His Holiness Pope Shenouda III answers the question:
If the Gospels say, “Then all His disciples left Him and fled” (Mark 14:50), does this mean that none of them witnessed the crucifixion?

He clarifies that this verse refers only to the moment of Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane, not to the crucifixion itself. Some disciples and women later returned and stood near the cross, witnessing everything.

1. Who Was at the Cross?
The Gospels clearly mention eyewitnesses:

• John the Apostle stood by the cross; Jesus said to Mary, “Behold your son,” and to John, “Behold your mother.” (John 19:26–27)

• The Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Salome were also present (Mark 15:40; John 19:25).

Thus, there were direct witnesses among Christ’s followers.

2. Other Witnesses:

• Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and took it down from the cross.

• Nicodemus helped with the burial.

• The women from Galilee watched where He was laid.

All these were eyewitnesses of the crucifixion and burial.

3. “They All Fled” Refers to the Arrest, Not the Cross:
The verse in Mark refers to the night of arrest, when fear scattered the disciples.
However, later events show that John and the women returned and remained near the cross until the end.

4. The Crucifixion Was Public:
The crucifixion took place openly before the people of Jerusalem.
Many Jews, soldiers, and priests were present and mocked Jesus, saying, “Come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:30).
Thus, even Christ’s enemies were eyewitnesses.

5. Conclusion:
It is false to claim that the disciples only “heard” about the crucifixion or resurrection.
Many were direct eyewitnesses, and the event itself was public and verifiable.

Faith Message:
The crucifixion was not myth or rumor — it was a real historical event seen by many, both friends and foes of Christ.
The early Church was built upon eyewitness testimony, not hearsay.

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