Argument for the Resurrection of Christ

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and one of the core differentiators from every other religious belief system in the world. It is a truly supernatural event that changed the lives of everyone who witnessed it so much that they went to their death merely telling others what they saw and refusing to stay silent. The resurrection not only validates Jesus’ claims to be the only begotten Son of God, but it also offers hope for salvation and eternal life to everyone who trusts in Him (Jn 3:16, Eph 2:8-9, Rom 10:9, Acts 4:12). We have a plethora of historical sources not just from the Bible that attest to this event being a historical reality.

Non-Biblical Historical Accounts

The Testimony of Non-Christian Historians

Several non-Christian historians from the first and second centuries provide evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These accounts, while not explicitly endorsing the resurrection, attest to the existence of Jesus and the impact of His ministry.

Josephus

Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, wrote about Jesus in his work “Antiquities of the Jews”:

“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him.” (Antiquities 18.3.3)

While there is some debate among scholars regarding the authenticity of this passage, Josephus’ account provides evidence for the crucifixion and subsequent appearances of Jesus, which are consistent with the resurrection narrative.

Tacitus

The Roman historian Tacitus, writing in the early second century, also provides evidence for the crucifixion of Jesus:

“Christus, from whom the name [Christians] had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.” (Annals 15.44)

Although Tacitus does not explicitly mention the resurrection, his account of Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate corroborates the Biblical narrative, lending credibility to the resurrection accounts.

The Testimony of Early Christian Writers

Early Christian writers outside the New Testament also provide evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These accounts demonstrate the widespread belief in the resurrection among the early Christian community.

Clement of Rome

Clement of Rome, writing in the late first century, affirmed the resurrection of Jesus in his letter to the Corinthians:

“Having therefore received their orders, and being fully assured by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and established in the word of God, with full assurance of the Holy Ghost, they went forth proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand.” (1 Clement 42:3)

Clement’s testimony confirms that the early Christian community believed in the resurrection of Jesus and considered it a central aspect of their faith.

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius of Antioch, an early second-century bishop, also affirmed the resurrection in his letters:

“For I know that after His resurrection also He was still possessed of flesh, and I believe that He is so now. When, for instance, He came to those who were with Peter, He said to them, ‘Lay hold, handle Me, and see that I am not an incorporeal spirit.’ And immediately they touched Him and believed.” (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 3)

Ignatius’ account emphasizes the physical nature of Jesus’ resurrection, confirming that the early Christians believed in a bodily resurrection, consistent with the Gospel accounts.

The Growth of the Early Church

The rapid expansion of the early Christian church, despite facing persecution and opposition, testifies to the resurrection’s impact. The message of the risen Christ was central to the apostles’ preaching, and the belief in the resurrection inspired many to embrace the Christian faith. The endurance and growth of the early church in the face of adversity provide compelling evidence for the resurrection’s transformative power.

The extra-Biblical historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ strengthens the case for its authenticity and reliability. Accounts from non-Christian historians, early Christian writers, the role of women witnesses, the transformation of the disciples, and the growth of the early church all contribute to a persuasive argument for the resurrection. By examining these historical sources, we can develop a more robust understanding of the resurrection and its significance for the Christian faith, offering a compelling case for its authenticity and impact on the lives of believers.

Biblical Accounts

The Empty Tomb

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the empty tomb. According to the Gospels, Jesus was buried in a tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and influential member of the Jewish council (Matthew 27:57-60, Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42). Three days later, the tomb was found empty by women who had come to anoint Jesus’ body with spices (Matthew 28:1-6, Mark 16:1-6, Luke 24:1-3, John 20:1-2).

The fact that the tomb was empty is significant because it suggests that Jesus’ body was not stolen, as it would have been difficult to remove the large stone that sealed the entrance without drawing attention. Moreover, the tomb’s location was known to both the disciples and the Jewish authorities, making it unlikely that Jesus’ body could have been taken without notice.

The Post-Resurrection Appearances

The Gospels and the writings of the apostle Paul record numerous appearances of Jesus to His followers after His resurrection. These appearances were not fleeting or vague; Jesus appeared to individuals and groups, in various locations, and over an extended period (1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Luke 24:13-49, John 20:19-29, John 21:1-14). These post-resurrection appearances provide strong evidence that Jesus was indeed alive after His crucifixion, as they were experienced by multiple witnesses who were transformed by their encounters with the risen Christ.

The Transformation of the Disciples

The dramatic transformation of Jesus’ disciples is another powerful piece of evidence for the resurrection. Before the resurrection, the disciples were fearful and demoralized, having witnessed their leader’s crucifixion and death (Mark 14:50, John 20:19). However, following Jesus’ appearances to them, they became bold and fearless proclaimers of the Gospel, even facing persecution and death for their beliefs (Acts 4:1-22, Acts 5:27-42, Acts 12:1-5).

The transformation of the disciples is difficult to explain without the resurrection. It is unlikely that they would have risked their lives for a lie or a fabrication. Their courage and dedication to spreading the message of the risen Christ is a testament to the impact of the resurrection on their lives.

The Role of Women Witnesses

The Gospels’ portrayal of women as the first witnesses to the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus is significant in the historical context. In the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, women’s testimony was generally considered less reliable than men’s. The fact that the Gospels record women as the first witnesses to the resurrection, despite the potential for cultural bias against their testimony, indicates the authors’ commitment to reporting historical truth rather than constructing a more culturally acceptable narrative.

The Growth and Perseverance of the Early Church

The rapid growth and perseverance of the early Christian church provide indirect evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message of the resurrection was at the heart of the apostles’ preaching (Acts 2:22-36, Acts 4:8-12). Despite facing intense persecution, the early church grew exponentially, as people from diverse backgrounds embraced the Gospel and the hope of the resurrection (Acts 2:41, Acts 6:7, Acts 9:31).

The endurance of the early church is a powerful testament to the resurrection’s impact on the lives of believers. The willingness of early Christians to endure persecution, suffering, and martyrdom for their faith demonstrates the conviction with which they believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Conversion of Skeptics

The conversion of skeptics, such as James, the brother of Jesus, and Paul, the former persecutor of Christians, provides further evidence for the resurrection. James, who initially doubted Jesus’ divine identity (Mark 3:21, John 7:5), became a prominent leader in the early church after encountering the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7, Acts 15:13-21, Galatians 1:19). He ultimately died as a martyr for his faith in Jesus (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 20.9.1).

Similarly, Paul, who once sought to destroy the Christian movement (Acts 9:1-2), experienced a radical transformation after encountering the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-19). He went on to become one of Christianity’s greatest missionaries and theologians, penning a significant portion of the New Testament. The radical conversions of both James and Paul lend credibility to the claim of Jesus’ resurrection, as it is difficult to imagine why they would have embraced a faith they once opposed if they were not convinced of its truth.

Conclusion

The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is beyond the amount most people even realize. The empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, transformation of the disciples, growth and perseverance of the early church, and the conversion of skeptics all point to the reality of the resurrection. The faith of Christianity is not just some religious dogma for political control invented by emperors and popes of old, it is founded upon historical events that have been thoroughly examined and authenticated. Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead.