The Evidence for the Resurrection

Introduction

Paul is writing to believers in Corinth who seemingly have begun to question the idea of resurrection. Paul writes to affirm their belief, not only in the resurrection of Christ, but in the future resurrection of every believer.

Paul begins by reminding them of the message that he had formerly preached unto them and of their reception of the message and the fact that their stance in the faith and their salvation is dependent upon the truth of the gospel and more specifically the resurrection.

It is not at all difficult to believe that Jesus Christ died by crucifixion, for he was not alone in enduring this cruel death.

It is not at all difficult to believe that Jesus Christ was buried in a tomb, for many had been buried in like manner.

Yet the truth of Christ’s resurrection to life three days later is a supernatural miracle that is difficult that can only be received by faith.

There is, however, much evidence to support the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

The Faith of the Early Church (Vs. 1-2)

There were many in the early church who suffered tremendously for their faith in Christ, and yet they were not willing to compromise their faith.

This stands as a tremendous testimony to the truth of the resurrection. These early believers were willing to hazard their lives for their faith in the gospel message.

The fact that many believers were willing to die for their faith proves that they were sincere in their acceptance of Christ’s resurrection.

It would have been much easier for them to have believed the story that was circulated, that the disciples had stolen Jesus body, but they instead chose to believe that Christ had risen from the dead.

It is certainly plausible that men would die being convinced of a lie, but the disciples would have died knowing that what they professed to believe was a lie.

This has been true throughout Christian history and is still true today. There have been and still are people around the world who are put to death because of their faith in Jesus Christ and His resurrection.

If the disciples had simply stolen the body and Jesus Christ had never risen from the dead then surely when their lives were on the line they would have confessed the truth.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy (Vs. 3-4)

Christ’s death as well as His resurrection were the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and were specifically predicted by our Lord during His earthly ministry.

The Eyewitness Testimony (Vs. 5-8)

There were many who witnessed and interacted with Jesus after He arose from the dead.