How do we know Jesus was resurrected?
In Biblical times there was no ability to broadcast live video of the resurrection of Jesus or His exit from the tomb. Instead, people used the evidence of eyewitnesses to prove matters in a court of law and other important areas of life. The evidence for the resurrection is based on the testimonies of more than 500 people who said they saw Jesus alive again, including in multiple locations over a 40-day period.
The list of eyewitnesses includes both people friendly and unfriendly to the implications of the resurrection. In other words, those who followed Jesus might be tempted to make up the story, but those who did not believe He was the Messiah would not have done so. The fact that James, a half-brother of Jesus who doubted Him, was among those who saw Jesus alive again shows the diversity of eyewitnesses. Ditto for Saul of Tarsus, who initially was a fierce opponent of the Gospel message.
In addition to hundreds of eyewitnesses, Jesus’ empty tomb provides strong proof for His resurrection. The Jewish religious leaders claimed Jesus’ disciples had stolen the body (Matthew 28:11-15). However, tradition holds that 10 of the original disciples were killed for their faith (excluding John) without a single one of them saying he had stolen the body. Professional historians recognize that the New Testament is the most well-preserved document from the ancient world. Renowned for its precise historical accuracy, the New Testament records many individuals who experienced the resurrected Lord.
Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb on Sunday morning (John 20:11-18). The second appearance was to the other women who saw Jesus near the empty tomb also on Sunday morning. In addition to Mary Magdalene, Matthew 28:1-10 includes “the other Mary” along with others. Luke 24:10 specifically names Joanna, Mary the mother of James (likely the same as “the other Mary” in Matthew), and other unnamed women.
Jesus also appeared to—
Two men on the road to Emmaus on Sunday afternoon—one named Cleopas and the other unnamed (Luke 24:13-32).
Peter on Sunday (Luke 24:33-35; 1 Corinthians 15:5).
The apostles, excluding Thomas (John 20:19-25).
The apostles with Thomas one week later (John 20:26-29).
Seven of the apostles at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-13): “Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee [James and John], and two others of His disciples” (verse 2).
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