses, I realized that Mathew gave description of one angel but quoted the one who talked with the women. Bible is interesting and full of knowledge. It really make sense to me.

God bless