The Resurrection

In the early 1900’s, Frank Morison set out to prove the story of the resurrection was a myth based on superstitious fables and wishful thinking that turned into a legendary fairly tale that morphed in the first 100 years of its telling. As he researched, he eventually authored “Who Moved the Stone” published in 1930, but the conclusion he came to was much different than his original aim. Frank was converted. Why?

The Facts

Dr. Habermas, armed with even more discovery in the decades since Frank, found the resurrection story to be credible, but he took it a step further with his “Minimum Facts Argument” for proving Christ’s resurrection. All serious New Testament scholars accept these historical facts. Here are the 4 basic facts:

1. Jesus’s death due to crucifixion.
2. The disciples were convinced they had seen the literal appearances of the risen Jesus,
3. The transformation of the disciples.
4. Paul’s conversion experience (and he believed he saw the risen Jesus)

The full list is actually bit longer and I want to explore each of these:

1. Jesus Died by Crucifixion.
2. Jesus was buried in a tomb.
3. Disciples were despaired and felt hopeless.
4. Tomb was empty a few days later.
5. Disciples believed they experienced literal appearances of the risen Jesus.
6. Disciples were transformed.
7. Jesus resurrection was the center of their message.
8. Disciples proclaimed the resurrection in Jerusalem where Jesus was killed.
9. As a result of their preaching, the church was born and grew.
10. Sunday became the primary day of worship.
11. James the skeptical half brother of Jesus was converted.
12. The skeptic Paul was converted.

Why is this important?

We know a few other facts:

• Jesus was a historical figure, a man set in Jerusalem about 2000 years ago.
• Jesus was influential – both positive and culturally disruptive.
• Jesus was a good teacher – the documented wisdom of Jesus and the rapid and sustained rise of those who follow his teachings can attest to this fact.

But Jesus claimed to be more than these points. The historical accounts of his life, miracles, teachings, death and resurrection also claim that he was more than a man – he was God in the flesh, who came to save the world. Simply put, if the resurrection is not true, Jesus is not who we claims to be and Christianity falls apart.

Lets explore each fact further.

1. Jesus Died By Crucifixion

In the brutal reality of Roman crucifixion, the certainty of death was inherent in the method itself. The soldiers, tasked with ensuring the execution’s effectiveness, faced the risk of their own lives if they failed to confirm the demise of those nailed to the cross. Jesus, subjected to a severe beating that inflicted fatal injuries, also endured a final, confirming act – a soldier’s stab to ascertain his death. This macabre examination resulted in the release of blood and water, a morbid confirmation of his lifelessness on the cross. The Romans then granted Joseph of Arimathea permission to claim Jesus’ body for burial, something they would do with a live person. Despite various beliefs, including the assertion in the Quran that Jesus did not die on the cross, historical accounts, including Josephus’s recording and the four gospel narratives, affirm the crucifixion. In the ancient world, the term “crucifixion” carried a weight of horror, symbolizing a punishment so barbaric that it left no room for doubt—essential context for understanding the significance of the subsequent claim of resurrection.

Key Takeaways:

• Roman crucifixion assures death.
• The solders would have been killed if they removed a live body from the cross.
• Jesus suffered fatal injuries in the beating and nailing to the cross.
• The soldier stabbed him to confirm he was dead.
• Blood and water poured out when he was stabbed on the cross
• The Romans allowed Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus body for burial – not something they would do if he were still alive.
• Josephus (Jewish historian) recorded the event in addition to the 4 accounts in the gospels.
• In the ancient world, “crucifixion” was almost a swear word because it was so horrible and barbaric – designed to inflict a punishment and agonizing death.

2. Jesus was Buried in a Tomb

As the somber events unfolded, Joseph of Arimathea took it upon himself to place the lifeless body of Jesus in his newly hewn tomb, sealing the entrance with a sizable stone. The air was thick with tension, and the Jewish authorities, uneasy about the unfolding narrative, requested a guard to watch over the tomb, fearing the potential theft of the body. The quiet stillness enveloped the burial site, preserving the sacred remains until the dawn of Sunday morning.

Key Takeaways:

• Joseph of Arimathea put Jesus body in his new tomb and rolled a large stone across the entrance.
• the Jews requested a guard at the tomb because they suspected someone might steal the body.
• His body was there until Sunday morning.

3. Jesus’s Death Caused the Disciples to Despair

The disciples, once filled with hope, found themselves in the grip of despair and disbelief following the shameful execution of Jesus. His death, marked by disgrace as a criminal and heretic, seemed to shatter their expectations of his earthly mission. In the face of this apparent failure, the disciples were confronted with a perplexing choice: why would they choose to tell a story that portrayed their revered leader in such a humiliating light? In a society where personal reputation held immense value, the decision to highlight the testimony of women, whose word was deemed less significant in a patriarchal culture, further underscored the enigma. Their narrative defied the common inclination to embellish stories that elevated one’s standing rather than diminish it. Yet, this unconventional storytelling continued, challenging societal norms. Amidst a backdrop of messianic claims and charismatic figures, Jesus’ disciples displayed an extraordinary response. Unlike other movements that dissipated after the death of their leaders, the disciples became even bolder, proclaiming a message that defied logic – that their Messiah had risen from the dead.

Key Takeaways:

• The disciples expected Jesus to continue his earthly mission and become a leader on earth that would subdue the current suppressive government.
• His death was a shameful execution that marked Jesus as a criminal, a heretic and a man accused by God.
• Why would the disciples write and tell of a story that is shameful and embarrassing? People are more inclined to write/say/do things that make them look better, not worse – and we even exaggerate or invent stories.
• They wrote that the women were the first witnesses of the empty tomb – in a patriarchal culture, the female testimony was worth far less than that of a man. This is key point showing they were simply documenting facts, even if they didn’t like them.
• There were other figures with messianic claims around this time. Other preachers drew their own following. The difference, was when they were killed by the Romans, their followers went home or found another new false messiah. They certainly did not go on to become more bold and proclaim that their Messiah had risen from the dead.

4. Jesus’s Tomb Was Later Found Empty

A few days after Jesus’ crucifixion, a mysterious air surrounded his tomb, with the prevailing notion that it stood empty. While the acceptance of this claim among scholars varies, a prevailing narrative emerges on Sunday, suggesting that witnesses stumbled upon the vacant sepulcher. Each Gospel account contributes to this testimony, detailing scenes of an empty tomb, with an angelic presence affirming the astonishing news, “He is not here. He is risen.” This pivotal moment in the narrative adds an ethereal layer to the unfolding story of Jesus’ resurrection, sparking curiosity and contemplation among those who encountered the mysterious absence within the tomb’s confines.

Key Takeaways:

• Many scholars believe that on Sunday, witnesses discovered Jesus tomb was empty.
• All 4 documented accounts provides an empty tomb scene with an angel appearing to confirm that “He is not here. He is risen”.
• Women were the first to see the empty tomb, later the men.

5. The Disciples Believed Their Experiences

The narrative of the disciples’ post-resurrection experiences unfolds as a tapestry woven with both conviction and controversy. Undeniably, the disciples fervently claimed to have encountered the risen Jesus, experiences they believed were literal appearances. This assertion, while raising questions about how this could be true, stands as an irrefutable fact—they genuinely believed in their encounters. It wasn’t solely the disciples who documented these experiences; the accounts extend beyond them. According to 1 Corinthians 15:6, Jesus appeared to more than 500 different eyewitnesses on 10 more occasions during the 40 days after his resurrection, emphasizing the widespread nature of these encounters.

Yet, skepticism persists. Some argue that over time, these experiences may have morphed into a distorted narrative through a proverbial game of telephone, creating the fairy tale we know today. However, a crucial piece of evidence challenges this notion. In his letter to the Corinthians around AD 55, Paul references a creed that predates his writing—an established belief in the resurrection and its witnesses within the original Christian community. This early creed, quoted by Paul, suggests that the oral tradition surrounding these events was not a half-remembered tale distorted over time; instead, it was a foundational aspect of the Christian Church from its very inception.

Key Takeaways:

• The disciples claim of their experience is an undeniable fact. They believed what they were saying.
• After his death, Jesus appeared to more than 500 different eyewitnesses.
• He appeared on at least 10 occasions during the 40 days after his resurrection.
• Some dispute these experiences are exaggerated over time in what would be a big game of telephone, leading to the fairy tail we know today.
• The accounts were documented timely (close to the event) and from multiple perspectives, leaving little room for legend to creep in.

6. The Disciples Were Transformed

The transformation of the disciples is a captivating narrative, one that unfolds from the shadows of fear to the radiant light of fearless conviction. In the moments leading up to Jesus’s death, their apprehension was palpable—afraid and even willing to deny their association with Jesus to safeguard their own lives. However, the tide turned dramatically after witnessing the resurrected Jesus. Doubt gave way to unwavering proclamation, and the once dejected and defeated disciples found newfound courage.

Their journey had taken them from the depths of despair, having lost their leader to a brutal, humiliating death at the hands of the very Roman overlords their Messiah was anticipated to deliver them from—a stark contrast to the prevailing Jewish expectations. Yet, the disciples’ metamorphosis was striking. Their newfound confidence propelled them into situations that would make any ordinary person retreat—a resolve they had lacked before this transformative event.

Their path was marked by hardships, demanding travels, and strenuous efforts. They faced beatings, persecution, imprisonment, and the looming specter of their own death by murder. Remarkably, they did not falter; instead, they stood resolute in their faith. The disciples went beyond mere words—they lived and died for their convictions. In their unwavering commitment, they had nothing to gain and everything to lose, embodying a story of profound transformation and unyielding dedication to their newfound faith born from their witness.

Key Takeaways:

• Before His death they were afraid and even denied Jesus to avoid association.
• They started out as dejected, defeated and crushed – loosing their leader to a brutal, humiliating death at the hands of the Roman overlords – the very government they believed the Messiah was supposed to come and overthrow.
• They went from doubters to fearless proclaimers.
• Their new found confidence put them in the face of troubles that any normal person, unarmed with this new revelation, would back down from. They experienced:
  • Hard travels, hard work, harsh conditions
  • Beating, persecution, jail, shipwrecks, danger and eventuall brutal death.
• They died for their faith.
• They had nothing to gain, everything to loose. There was no positive motive to conspire.

7. The Resurrection Is the Center of the Disciple’s Message

The resurrection of Jesus, a seismic event, became the epicenter of the disciples’ unwavering message, echoing through the streets of Jerusalem and beyond. Peter, transformed from a man who three times denied Jesus to a bold preacher, ardently proclaimed the resurrection at Pentecost. His resolute voice continued in subsequent preachings at the temple and before the formidable Jewish Sanhedrin. Their message reverberated in every corner they visited, a persistent declaration that found its way into the hearts of the people.

The resurrection, a concept seemingly incongruent with Jewish beliefs, challenged norms. While Jews did anticipate a resurrection at the end of time, the notion of someone rising from the dead before the eschatological finale was unprecedented and, to the Jewish mindset, rather peculiar. It wasn’t a narrative one would simply invent. Yet, for the disciples, the resurrection became the linchpin of their message—a transformative event that defied cultural expectations and ignited a movement that would shape the course of history.

Key Takeaways:

• Multiple accounts in the book of Acts place Peter preaching this message to many people in many places.
• Everywhere they went, they preached the resurrection.
• Resurrection was an un-Jewish thing to say. While Jews believe in resurrection of people, it is not until the end of time. To raise from the dead before the end of time would be a strange thing to make up and counter to each of the disciples background culture.

8. The Disciples Proclaimed the Resurrection in Jerusalem, Where Jesus was Killed

In the heart of Jerusalem, where the echoes of Jesus’s crucifixion still lingered, the disciples fearlessly proclaimed a message that defied the very authorities responsible for his death. The apostles, undeterred by repeated confrontations with the Jewish leaders, stood firm in their assertion of the resurrection. The Jewish authorities, perplexed and threatened by the spreading narrative, found themselves unable to produce the body of Jesus—an absence that fueled the growing fervor surrounding his alleged resurrection.

Undeterred by the lack of a physical body, the leaders resorted to a desperate measure. Resorting to bribery, they approached the soldiers who had vigilantly guarded the tomb, urging them to fabricate a false narrative. This scheme sought to counter the disciples’ resounding claim and maintain control over the unfolding narrative. However, the disciples, fueled by conviction, continued to stand unwavering in the face of opposition, shaping a narrative that would resonate far beyond the walls of Jerusalem.

Key Takeaways:

• The apostles had repeated confrontations with the Jewish authorities who were trying to shut them down.
• The Jewish leaders could not produce the body while they tried to shut down the message.
• The leaders bribed the soldiers who had guarded the tomb to lie in an attempt to stop the message.

9. As A Result of Their Preaching – Explosive Growth of the Church

In the wake of their fervent preaching, an astonishing phenomenon unfolded—the birth and explosive growth of the church. The unexpected consequence of Jesus’s murder defied the expectations of Jews, Romans, and even the disciples themselves. Instead of extinguishing a man and his teachings, the violent act propelled them forward, igniting a cultural shift that would leave an indelible mark.

This pivotal event sparked a transformation that went against all odds. The composition of the church seemed doomed from the start—it comprised Jews, followers of a monotheistic religion, yet their proclamation that Jesus, a man, was God challenged conventional beliefs. The nascent Christian community faced a barrage of challenges—troubles, persecutions, threats, death, and imprisonment. Yet, against all odds, salvation dawned upon 3,000 souls when Peter preached in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41), and the ranks of believers swelled daily (Acts 2:47).

In the mere span of days, an additional 2,000 people embraced this radical belief, marking a meteoric rise that defied all expectations and underscored the transformative power of the resurrection. The church, born from the crucible of adversity, emerged as a beacon of hope and a force that would shape the course of history.

Key Takeaways:

• The murder of Jesus had the exact opposite effect that the Jews, Romans and even the Disciples had anticipated. Rather than kill a man and his doctrine, they accelerated it.
• There is an undeniable cultural shift based around this event. Without the resurrection, this shift would not have taken place.
• The church should have been doomed to start. It was made up of Jews, a monotheistic religion, but they proclaimed that Jesus (a man) was God.
• There were lots of troubles, persecutions, threats, death, jail for all new converts. It was a dangerous time to entertain the idea.
• Yet salvation came to thousands of people as the Disciples told of what they witnessed and the number of Christian’s swelled daily.
• Within days, 2,000 people became believers.

10. Sunday Became the Primary Day of Worship

With the dawn of a new era marked by the resurrection, a significant shift occurred in the worship practices of the early Christians. Traditionally, the Jewish Sabbath held prominence on Saturdays, a day of rest and worship. However, the transformative event of Jesus’s resurrection unfolded on the first day of the week—Sunday. This pivotal moment, with its profound implications, prompted a reevaluation of the Christian worship calendar.

Sunday, the day of Jesus’s triumphant return from the grave, emerged as the primary day of worship for the followers of Christ. The symbolic significance of this day echoed through the ages, reshaping the rhythm of communal worship. This shift, away from the traditional Sabbath observance on Saturday, became a defining characteristic of Christian worship practices. As the message of the resurrection spread, it carried with it a new tradition. The embrace of Sunday as the primary day of worship became a testament to the transformative power of the resurrection in the lives and practices of early Christians.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus resurrection was on the first day of the week, Sunday, so Christian’s made this their primary day to worship.
• This was counter to the Sabbath that their culture recognized to be Saturday.

11. Jesus Half Brother James was a Skeptic but Converted

In the intimate circle of family, skepticism often runs deepest. This sentiment held true within Jesus’s own family, particularly with his half-brother James, who harbored doubts about his brother’s extraordinary claims. John 7:5 reveals the skepticism shared by both of Jesus’s half-brothers. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn when James, the once-doubter, had a profound encounter with the resurrected Jesus.

This transformative experience shattered James’s skepticism, leading to a conversion that would redefine the course of his life. The remarkable turnaround is underscored in 1 Corinthians 15:7, where James is listed among those who encountered the risen Christ. Emboldened by this encounter, James emerged as a prominent leader in the early Christian community in Jerusalem, a role highlighted in Acts 15:13.

Not content with merely leading, James went on to contribute significantly to the Christian canon, authoring the Book of James. His words, born from a journey of doubt to unwavering faith, continue to resonate through the ages. The impact of his conviction reached its pinnacle when James, once a skeptic, willingly faced death for his unwavering belief in Jesus—a testament to the profound transformation that can occur when doubt encounters the reality of resurrection.

Key takeaways:

• Family is always the most skeptical as they know you best.
• Both of his half brothers were skeptics (john 7:5)
• After James saw resurrected Jesus, he converted (1 Cor 15:7)
• James became an early church leader in Jerusalem (acts 15:13)
• He wrote the book of James
• He died for his belief in Jesus

12. Paul, a Persecutor of Christians, was Converted

In the intricate tapestry of early Christianity, the unexpected conversion of Paul stands as a testament to the transformative power of encounters with the divine. Originally, Paul, a devout Jew, was an ardent persecutor of Christians, viewing the burgeoning movement with suspicion and disdain. His opposition to the nascent faith led him to actively participate in the stoning of the disciple Stephen, an event chronicled in Acts 8:1.

Yet, in a dramatic twist of fate, Paul’s life took an unexpected turn. Jesus, in His last physical appearance, revealed Himself to Paul, a fierce opponent of Christianity. This profound encounter on the road to Damascus became the catalyst for Paul’s conversion. The man who once sought to dismantle the fledgling Christian movement became one of its most influential proponents.

The radical transformation of Saul to Paul reverberated through the early Christian community. From a zealous persecutor, he evolved into a passionate advocate for the faith. His journey, marked by divine intervention and a complete reversal of convictions, unfolded against the backdrop of the very movement he once sought to extinguish. The narrative of Paul’s conversion remains a poignant illustration of the redemptive potential inherent in unexpected encounters with the divine.

Key Takeaways:

• Paul was a Jew that hated and persecuted Christians.
• Jesus’s last physical appearances was to Paul.
• Paul was an opponent of Christianity that likely saw to the punishment and deaths of early Christians.
• He was present at the disciple Stephen’s stoning (Acts 8:1).
• When Jesus appeared to Paul, he converted.

conclusion

How is the epicenter of a colossal cultural shift explained—a transformation propelled by a group of individuals so profoundly convinced of what they witnessed with the death and resurrection of Jesus that they fearlessly disseminated a message, despite knowing it could lead to nothing but punishment and brutal death? Furthermore, their conviction was so compelling that it ignited a fervent movement, continuing unabated for two thousand years, a testament to their persuasive impact on the people around them.

What if what these first followers of Jesus are saying is true? If it is, it is of the upmost importance. If it isn’t, it is just a fable that has duped many people. But one thing is undeniable, they believed what they saw and it transformed them and has been transforming converts for over 2000 years.

Footnote

I have researched many counter arguments – and there are a lot, but I find them very unconvincing. The largest objection to get over is the need for a supernatural power. It turns out that our current culture is well into the religion of scientism (not science) – a presuppositional faith that all things must be explained naturally and anything else must be thrown out. This counter analysis is the best I have found.