Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus is a foundational belief in Christianity. In this article, we will examine historical evidence that supports the claim that Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
Death and Burial of Jesus
It is almost universally accepted among scholars that Jesus died by crucifixion just outside Jerusalem. His burial in a nearby tomb is also widely agreed upon.
Crucifixion
Skeptical scholar John Dominic Crossan states, “This [the death of Jesus by crucifixion] is as sure as anything historical can ever be.” Skeptical scholar E.P. Sanders lists this as “one of the most indisputable facts about Jesus’ life.”
Burial
The evidence for Jesus’ burial comes from multiple attestations, including Paul and Mark in the New Testament, as well as Josephus, a Jewish historian.
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
The discovery of an empty tomb is one of the strongest pieces of evidence for the resurrection. The fact that women, who were generally looked down upon in society, discovered the empty tomb lends credibility to the story.
Criterion of Embarrassment
The gospel writers’ reporting of women discovering the empty tomb is significant because, in a patriarchal society, women were not typically regarded as credible witnesses. This fact suggests that the authors were passing on what they believed to be true, rather than inventing a story for the purpose of deceit.
Appearances of Jesus after the Resurrection
According to the New Testament, Jesus appeared to his disciples and other individuals after his resurrection. These appearances are widely accepted as historical by many scholars.
The Transformation of the Disciples
The transformation of the disciples from fearful, hiding individuals to bold, public witnesses is often cited as evidence for the resurrection. This change in their behavior cannot be easily explained by natural means.
Lesson Summary
- Jesus’ death by crucifixion and burial in a nearby tomb are widely accepted facts.
- The discovery of an empty tomb, reported by women, lends credibility to the story due to the criterion of embarrassment.
- Appearances of Jesus after his resurrection, as well as the transformation of his disciples, are widely accepted as historical evidence for the event.