Was Jesus Raised From The Dead?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the heart of Christianity. If Jesus was raised from the dead, we must conclude there is a God. How else could he have been raised? Thus, the resurrection of Christ proves that God exists. If Jesus was raised from the dead, Jesus is indeed the Son of God (Romans 1:4). If Jesus was raised from the dead, the word of God is true.

The resurrection of Christ is the “hub” of the gospel. All that Christianity involves revolves around that “hub.” Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15:14-18 that if Christ is not raised, preaching is vain, faith is vain, the apostles are false witnesses, and we all are still in sin. A Christian’s faith, salvation, and hope all center on the resurrection of Christ.

What evidence is there that Jesus was indeed raised from the dead?

The Empty Tomb

1. It is a fact that the tomb is empty. When the two Marys arrived at the tomb and found the stone rolled away, the angel said, “Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6). Luke’s account says, “when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus” (Luke 24:3). The fact that the tomb was empty was admitted by the enemies as well (Matthew 28:11-15).

2. How did the tomb become empty? Those who deny the resurrection suggest three theories for the disappearance of the body of Jesus.

The “Swoon Theory”: This concept says that Jesus really didn’t die but merely fainted. After being placed in the tomb, he came to himself and escaped. If he didn’t really die, he still could not escape from the tomb. Don’t forget the great stone placed at the only entrance (or exit) of the tomb. If three women couldn’t move the stone (Mark 16:3) then neither could Jesus in his weakened condition. Remember that he had nails driven through his hands and feet. His side had been pierced causing blood and water to flow out of his body. He had not eaten in three days. Those who were there knew that he died. This included Roman soldiers, professional killers. Both the disciples and the enemies admitted that Jesus was dead.

The disciples stole the body. This was the charge made. “His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept” (Matthew 28:13). However, we read a little further that they were bribed (verse 15). It is interesting to note that they said that it happened while they slept. No one is competent to testify of what took place while he was asleep. The disciples would have to have done this in the face of the guards that watched. They would have to have enough men to move the great stone. Do you think they could have done all that without waking the guards, granting they were asleep?

Further, if the disciples had the body of Jesus, they wouldn’t be inclined to make claims that it was alive. The Roman authorities would make them produce the body. If they had the dead body they would have kept their mouths shut. Hence, the disciples did not take the body.

Enemies stole it. If that were so, they would have produced the dead body to disprove the resurrection. Consider what they could have done to Christianity on the day of Pentecost while Peter preached about the resurrection (Acts 2:24-36) if they had the dead body. All they would have to do to destroy the religion of Christ was to produce the dead body.

What motive would these have for taking the body? Proof for them would still be in the tomb. By taking the body they would only cause others to believe in the resurrection. If they had it, the disciples surely wouldn’t make claims that it was alive.

Jesus was raised. The only alternative then is that there must have been a bodily resurrection from the dead. If Christ couldn’t escape by his own physical strength, the disciples didn’t steal the body, and enemies didn’t get it, then the only conclusion is that God raised him from the dead! That was the conclusion of the angel (Matthew 28:7). Furthermore, it fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 16:10).

Transformation of the disciples

1. When Jesus died, the disciples were in utter despair. However, shortly after the resurrection, their hope was restored. What caused the change? A simple removal of the body from the tomb wouldn’t. The only thing that could change these disciples would be if they saw Jesus alive. Keep in mind that they were not expecting a resurrection (Luke 24:11).

2. For example, consider Peter. Just prior to the death of Jesus, Peter denied the Lord, cursing and swearing (Matthew 26:69-75). At the tomb, when he saw that the body of Jesus was missing and the linen clothes, he was “wondering in himself at that which was come to pass” (Luke 24:12). Then some time later, he was boldly proclaiming, “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand before you whole” (Acts 4:10). When he was threatened for teaching what he did, he said, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard” (vv. 19-20). This doesn’t sound like the same man we read about in Matthew 26 or Luke 24. Something changed the man. What was it? Nothing but the resurrected Lord could do that.

Change in the jews

1. The Jews wanted to kill Jesus. At his trial they shouted “crucify him” (Mark 8:13, 14). These were some of the very ones that were present on Pentecost whom Peter said had crucified Jesus (Acts 2:22-23).

2. What they heard (Acts 2): Those present on Pentecost heard a sermon about the resurrection of Christ (vv. 24-36). Peter shows that when Christ was raised, it fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 16:10). He further demonstrated that the Psalm could not refer to David. He concluded that Jesus is now alive and is both Lord and Christ (v. 36).

3. They changed! When they heard the message about the resurrection and considered the evidence presented, they were pricked in their hearts and asked what they must do (Acts 2:37). This question signifies an admittance of being wrong and wanting to know what they needed to do in order to be right before God. They were told to repent and be baptized in the name (submitting to the authority) of Christ (v. 38). They did what they were told (v. 41). They were convinced of a bodily resurrection of Christ!

Witnesses

There were many who saw the resurrected Lord and testified about it.

1. Criteria for credible witnesses: How do we know they were true witnesses? Simon Greenleaf, author of Testimony of the Evangelist, practiced law from 1806 to 1853. He was a professor at Harvard. Greenleaf became a respected authority on witnesses. He said, “The credit due to the testimony of witnesses depends upon, firstly, their honesty; secondly, their ability; thirdly, their number and the consistency of their testimony; fourthly, the conformity of their testimony with experience; and fifthly, the coincidence of their testimony with collateral circumstances.”

   Now let us test the witnesses (Peter, Matthew, Paul, John, etc.). Honesty: These disciples suffered for the resurrection. They were persecuted and imprisoned because they taught the resurrection. Do you think they would suffer for something they knew to be a lie? Note their candor in relating things to their own discredit. Matthew tells of Peter’s denial of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75). He also tells of the apostles’ ambition to be first in the kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). John tells of their failure to understand (John 20:9). This obviously shows their honesty in dealing with one another. If they were dishonest these things would not have been recorded.

   The things that cause men to lie cannot be found among these witnesses. Fear: If this would have caused them to lie, they would have denied the resurrection. Even in the face of threat they still testified. Greed: There was nothing to gain as far as greed would be concerned by testifying of the resurrection. They suffered for their testimony. Ambition: No power was gained by claiming they had seen the Lord; hence, they didn’t lie. These men were honest.

   Competence:This refers to their ability to secure information and know whereof they speak. They certainly had the opportunity. They had been with Christ since his baptism (Acts 1:21-22). They were certainly mentally competent. Matthew was a tax collector which required profound knowledge of both Hebrew and Roman law. Luke was a physician. John had the ability to note details (John 20:7). These were not ignorant men.

   Number: The testimony of two is better than one and three better than two. You finally get to the point that you need no further witness (Luke 22:71). Over 500 claimed they saw the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:6). They all would testify to the same. We conclude from this test that these indeed are true witnesses, thus what they said about seeing the resurrected Christ must be so.

Appearances

1. When Jesus appeared after his resurrection, it proved he had been raised. Let’s take Thomas as an example of how his appearance was convincing that he had indeed risen from the dead. The other disciples told Thomas they had seen the Lord. Yet he said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). When Jesus came to him, He said, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (v. 27). Thomas’ answer was, “My Lord and my God” (v. 28). His appearance was convincing that this was the resurrected Lord.

2. Jesus appeared to many. When Jesus appeared to his disciples and others, they could tell that indeed this was the man that had been put to death. His appearances were the following:

   (1) To Mary Magalene (John 20:14-18; Mark 16:9). This was obviously her second trip to the tomb. (2) Two other of the women as they returned from the tomb. This was after the angel told them of the resurrection (Matthew 28:9). (3) To Simon (Cephas) Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5. (4) To the two (Cleophas and another) on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13; Mark 16:12). (5) To the eleven and ‘them that were with them’ (Luke 24:33, 36-49; Mark 16:14; John 20:19-23). This was on the evening of the first day. Thomas was absent. This seems to be the same as ‘the twelve’ of 1 Corinthians 15:5 (cf. John 20:24, for a similar usage—an official usage). (6) To above 500 brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). (7) To James (1 Corinthians 15:7). (8) To ‘all the apostles’ (1 Corinthians 15:7) after eight days, with Thomas present (John 20: 26-29). (9) To Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two others at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-14). This was the third appearance to the disciples (v. 14). The two previous appearances would be numbers 5 and 8. (10) To the eleven; the giving of the ‘Great Commission’ in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18). (11) To the eleven at Jerusalem (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-8). (12) To the eleven on the Mount of Olives near Bethany (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11). The ascension. (13) Last of all of Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:1-9).

Conversion of Saul

1. This argument was presented by Lord George Lyttelton in 1747. “Like so many of the literary men of his time, George Lyttelton and his friend Gilbert West were led at first to reject the Christian religion.” “Fully persuaded that the Bible was an imposture, they were determined to expose the cheat. Lord Lyttelton chose the conversion of Saul and Mr. West the resurrection of Christ for the subject of hostile criticism. Both set down to their respective task full of prejudice; but the result of their separate attempts was, that they were both converted by their efforts to overthrow the truth of Christianity.” Lyttelton said, “The conversion was of itself a demonstration sufficient to prove Christianity to be a divine religion.”

   Lyttelton lays down four propositions which he considers to exhaust all the possibilities in the case. “1. Either Paul was ‘an impostor who said what he knew to be false, with an intent to deceive’; or 2. He was an enthusiast who imposed on himself by the force of ‘an overheated imagination’; or 3. He was ‘deceived by the fraud of others’; or, finally, 4. What he declared to be the cause of his conversion did all really happen’; and, therefore the Christian religion is a divine revelation.”

2. Paul was not an impostor. Men who so act do so because of a motive. There was no motive to cause Paul to lie about seeing the Lord. What could have caused the man to change? Money? Wealth could not have been the motive, for that was on the side that he left. Poverty was on the side that he had taken. He has now identified himself with those who would sell their possessions that they might give to the poor (Acts 4:31-37). Reputation? No, that was on the side forsaken as well. He is now united with a group that is held in world contempt. The leader of this group had been put to death among criminals. “On the other hand, the wisest and the greatest men in all the land indignantly rejected the teachings of this sect.” Hence, he had nothing to gain as far as a reputation; rather he lost any that he might have had. Power? No, that too was on the other side. He certainly gained no place of prominence or power. Rather he considered himself not worthy to be an apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9-10) and as the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). In writing to the Corinthians he rebuked some for claiming they were of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:13). He merely considered himself as a “fellow-laborer” in the kingdom of God. Pious fraud? “Had he fabricated the story of his conversion he would have located it in a place so remote or hidden that there could be no witnesses to refute. Instead of that the miracle of Paul’s conversion, with its great light from heaven exceeding the brightness of the sun, is placed in the public highway near Damascus; at noonday, when their senses could not be deceived, and when all the accompanying soldiers and commissioners were with him on the spot.” The miracles that Paul performed were done openly, thus showing that his conversion was not a matter of fraud (Acts 13:4-12; 14:8-ff; 16:16-18). Paul had no motive for becoming an impostor.

3. Paul was not an enthusiast. None of the marks of an enthusiast can be found in Paul. Temper: He was always governed by reason. His zeal became a servant to him rather than his master. Melancholy: “This is the mark of misguided zeal, but it is never found in Paul; he is always rejoicing, never brooding (Colossians 1:24; Philippians 4:4-7, etc.). Ignorance: Paul was a man of “much learning” (Acts 26:24), having set at the feet of Gamaliel. Vanity or self-conceit: “Vanity and fanaticism usually go together. Men of this type flatter themselves that on account of their superior worth they are the recipients of extraordinary favors and gifts from God, and of these they make their boast.” Many passages speak for themselves as to Paul’s modesty and humility. It was neither Paul that planted, nor Apollos that watered, but God who gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:4-7). He meekly said it is, “not I, but the grace of God that was in me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

   Paul could not possibly have been swept away with enthusiasm. An enthusiast always sees what they are looking for; yet Paul was looking for anything but Christ. “In the circumstances a wild enthusiast might indeed imagine he saw a vision, but it would be one urging him onward to do the things he had started out to accomplish. With nothing having happened to change his opinion or alter the bent of his mind, it would be as impossible for him, in a moment, to have imagined the complete revolution that is recorded in the New Testament as it would be for a rapid river to ‘carry a boat against the current of its own stream.’ We might add, as well expect the mightly rushing river itself, without any cause to stop in its course and rush violently backward up a steep mountain side, as to expect the whole current of Paul’s thought and feeling and imagination and purpose to be instantly reversed without any cause. It could not take place.”

   We need not lose sight of the fact that he had witnesses with him that saw the light (Acts 22:26). It would be equally impossible for them to become carried away and imagine they saw a light and heard a voice.

4. Paul was not deceived by others. This third possible solution can be dismissed very easily. It would have been impossible for the disciples to produce a light brighter than the noon-day sun. Neither could they cause him to hear a voice speaking out of the light. Nor could they cause him to be blind for three days and then return his sight. There were no Christians around when this took place.

5. It really did happen. Having seen that Paul was not an impostor, not an enthusiast, and was not deceived by others, we must conclude as George Lyttelton did, that Paul really did hear Jesus alive on the road to Damascus. Hence Jesus has been raised from the dead.

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Jesus died. The tomb was empty. Jesus was raised from the dead.

Do you believe? What next? Come back tomorrow…can’t wait. Read the book of Acts.

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We are examining all the conversions in the book of Acts. If you KNOW and UNDERSTAND that God raised Jesus from the dead and you want God to raise you too after this life and be with Him in heaven forever then you can recognize a pattern of response in these conversions and if you will respond in the same manner you can have confidence that God has placed you in Christ, our vessel of salvation (just like Noah’s ark was a vessel of salvation passing those who were faithfully obedient to God from the old world to the new world; 1 Peter 3).

How does Saul respond to discovering he was in error?

Remember your conscience is a judge, not a guide. Conscience literally means “with knowledge.” In whatever manner, you gain knowledge and understanding you are training your conscience and it will work in your heart and mind as a judge based on that knowledge and understanding.

That is why Saul was able to persecute Christians in good conscience. His knowledge and understanding was wrong. When he discovered he was wrong, he changed his heart and mind immediately, and therefore his speech and actions changed. This process is called REPENTANCE.

Then what did he do in order to receive forgiveness of sins?

He did the same thing the Jews did on Pentecost, the Samaritans, and the Ethiopian Eunuch as well.

What will you do?

If you will read through or listen to the “Acts of the Apostles” you will recognize that every record of anyone (Jew or Gentile) that came to believe Jesus to be the Christ responded in the same manner. Upon their belief, they were baptized.

When you consider all of the conversions, we also recognize that there belief was produced from preaching or teaching, there was also repentance mentioned on Pentecost and in the conversion of Saul, and confession by the eunuch.

This pattern of preaching or teaching producing belief in a person who responds with repentance, confession, and being baptized is consistent with all of the New Testament after the resurrection of Jesus, which is His new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13).

The Big Picture of the Bible by Kenneth W. Craig

Why did God create man? Why is the Bible so misunderstood? Why are there so many different churches? What is the Bible all about? The following audio recordings are the chapters of Craig’s little book that is an attempt to provide answers to these and similar questions.

This little book is unique in that it is comprehensive in scope, yet simple to understand.

Going Back to Jerusalem

by Kris Emerson

Solomon was a great king and he did great things. He expanded the borders of Israel. He built extravagant and amazing structures. He shared heavenly wisdom with the people. He constructed the dwelling place of God among His people. The long term opportunity for Israel to be in fellowship with God was well established. But then, mistakes were made. Not by God of course, but by Solomon, and then Rehoboam.

I Kings 11:4-8 – Almost inconceivable, but he sought to still believe in God and have a relationship with God, while also to appease his wives with idol worship. This displeased God greatly.

I Kings 11:31-35 – So God selected Jeroboam to lead 10 tribes away from Solomon’s kingship.

I Kings 11:38 – The condition being, of course, that Jeroboam follow the will of God.

I Kings 11:40 – Solomon heard of this and sought to kill Jeroboam, so he fled.

I Kings 12:1-5 – Once Rehoboam was king, Jeroboam came back and sought to make peace. We know the story: the young king listened to his young friends and rejected Jeroboam’s plea.

I Kings 12:25 – So, Jeroboam left and established a new capital city in the North. The Northern kingdom of Israel was born on this day.

At this point, I don’t know how to feel about Jeroboam. It doesn’t seem like he has done anything sinful against God. It looks like Solomon and Rehoboam made the colossal mistakes. But then…

I Kings 12:26-27 – But then it occurred to him that the people would return to Jerusalem. They would clearly go back for the religious festivals. They would need to go back to keep the Law. They would need to go back to make sacrifices. They would all be there for the day of Atonement. And… they might fall in line with the South again and Jeroboam would be surely killed.

So, out of SELF-PRESERVATION, he needed a plan. He did not consult God. This was not about God. It was about HIMSELF. He needed to keep them from returning to the rightful place of worship.

I Kings 12:28-33 – He made the greatest appeal in all religious error: Thing about Yourself! He is effectively asking them to do what he is already doing. So he says: “It is too much FOR YOU to go up to Jerusalem.” The idea here is: “I know that’s what we’ve always done and that it is God’s will, but it is inconvenient and difficult and we can set up things here, closer, that will please God just as much.”

And what were his ideas:

1) We will set up 2 cities, one North and one South, to which you can go when you desire to make offerings.

2) In addition, we will set up “high places” all over so you can have a place close to home to worship.

3) Instead of it just being the Levites, we will open things for priests to be enlisted from other tribes.

4) While we still believe in the LORD, we will make our offerings to two golden calves. (Hard to comprehend). But just like Solomon, they still acknowledged God, these were just culturally accepted ways of worship they thought would not interrupt their fellowship with God.

5) We will even have a huge feast, just like in Jerusalem, except a month later and a different altar and priests and deliverer and such.

And… the people bought it! They were willing to be lead by this sinful man, who kept the people close to him by keeping them away from Jerusalem, where the Law and True Worship lived.

I Kings 14:7-12 – And the Lord was furious with Jeroboam and took him and his household out.

I Kings 14:15-16 – And for believing him and following him, all of Israel would suffer as well.

There is much we could discuss from this story. The sins of Solomon created the issue. The sins of Rehoboam kick started the division. The great sins of the evil Jeroboam were as devastating and selfish as any you can find in Scripture. But they are not our focus today. Our focus is on the people.

They made mistakes that affected themselves and their offspring for generations!

1) They believed a man. They listened to someone they respected, though they should not have.

2) They succumb to convenience. The idea of less travel and easier worship appealed to them.

3) They embraced new roles and leadership, like allowing for new priests. This found favor with many.

4) They wagered their souls that God would be okay w/ idol worship, so long as they still believed in Him.

And how could they know? How could they know if this was acceptable or not? Granted, there were things going on beyond their wisdom level – like God orchestrating the division. But how could they be sure that this form or religion and life would please God? Only one way… by going back to Jerusalem!

Going to the source, straight to God, to the Temple, to the Pattern, to the Law. If they had gone back to where they knew God approved, they would always be God approved. But they didn’t. They took a chance instead of a trip, and they failed.

With this, our modern religious climate has MUCH in common. Any time a new denomination was started, or some culturally supported new age movement, there is always a story.

1) Maybe the men at the previous church were sinning, so we started something new.

2) Maybe new ideas prevailed that would draw more people.

3) Maybe, and so often, a combination of Humanism (idolatry) and God was demanded.

Regardless, the questions must be asked: “How do I know if I am right here? How do I know if this church is right before God? How do I know if what we teach and are about is holy and accepted?”

After every explanation has been given. After every reason exhausted. After every defense has been stated and heard, the answer will always be the same: “We Must Go Back To Jerusalem!” It is NEVER too much or too far or out of reach to go Back to Jerusalem, back to the beginning, back to God and faith and Truth, to find out if we are living and worshipping in a way that is pleasing to God! (Back to the Text to prove an argument is RARE anymore)

Church leaders will tell you it is too much (not necessary). Religious friends will tell you things are fine as they are (culturally accepted). Your own conscience may even approve the choices (pride). But you can never know if you are right until you return to where it all began, where it was right: Jerusalem.

For the Israelites, that meant the city of Jerusalem. The Law of Moses found there. The Temple of God where the LORD connected with Israel. And the activities in that city that God demanded from 500 years before.

For us it means going back to Acts 1-15. The place, Jerusalem, where the Church (the Temple Christ built) began. The teachings upon which that church have been built. It is not too much to go back to Jerusalem.

And what do we find there?

Many wonderful, timeless, absolute truths. Here are a few the world’s forgotten

1) Inspiration must be Miraculously Proven! (Acts 1)

a. Power: Mark 16:16-20; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-8; 2:43; 3:6-8; 5:12; 6:6-8; 8:14-19

b. Message: Acts 2; Acts 3; 5:27-32; 7:1-60

c. The Gospel, the Pattern, that saves souls started in Jerusalem. It extended outwardly by the Apostles and those who had miraculous power by their hands. Unique to all men, all churches, all organizations to come after, they stated the irrefutable Truth.

d. So not life, no conversion, no doctrine, no church, no idea is Christ-Centered Doctrinal Truth, unless we find it taught to us beginning in Jerusalem.

2) Salvation is through Repentance and Baptism! (Acts 2)

a. Truth: Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:36-38; 8:35-38 (Philip from Jerusalem); Acts 22:16 (now outside of Jerusalem the Truth remains); I Peter 3:21

b. To say that salvation is found in God’s grace is correct! God’s mercy is found in the beginning of the church. But to say that our actions don’t access that grace, or that repentance and baptism are not essential to unite with Christ… well, you are believing men and modern ideas and maybe even what feels right, but you must go all the way back to Jerusalem!

3) We can know the One Truth on Any Matter of Faith! (Acts 15)

a. The Problem: Acts 15:1 – The Solution: Acts 15:2-6

b. The Method: 15:7-19 – Collect all data and make that the Pattern!

c. They first employed this approach, even in a case where God never shared a direct command. This harmony and study started with the Apostles in Jerusalem and must continue. The topic doesn’t matter: music, funds, work of the church, grace and works – when we go back to Jerusalem we learn to harmonize Scripture and let God give the answers and to unite in them.

Who you are / How you live / How you worship / What united you with Jesus – where did you find the Truth on those topics? If inside yourself, you’ve not gone far enough. If in a group or a man or in this culture, you’ve not gone far enough. Today, go back to the beginning, the Inspired Truth of the Apostles, the unchanging Pattern of right that is not affected by time or distance. Go back to Jerusalem and find Jesus there.