HELPFUL SITES

Is Jesus God?

WAS JESUS CHRIST REALLY RESURRECTED?

By Michael Caputo

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to Christian belief and to the Christian hope. Christians believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, because the Old and the New Testament teach it, because Christ promised it and because His apostles confirm it in the New Testament writings. Contrariwise, Atheists, Agnostics and others assert that the resurrection is a fable concocted by Jesus’ followers, because their attachment to Jesus’ memory was so strong that they all “agreed” to create a new religion in His name based on lies and deceit. The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is not based on flimsy fables but on the unassailable evidence of common sense, solid logic, and many totally reliable and truthful witnesses.

Was Jesus Christ a self-deluded charlatan? Did Jesus Christ cunningly deceive His many followers with promises that were impossible to fulfill? Most importantly, did His followers react to His “unfulfilled” promise of a personal resurrection by “reciprocating” with an vigorous attempt to elevate Him to the divine plane?

Any sensible and objective mind would have no problem replying, “Certainly not!” to the above questions. Yet, shockingly, the rigid mental set of the enemies of Christianity would reply affirmatively. The reason for their baffling unwillingness to accept the obvious is primarily because accepting Christ’s resurrection would devastate a belief system that they have been defending for centuries and that would transform their thinking and their lives beyond what they are willing to allow.

This article is not an exhaustive attempt at listing all the reasons that have been offered through the centuries on behalf of the truth of Christ’s resurrection. The focus of this work will be to present simple, sensible and obvious arguments which point forcefully to the undeniable reality that Jesus Christ died and rose again, and that His disciples witnessed the event and testified "truthfully" to it, in spite of the dangers inherent in their testimony.

PEOPLE DON’T DIE FOR CHARLATANS AND DECEIVERS

Those who have read the Gospel accounts know that the disciples were called out of their occupations, their communities and their future. Because they abandoned their secure jobs, they most probably caused their families confusion, and concern for following a "young" man who promised them positions of power and rulership in a “future” Kingdom. Those great promises, though, were contingent upon an astonishing event: Jesus’ future death and resurrection. This, of course, may have been hard to believe at first but, in time, it became obvious to the disciples of Jesus that anything was possible for someone who had resurrected the dead before their very eyes.

If Jesus had died and had stayed in the tomb, as unbelievers insist happened, the psychological consequences on the disciples would have been undeniably devastating. They would have felt let down, lied to, deceived and manipulated. Their egos would have been dramatically deflated; they would have become the focus of ridicule by family, friends and others. All of the above would have led to understandable anger at the one who had played games with their minds, had lied to them callously for three and one half years, and who was the cause of all the derision they had to bear.

Believing that such a disillusioned, betrayed and angry bunch would intentionally pass around false information meant to “elevate” the “deceiver” and the “charlatan” to the divine plane is the ultimate folly. Angry and bitter people do not elevate a despised enemy--they tear him down. In fact some even end up venting their anger at anything remotely connected to him and to his memory. Furthermore, some would besmirch the man’s name for years to come and would do anything and everything possible to get back at the person, even if the only thing they could do is attack his memory. Believing that all of them would react otherwise and that they would “harmoniously” persist in dedicating their lives to celebrating a liar is nothing short of incongruous and bizarre.

But the disciples were neither disillusioned nor angry. In fact they acted and talked like people who had received a powerful confirmation that their hopes and dreams were based on a totally firm foundation. They were filled with zeal and excitement, like they had never exhibited before, and the reason was what that they had witnessed the seemingly impossible. After three days and three nights, the dead corpse of their beloved leader had come out of a “sealed” and “guarded” tomb, alive and brimming with vitality -- just as he had promised, on more than one occasion. Furthermore, Jesus exhibited “supernatural” powers, such as walking through walls, that only a “supernatural” being could exhibit.

In view of the above, unbelievers’ treasured rationalization that Jesus’ disciples concocted the story of Jesus’ resurrection, even though he had “lied” to them, had used them, had manipulated them, and had “betrayed” them, is nothing short of foolish and irrational.

TRUTH IS FUNDAMENTAL TO CHRISTIANITY

From its inception, Christianity was sown in truth, was framed in truth and was based on absolute truth. Most opponents of Christ seem to have little awareness of how strong and how "foundational" truth was to the Christian message from the very inception. Jesus Christ firmly emphasized its critical importance, and his disciples continued to do the same for decades to come. Neither Christ nor His disciples would lie, because doing so was untenable and dangerous to their eternal destiny. Lying meant eternal consequences and such possibility alone would have prevented any manipulation of facts. Now let’s look at the evidence to this aspect in detail.

IT STARTED WITH JESUS CHRIST

The critical importance of truth received strong emphasis with Jesus Christ. Jesus taught his disciples the necessity of being “truthful,” if they were to enter the Kingdom of God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17). Jesus Christ taught, protected and defended the value and sacredness of the Ten Commandments. The ninth commandments was “Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16).

Jesus also insisted that lying was evidence of the presence of an evil spirit who opposed truth. He told his persecutors that this being was working in them, and that they served his purposes. ”You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

Thus Jesus Christ was the incarnation of truth; He preached its necessity and value and labelled lies as issuing from the father of lies: Satan. To validate this reality He not only preached it – He died and did not compromise with it.

TRUTHFUL UNTO DEATH

Jesus was captured and was brought to the religious leaders in Jerusalem to be interrogated. The accusations were serious enough to merit death.

And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent (Matthew 26: 57-63).

“Jesus kept silent.” This was his opportunity for a charlatan to hastily lie his way out of a very dangerous situation, but he stayed silent and said nothing. He was going to fulfill His destiny and did not lie. Actually, He then went on to make things worse for himself by confirming some of the accusations.

And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! 66 What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” 67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” (Luke 22:64).

Jesus Christ had a mission to accomplish and, in spite of the verbal and physical abuse, He remained undaunted, firm and truthful.

This is the same man who had promised to His disciples that death would not have defeated Him; He would have been resurrected after being dead in a tomb three days and three nights. ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” (Luke 24:7)

As He had promised, Jesus Christ was resurrected the third day, and death had no power over Him. He did fulfill His promise and He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament as well. Furthermore, he set the example for his disciples to follow: Truth must be upheld, even if it will lead to death – and the transformed disciples faithfully followed His example

WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION AND RISK CERTAIN DEATH

The disciples saw Jesus Christ taken down as an inanimate corpse. The dead body was taken to a nearby tomb and was placed into it. A huge round stone was rolled over it and the entrance was sealed. Several soldiers were placed in front of the tomb, and it was guarded for three days and three nights. The disciples waited patiently until the guards would have finally left, and then they went to help embalm Jesus’ dead body. What they found was an empty tomb and angels who confirmed Christ’s resurrection. Finally they saw the resurrected Christ Himself.

This is one of the most momentous event ever witnessed by any human being as its occurrence confirms with absolute certainty that Jesus indeed died for the sins of humanity, and that the resurrection of the dead is possible -- and is indeed certain, because Christ led the way. Because of the tremendous importance of the event, the reader is encouraged to read the whole account as it appears in the Gospel of Luke chapter 24.

1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven milesfrom Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”^[18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”
19 And He said to them, “What things?”
So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”
25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.
30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to risefrom the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. (Luke 24: 1-53).

After the joyful pause and the receiving of the Holy Spirit, the time came to spread the Good News. Death had been defeated by Jesus Christ, thanks to His death and resurrection. Humans could now hope in being resurrected themselves. The first location where the message would be preached was the same den of lions where Jesus had been killed: Jerusalem. The High Priest and the religious leaders that had demanded Jesus’ death were still there ready to squash anything that pertained to their hated enemy: Christ.

But that did not discourage them. They had seen Jesus Christ alive, and they understood the magnificent significance for all of humanity, and no human being was going to deter them, even if it would have meant potential beatings, scourging and even death.

The Book of Acts tells us that the leading force behind the spread of the Good News was Peter, the one who had rejected Jesus Christ just days before. But he would reject Christ no more and, in spite of the dangers that might have faced him, he stood before the multitude of foreigners, locals and local leaders and asserted the truth of Christ’s resurrection.

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them…’Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:

      ‘ I foresaw the LORD always before my face,
      For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
       26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
      Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
       27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
      Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
       28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’


29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear”        (Acts 2: 14- 33).

The transformed Peter continued spreading the message and healing people, giving evidence that the power that had worked in Jesus Christ was now at work in him as well.

Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses (Acts 3:11-15).

The bewildered religious leaders did not hesitate to react and quickly had them arrested. They threatened Peter and John with severe consequences, if they persisted in preaching about Christ’s resurrection. Both could have changed their minds and could have gone home in peace, but they did not. What they had witnessed demanded that all know about the momentous event.

1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed (Acts 4:1,3; 13-22).

The Apostles’ confident attitude and courage made the High Priest and the leaders very angry. How dare ignorant men speak like that to such lofty personages. Thus the result was prison once again. But they remained unafraid and did not turn to lies to escape punishment.

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”
21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside^[a] before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when the high priest,^[b] the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, saying,^[c] “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5: 17-42)

Not even beatings could now stop them. In fact, to the Apostles, suffering for Jesus Christ had become an honour.

Stephen, too, had the same unstoppable attitude. He too was bent on bringing the Gospel to all, and he too was taken and imprisoned. But he had a different final punishment: death by stoning.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel” (ACTS 6: 8-15).

At this point the High Priest asked him to confirm or deny the accusations. "He could have lied" and by so doing he could have escaped certain punishment. But his response was shockingly direct and honest.

51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7: 51-60).

Stephen, therefore, could have lied and could have denied having had any involvement with Jesus and he certainly could have denied having seen the resurrected Christ. But he did not, because the glorious “truth” had to be defended to the death.

A VEHEMENTLY UNBELIEVING OPPONENT TURNED SUPPORTER

The Apostle Paul today would be the equivalent of a militant atheist, such as Richard Dawkins, turned Christian evangelist. He, like today’s unbelievers, did not and would not accept the resurrection of Christ. To him Christians were liars, charlatans and deceivers who deserved to be killed. In his anti-Christian zeal, he made sure that as many Christians as he could find would be imprisoned and then killed. In fact he had been one of Stephen’s accusers, and he too wanted him dead. “Now Saul, (Paul’s name before conversion) was consenting to his death”(Acts 8: 1).

Paul had been a blind follower of the religious leaders. He was, you might say, their blindly dedicated and committed secret agent, who zealously sought to eradicate this new, dangerous and fanatical new group that was spreading lies and heresy.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:1-3).

Later on Paul confessed to his blind zeal and to his horrible crimes, before the very group of leaders he had previously supported, who stood before him in disbelief.

“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” 2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.
Then he said: 3 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, 5 as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.” (ACTS 22: 1)

He then explains the transforming experience he had experienced, due to his encounter with Jesus Christ, and goes on to explain what happened afterwards.

17 “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance 18 and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ 19 So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. 20 And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death,^[b] and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles’” (Acts 22: 17-21).

Paul became so convinced of all that pertained to Christ and His resurrection from the dead that he was willing to endure the most gruesome consequences to announce Jesus’ death and resurrection. In his Epistles to the Corinthians, he shares some details as to what awaited his choice.

24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (2 Corinthians 11:24-26)

Here is the same man who had previously opposed Christ, his followers and everything they preached and stood for who now was joining the opposition and was preaching the same message he had opposed and was even willing to bear great sufferings and risk death, so as to announce the death and resurrection of Christ, and all that it entailed for humanity.

Yet unbelievers would love to rationalize away the zeal of this brilliant and fervent man as the consequence of “another” hallucination. But if so, they have to explain how his companions also saw the hallucination, and then they have to explain how the same hallucination gave Paul great miraculous powers, which lasted throughout his life. Of course, in their blind zeal against Paul and Christ, they can rationalize them away as well as being skillfully crafted “lies;” but this attempt can be quickly rendered void by the fact that Paul consistently taught against lies, and by the fact that he had been a fanatical follower of the Torah who knew and obeyed God’s commandment against lying fanatically. It is not a coincidence that later on in his Epistle to the Colossian Church he firmly confirmed the need to be truthful. “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds…” (Colossians 3:9). Such a man would not lie.

Luke, an objective and truthful investigator

Some might wish that someone had done an objective investigation of the events surrounding Christ so as to provide an account of what transpired during the early days of Christianity. Well, we have such an account. Luke, “ the beloved physician,” as he is called in the Bible, went to Jerusalem and the surrounding area; he interviewed many witnesses of the events that surrounded Christ’s life as he reasonably could and then wrote a thorough historical account of the events surrounding Christ’s life, His death and resurrection. This account we know as the Gospel of Luke. We must also mention that Luke went a step further and later accompanied and watched first hand the works of one of Christ’s foremost Apostles, Paul of Tarsus, and then wrote a thorough, detailed account of his observations. Thanks to Doctor Luke, we have an unparalleled and totally reliable, first-hand account of the first foundational decades of Christianity.

Luke is objective, methodical and “truthful,” and as such he is not well liked by some “objective” intellectual unbelievers who probably wish that Luke’s two works would simply disappear. But disappear they will not. Luke and Acts are outstanding and totally reliable historical works which testify to the existence of Christ, His mighty works, His death and His resurrection and the power His Spirit had in transforming lowly people into bold and powerful preachers of the Gospel.

CONCLUSION

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was a momentous event for all of humanity. Because of it we have a hope that Satan would love to destroy, and this he attempts to do through the works of atheists, agnostics, and others that are openly anti-Christian.

Common sense dictates that an all-wise God would not allow such a critical event to rest of flimsy evidence. The resurrection of Jesus Christ rests of the witness of many “truthful” men that had no reason whatsoever to lie on behalf of a callous and cunning deceiver and manipulator. Their witness sufficed for the first Christian; it sufficed for the great multitudes through the ages and up to our days who have accepted the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, and it suffices for those who today are willing to objectively look and accept the unassailable facts.

The reader is encouraged to ponder this most amazing and transforming fact and to recognize that although accepting Jesus as a living Saviour means changing one's way of life, the result of this transformation will mean tremendous joy and a longing for the day when, because of Christ’s death and resurrection, the multitudes will come to life for evermore.