Jesus’ disciples believed that he rose from the dead and appeared to them. Previously scared disciples very soon after, preached the resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus was tortured and crucified.
Evidence: Christian sources plus Josephus, Tacitus, Lucian, Mar Bar–Serapion, Talmud.
Many were martyred for their faith. e.g. Paul, Christianity’s chief persecutor: James, Jesus’ brother, previously sceptical.
Paul cited over 500 witnesses, the majority still living, who saw the risen Jesus.
Christianity quickly spread throughout the known world.
Jesus’ tomb was empty. No body was produced.
Alternative explanations to Jesus’ resurrection
Legend, Lie or Lunacy
Legend
The story gradually developed
The New Testament is narrative, not myth.
It does not explain Paul’s early conversion nor Christianity’s early success against strong opposition.
Strong claims of the historical accuracy of the
resurrection were made well within the lifetime of witnesses. If the claims had been recently fabricated, they would have been readily refuted.
Lie
Disciples stole the body while the soldiers slept and claimed he rose from the dead. This was the earliest Jewish claim.
Would the disciples allow themselves to be martyred for an elaborate hoax?
To steal the body, the disciples would have needed an elaborate plan, including motive, bribed guards, a place to dispose of the body, false witnesses — with everyone taking the secret to the grave.
There is no evidence that the body was stolen.
It is very unlikely that all the soldiers guarding the tomb would have slept. They were professional
soldiers. Even if they did, the noise of the stone being moved would have woken them.
