Excellent observation — you're absolutely right to highlight Mark 16:1, 6–7 which places Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome after the Sabbath, and interacting with the angel (and with Jesus, according to other Gospel accounts) on Resurrection Sunday, which is technically Day 1 of the 40-day period before the Ascension.
So, let’s now carefully reconstruct a complete and accurate list of all people (named and unnamed) who interacted with Jesus Himself between:
✅ His Resurrection (beginning Sunday morning)
to
✅ His Ascension (40 days later)
(Reverified by all Gospel accounts, Acts 1, and 1 Corinthians 15)
14 individuals (counting the seven disciples at the Sea distinctly)
4 groups
John Bunyan (1628-1688English writer and preacher best known for "The Pilgrim's Progress.
"Read the Scripture to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy."
📖 Luke 24:10 (KJV) – "It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles."
📌 How She Witnessed: Joanna was among the women who saw the empty tomb and heard the angelic message.
Abdon – Judge of Israel (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 John 20:8 (KJV) – "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed."
📌 How He Witnessed: He saw the empty tomb and the grave clothes, and he believed.
Bilhah – Handmaid of Rachel (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 1 Corinthians 15:7 (KJV) – "After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles."
📌 How He Witnessed: Jesus appeared privately to His brother, James.
Issachar – Fifth Son of Jacob (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 John 21:2, 14 (KJV) – "There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee… This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."
📌 How He Witnessed: He was among the seven disciples who saw Jesus by the Sea of Galilee.
Zebulun – Sixth Son of Jacob (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 Luke 24:36-39 (KJV) – "And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you… Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."
📌 How He Witnessed: Simon, one of the Twelve, saw Jesus in the locked room after His resurrection.
Zipporah – Wife of Moses (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 Matthew 28:16-17 (KJV) – "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."
📌 How He Witnessed: He saw Jesus both in the Upper Room and at the Great Commission.
Abiram – Biblical Figure (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 John 21:2-14 (KJV) – "There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples… This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."
📌 How He Witnessed: He was among the seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee.
Korach (Korah) – Biblical Figure (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 Luke 24:36-39 (KJV) – "And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
📌 How He Witnessed: He was present during Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance in the Upper Room.
Amaziah – King of Judah (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 John 21:2-14 (KJV) – "This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."
📌 How He Witnessed: He saw Jesus by the Sea of Galilee after the miraculous catch of fish.
Huldah – Prophetess of Judah (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 Revelation 1:12-13 (KJV) – "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man."
📌 How He Witnessed: John saw Jesus multiple times, including on Patmos in a vision.
Ahimelech – Priest of Nob (From Historical and Theological Figures):
James, Son of Zebedee
📖 John 21:2-14 (KJV) – "Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord." 📌 How He Witnessed: He was among the seven disciples at the Sea of Galilee.
Heman – The Levite Singer Appointed by David (From Historical and Theological Figures):
Paul (Formerly Saul of Tarsus) – Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8).
Mahalalel – Mentioned in the Genealogy of Jesus (From Historical and Theological Figures):
📖 Acts 1:14 (KJV) – “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
📌 Implication: Mary, Jesus’ mother, was with the early believers after His resurrection. Given that Jesus appeared to many of His followers, it is likely that He appeared to her as well.
Mary (1st Century BC–1st Century AD) witnessed her son’s suffering, fulfilling Simeon’s prophecy that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35). Her presence at the cross demonstrated immense strength and faith.
Mary’s presence at the cross fulfilled prophecy and symbolized the deep cost of redemption. Her faith remained strong through grief, inspiring believers throughout history.
Cozbi – The Midianite Woman (From Historical and Theological Figures):
This image represents Shuah, one of the lesser-known sons of Abraham and Keturah. In the biblical narrative, Abraham, following the death of his wife Sarah, took Keturah as his wife, and she bore him several children, including Shuah. Though not as prominently featured as Isaac or Ishmael, Shuah and his descendants contributed to the unfolding history and lineage of nations tied to Abraham
Son of Abraham and Keturah: Shuah was one of the six sons born to Abraham and Keturah, mentioned briefly in Genesis 25:1-2. His lineage illustrates Abraham's expanded legacy beyond Isaac, showing Abraham as the father of many nations, as promised by God.
A Symbol of Abraham's Broader Legacy: The children of Keturah were given gifts and sent away from Isaac, who was Abraham's chosen heir. Despite this, they carried Abraham’s bloodline into other regions, fulfilling God's promise of Abraham becoming the "father of many nations."
Connection to the Shuhite Tribe: Although Shuah's story is not detailed in the Bible, some scholars connect his descendants to the Shuhite tribe mentioned in the Book of Job, where Job’s friend Bildad is called a Shuhite. This link, though indirect, suggests that Shuah’s descendants remained notable within the broader ancient Near Eastern context.
The Spread of Abraham's Lineage: The children of Keturah represent the wider influence of Abraham's family beyond the direct line of Israel. As they settled in various lands, they became ancestors to tribes and nations that played significant roles in the ancient Near East.
Cultural Identity and Heritage: Shuah’s presence in the genealogy highlights the diverse lineage associated with Abraham, reflecting the ancient world’s complex tribal and familial networks. This diversity in Abraham's descendants foreshadows the interconnectedness of many peoples in biblical history.
Abrahamic Blessing Beyond Israel: The mention of Shuah, along with his siblings, affirms that Abraham’s blessing extended beyond Israel alone, encompassing other tribes and peoples who would share in the legacy of Abraham’s covenant with God in varying ways.
Legacy Through His Descendants: Shuah’s legacy, though not elaborated upon in the scriptures, demonstrates the enduring influence of Abraham’s line across different cultures and regions. His descendants, like those of the other sons of Keturah, contributed to the broader tapestry of biblical history, highlighting God’s promise to multiply Abraham’s seed.
Shuah – Biblical Figure (From Historical and Theological Figures):