Evidence of Resurrection Uncovered

Many have doubted the story of Jesus' Resurrection. Yet, clear evidence has been discovered that provides a compelling conclusion that Jesus of Nazareth died on a Roman Cross and rose to life on the third day!

The most compelling source providing for the establishment of the resurrection of Jesus is found in ancient manuscripts that document the event. A study of these texts reveals that of all the evidence uncovered to date, it was the change in behavior of His followers that third day after the crucifixion that strikes providentially as most compelling. Something very dramatic and completely unexplainable happened to Jesus' followers that made them turn from fearful and cowering to zealous and bold. The change is quite striking in comparing their behavior before and after the entombment of Jesus.

John 19:38-40 gives the account of His friends preparing the body for burial. "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight." Obviously, they did this because they thought Jesus was dead never to be seen again.

Luke 23:55,56 "And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them." In this case, these followers are planning to finish preparing a corpse for burial. There's no indication they expected any resurrection at all.

Mark 16:10,11 "And she went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not." Certainly this is not the behavior of those expecting the Lord to soon arise from the dead. They "believed not."

John 20:19 reveals that it in the evening the disciples are hiding, cowering in fear from the jews. This is not the way folks act if they are anticipating the resurrection of their leader in a day or two!

Then something amazing happens! Fear becomes bold! For some reason these people were suddenly filled with courage!

Acts 2 recounts a speech by a now very bold disciple named Peter. He is no longer afraid of anything! He is now portrayed as a Bold preacher of the Gospel shouting to all who will listen. In verse 32 he boldly confronts the Jewish Authorities, "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses."

Then the high priest had the apostles put in prison to silence their report, but an Angel of the Lord opened the jail doors. The word of their release spread rapidly. In anger and exasperation, the high priest proclaimed "ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine!" Acts 5:17-42. Peter and the apostles answered, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, who you slew and hanged on a tree" Acts 5:30. Now that is holy boldness!

After this display, the jewish authorities plotted to kill the apostles and bring the matter to an end. However, Gamaliel, wisely offered the following legal advice. He said, "But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it; lest haply you be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:39). From that point forward the disciples spoke the word boldly throughout all of Judea, then to the gentile regions around Jerusalem and into all the world beyond.

Even to this day we hear the triumphal announcement, "He is risen!" echoing through the halls of time. May we be just as bold in our faith and in our witness. May God bless your study of His Word.