Proof of the Resurrection of Jesus

Tedgraham   -   March 6, 2025

The resurrection of Jesus stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing hope and the promise of eternal life. Over the centuries, scholars, theologians, and believers have presented various arguments and evidence to support the historicity of this event. This article explores some of the most compelling proofs of Jesus’s resurrection, accompanied by relevant scriptural references and supporting resources.

The Empty Tomb

One of the primary evidence cited for the resurrection is the discovery of Jesus’s empty tomb. All four Gospels recount that women followers of Jesus found the tomb empty three days after his crucifixion:

  • Matthew 28:5-6: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'”
  • Mark 16:4-6: “But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away… ‘He has risen! He is not here.'”
  • Luke 24:2-3: “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.”
  • John 20:1-2: “Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed… ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!'”

The consistency across these accounts strengthens the argument for the empty tomb’s historicity. Additionally, the fact that women, whose testimonies were less valued in first-century Jewish culture, are recorded as the primary witnesses adds credibility, as fabrications would likely have depicted male disciples making the discovery.

Post-Resurrection Appearances

Multiple accounts detail Jesus appearing to individuals and groups after his resurrection:

These varied appearances, especially to large groups, reduce the likelihood of hallucinations or fabrications.

Transformation of the Disciples

Before the resurrection, the disciples were described as fearful and in hiding. Afterward, they became bold proclaimers of Jesus’s resurrection, even facing persecution and martyrdom. This radical transformation suggests they genuinely believed in the resurrection.

Early Creeds and Writings

The early Christian community formulated creeds that affirmed the resurrection. For instance, Paul references an early creed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, highlighting Jesus’s death, burial, resurrection, and appearances. Scholars believe this creed originated within a few years of the resurrection, indicating the belief was foundational and widespread.

The Growth of the Christian Movement

The rapid growth of Christianity in the first century, despite severe opposition, points to a significant foundational event. The resurrection provided a compelling message that resonated with many, fueling the movement’s expansion.

Supporting Resources

For further exploration of the resurrection’s historicity, consider the following resources:

These resources delve deeper into the evidence and arguments surrounding the resurrection, offering scholarly perspectives and analyses.

While faith plays a central role in accepting the resurrection, historical and textual evidence provides compelling support for this pivotal event in Christian belief.