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Common Facts Surrounding the Resurrection
Page 8: Fact 6 - Many Eyewitnesses Reported Seeing Him after His Death
There were many sightings of Christ after His death. In one case, cited by Paul, He appeared to more than 500 people. Other cases recorded in the New Testament are:
- Mary and Mary Magdalene, Matthew 28:9
- The Eleven in Galilee, Matthew 28:16-17
- Mary Magdalene, Mark 16:9
- Two disciples (Emmaus), Luke 24:15-31
- Ten apostles (without Thomas), John 20:19,24
- Eleven apostles, John 20:26-28
- Seven disciples fishing, John 21:1-24
- Eleven apostles, Acts 1:2-6
- Peter, 1 Corinthians 15:5
- The five hundred, 1 Corinthians 15:6
- James, 1 Corinthians 15:7
- Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:8
Collectively, the New Testament and other historical documents clearly indicate that many people sighted Jesus over a period of forty days after His death. He was seen in many different environments and activities indoors, outdoors, sitting, standing, walking, talking, and eating. The secular Jewish historian, Josephus, confirms the apparent resurrection of Jesus, saying,
"On the third day he appeared to them restored to life..." 6
Some have suggested that Josephus said this sarcastically, not believing it. This may be true, but even if he made this statement as a non-believing observer, it clearly corroborates the news circulating in that time.
FOOTNOTES / WORKS CITED
| 6 | Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Loeb edition, vol. IX, 18.3.3. Translated by Lewis H. Feldman. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1965. |
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