“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he 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,” (1 Cor. 15:3-8, ESV).

Reading and listening to the Passion and Resurrection accounts is always instructive for the Christian. The differences do not undermine the veracity of the accounts, but actually support it. The four evangelists were different men, with different gifts and perspectives, and they drew on different eyewitness accounts. Matthew and John were among the twelve and still provide us with distinct records of the events. Mark and Luke are traditionally understood to draw on the testimony of Peter and Mary, the mother of Jesus, respectively. If the Gospels were identical, it could cause questions about the relationship between the authors and the sources of their material. However, the differences in Jesus’ saving work reinforce that the Gospels are informed by both the eyewitness testimony and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout the Scriptures, the truth is to be established based upon the testimony of two or three witnesses. In the Gospels and entirety of the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is supported through the testimony of many. In his explanation of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus, Paul acknowledges that if Christ has not been raised from the dead, then we have believed in vain. However, he notes that Jesus did in fact rise from the dead and appeared to Peter and the twelve, and to more than five hundred. We have the testimony of not two or three witnesses, but five accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul), all of whom bear witness to seeing the risen Jesus. Additionally, other eyewitnesses shared their accounts with the evangelists and Paul.

Attorney and apologist Craig Parton writes, “The fact is that the evidence for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is as complete and as sound as any fact of the ancient world,” (Making the Case for Christianity: Responding to Modern Objections, p. 82). During this Easter season, as you read and listen to the resurrection appearances of Jesus, consider all of the people who saw the risen Savior, such as Thomas, and how these records reinforce our belief that Jesus has risen, just as He said. The late Paul L. Maier’s In the Fullness of Time addresses the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus and the significance it has for our lives. May God bless you as you celebrate the fact that Jesus has indeed risen from the grave and opened for you the way of everlasting life!

Prayer – Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, You destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light. Grant that we who have been raised with Him may abide in His presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.