The Historical and Biblical Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

Few claims in Christian theology are as central and consequential as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The question, "Did Jesus really rise from the dead or is it a myth?" is not merely academic—it is foundational to the Christian faith. The apostle Paul bluntly declared:

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. - 1 Corinthians 15:14 NIV

The Testimony of Scripture

The resurrection is attested in all four Gospels, the book of Acts, and numerous New Testament letters. These documents were written within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, lending credibility to their testimony.

• Eyewitness Accounts: The Gospels record that women were the first witnesses to the empty tomb (Mark 16:1-8 NIV). In the first-century context, the testimony of women was not highly valued, which suggests the Gospel writers were committed to reporting what actually happened, even if it was culturally awkward.
• Multiple Appearances: Jesus appeared to many individuals and groups, including the disciples and over five hundred people at once (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NIV). These appearances were physical and bodily, not just visions or spiritual experiences.
• The Empty Tomb: The Gospels all report that the tomb was found empty on the third day (Luke 24:1-7 NIV). If Jesus’ body had been present, it would have been easy for the authorities to silence the early Christian movement.

Theological Significance

The resurrection is not just a historical claim, but the cornerstone of Christian hope and the assurance of salvation:

He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. - Romans 4:25 NIV

Alternative Explanations and Their Challenges

Over the centuries, some have offered alternative explanations for the resurrection accounts:

• Myth or Legend: Some claim the resurrection is a later myth. However, Paul’s letters, written just decades after Jesus’ death, already present the resurrection as central (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NIV).
• Stolen Body Theory: Others suggest the disciples stole the body. Yet, the disciples were transformed from fearful men to bold witnesses, willing to die for their belief in the risen Christ. It is unlikely they would endure persecution and death for something they knew to be a lie.
• Hallucination Theory: Some propose that the appearances were hallucinations. However, hallucinations do not occur in groups, nor do they explain the empty tomb.

The biblical evidence, combined with the dramatic transformation of the disciples and the explosion of the early church, provides a strong foundation for believing that Jesus truly rose from the dead.

Faith Grounded in History

Christian faith is not a leap into the dark, but a trust in what God has done in history. As Paul wrote:

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. - 1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV

Conclusion

The resurrection of Jesus is not a myth but a well-attested historical event upon which the Christian faith stands. Scripture, historical testimony, and the changed lives of countless believers through the centuries bear witness to its truth.

Related Questions

• What is the evidence for the resurrection?
• Why is the resurrection important for Christians?
• How did the disciples change after the resurrection?
• Are there non-biblical sources for Jesus' resurrection?