Evidence of Jesus’ Resurrection #5: Eyewitness Accounts

Jesus ascended to heaven as depicted by the A.D. The Bible movie 

“[Jesus] appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me”
(Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, ESV).

Obviously, the disciples were eyewitnesses that Jesus had raised from the dead. He appeared to them on numerous occasions over a period of time. Acts 1:3 records: “After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God.” From these accounts we can clearly see that Jesus himself wanted to convince them that he was truly alive. But they were not the only ones to see Jesus. The Bible records that on one occasion, “more than five hundred” people saw him at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6).

Here are some (only some) of the other people who were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ return:

Eyewitnesses	Scripture reference
Mary Magdalene	John 20:10-18
The other women at the tomb	Matthew 28:8-10
Simon Peter in Jerusalem	Luke 24:34
The two travelers on the road	Mark 16:12-13
Ten disciples behind closed doors	John 20:19-25
All the disciples, with Thomas (excluding Judas Iscariot)	John 20:26-31
Seven disciples while fishing	John 21:1-14
Eleven disciples on the mountain	Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus’ brother James, the apostles and Paul	1 Corinthians 15:7-8
Those who watched Jesus ascend into heaven	Acts 1:3-8

During these appearances, Jesus let people touch him. He ate with them. He traveled with his friends and explained the Scriptures to them, especially how the Old Testament predicted his death and Resurrection. And he continued teaching with his emphasis on “the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Some of his followers even saw him ascend into heaven when his work on earth was completed. In all cases, the ones who witnessed his appearances were convinced beyond doubt that he was the same person who died on the cross just a few days earlier. Having eyewitnesses would be critical in their testimony as Jewish Law requires the testimony of at least two or three witnesses in a court of law. So if Jesus is alive then, he is alive today! He has risen!

Evidence of Jesus’ Resurrection #5:

Eyewitness accounts

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.