Hypothetically,
if the gospel miracles really happened or were thought to, that makes people
susceptible to carelessness in time. They would easily have accepted a report
that Jesus rose even if it were untrue. Or that though he was appearing
indeed, they in fact focused on or were led astray by non-genuine appearances.
Or they could have erred about some strange things reported about the
apparitions. Such as its clothing...
The risen Jesus' clothing?
Miraculous Materialisation: A common theological view is that Jesus's
resurrected, glorified body possessed supernatural properties. Just as he
could suddenly appear inside a locked room, he could manifest appropriate,
ordinary clothing to accommodate the physical senses of his disciples.
That wrecks the evidence for the resurrection. Jesus needs to be Jesus without
question. If he can materialise to suit who sees him then who can be sure that
it is him at all?
The Gardener's Cloak: In John 20, Mary Magdalene
initially mistakes the resurrected Jesus for a local gardener. Some
commentators historically speculated that Jesus may have simply borrowed or
found basic working clothes nearby in the garden.
If so did he rise at
all? Did he steal the clothing?
A Transfigured Form: Another
perspective suggests his heavenly state naturally radiated light or a divine,
spiritual garment. Luke's account of the Transfiguration notes that Jesus's
clothes became dazzling white, implying his spiritual state could inherently
transfigure or generate its own appearance.
Those points are mere
guesses. Why not guess that it is a giveaway? Why not guess that the story is
implausible? When the story provokes guesses that is because it is not on
strong ground in the first place.