Evidence of the Resurrection

by Greg Win

INTRODUCTION:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ has always been a central theme in the preaching of the gospel (Acts 17:30-32). It is fundamental to our faith, and therefore we need to be absolutely certain that it actually occurred. Thus, we continue to examine the evidence of the case. Our goal is to reach a decisive verdict about the resurrection: true or false.

The previous lessons discussed the reliability of the Bible as an historical document; analyzed the credibility of the eyewitnesses; confirmed that Jesus actually died on the cross of Calvary; studied the burial procedures; and examined the Roman security precautions. All of these are important preliminaries, but now we are ready to consider the most important evidence of all. It was something of such significance that it dramatically changed the lives of 11 men. They had been cowardly deserters, now they are willing martyrs. What could have produced such a drastic change? The only explanation is that the tomb of Jesus was empty on the first day of the week – and Jesus was alive again!

  1. EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION – THE TOMB WAS EMPTY!
    1. Matthew 28:1-15
    2. Both the Jews and the Romans here admit that the tomb was empty.
    3. This is "positive evidence from a hostile source, which is the strongest kind of historical evidence. In essence, this means that if a source admits a fact decidedly not in its favor, then that fact is genuine."
      - Paul L. Maier, "The Empty Tomb as History",
      Christianity Today, Vol. XIX, March 28, 1975, p.5
    4. "If the Christians and their Jewish opponents both agreed that the tomb was empty, we have little choice but to accept the empty tomb as an historical fact."
      - Ron Sider, "A Case For Easter", p. 29
    5. The Jews never denied the empty tomb (Acts 5:34-39), and be sure that they would have if they could have.
  2. EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION – EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY
    1. Eyewitness testimony is significant in any court of law. It is important in this study as well (2 Peter 1:16).
    2. In such a study, it is important to consider the number of eyewitnesses who were alive and present at the time the historical account was published.
    3. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
      1. In this case we have an abundance of eyewitnesses – over 500.
      2. They were still alive at the time these reports were being circulated, and their testimony could be confirmed. Basically, Paul says, "If you don’t believe me, just ask them yourself!"
      3. If each eyewitness was given just 6 minutes to testify in a trial proceeding, there would still be in excess of 50 hours of eyewitness testimony. This is overwhelming evidence!
    4. A brief summary of Jesus’ appearances following the resurrection is as follows:
      1. Early on Sunday morning to Mary Magdalene near the tomb. (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18)
      2. On Sunday morning to the women returning from the tomb. (Matt 28:9,10)
      3. On that same day to Peter alone. (Luke 24:34)
      4. Later that day to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  (Luke 24:13-31)
      5. At evening on the same Sunday to all the apostles except Thomas. (John 20:19-25)
      6. One week later to all the apostles, including Thomas.  (John 20:26-29)
      7. To seven disciples fishing in the Sea of Galilee.  (John 21:1-13)
      8. To eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee.  (Matt 28:16-20)
      9. To above 500 brethren at once.  (1 Cor. 15:6)
      10. To James only.  (1 Cor. 15:7)
      11. To all the apostles at the ascension on the Mount of Olives near Bethany. (Luke 24:50,51; Acts 1:6-12)
      12. To Saul of Tarsus. (Act 9:3-6; 1 Cor. 15:8)
    5. "It is noteworthy that these appearances are not stereotyped. No two of them are exactly alike. The appearance to Mary Magdalene occurred in early morning; that to the travelers to Emmaus in the afternoon; and to the apostles in the evening, probably after dark. He appeared to Mary in the open air. Mary was long when she saw Him; the disciples were together in a group; and Paul records that on one occasion He appeared to more than 500 at one time. The reactions also were varied. Mary was overwhelmed with emotion; the disciples were frightened; Thomas was obstinately incredulous when told of the Lord’s resurrection, but worshipped Him when He manifested Himself. Each occasion had its own peculiar atmosphere and characteristics, and revealed some different quality of the risen Lord."
      - Merrill C. Tenney, "The Resurrection of Jesus Christ", Prophecy in the Making, Carl Henry, ed., Carol Stream, Ill., Creation House, 1971, p. 59
    6. Some criticism has been offered that Jesus only appeared to friends and followers. But, of course, this is not true. Consider:
      1. Saul of Tarsus. (Gal 1:13,14; Acts 9:3-6)
      2. James (John 7:5; 1 Cor. 15:7)
  3. EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION – CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
    1. Circumstantial evidence is "proof of facts offered as evidence from which other facts are to be inferred".
      The Random House Dictionary of the English Language
    2. Circumstantial evidence can be just as valuable as direct evidence. In fact, strong circumstantial evidence may be more trustworthy than direct evidence, because it cannot be as easily fabricated.
    3. Consider the circumstantial evidence of the resurrection:
      1. The church
          1. It experienced remarkable early growth.
          2. And it all started in Jerusalem!
      2. Baptism as practiced in the early church.
          1. It is symbolic of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. (Romans 6:3-6)
          2. It is a meaningless sham if the resurrection did not occur.
      3. The Lord’s Supper
          1. It celebrates the terrible death of Jesus.
          2. There is no reason to celebrate if Jesus did not rise again.
      4. Changed Lives – The apostles and disciples of Jesus had no earthly benefit to be gained by preaching the resurrection. In fact, the opposite was true – they stood to lose everything, even their lives. But notice:
          1. Jesus’ own family
            1. Matthew 13:57
            2. Acts 1:14
          2. Peter and the apostles
            1. Matthew 26:56
            2. Acts 4:18-20
          3. Paul – the ultimate proof (1 Tim. 1:12,13)

CONCLUSION:
What can possibly explain the abundance of evidence, both direct and circumstantial? Only the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the grave. It really happened.  He rose again!!!!

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