The resurrection of Jesus was either the greatest hoax or the most important incident in human history. The events of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are found in all four gospels of the New Testament. Of the four, Luke and Matthew’s accounts are the longest in length, with Mark and John’s descriptions being the shortest.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” John 14:6 (ESV). This exclusive claim leaves no room for neutrality. The resurrection is either the most profound truth of human history or the most deceptive hoax ever perpetrated.
Given the profound implications of the resurrection for humanity, it is imperative to engage with the historical arguments surrounding it with academic rigor. William Lane Craig's assertion in "The Son Rises" and Craig Blomberg's work in "The Historical Reliability of the New Testament" affirm that the conspiracy theory regarding the disciples' fabrication of Jesus' resurrection has been decisively refuted by scholarly research. The integrity and moral character of the disciples, the authenticity of the empty tomb, the eyewitness accounts, the transformation of the apostles, and the reliability of the gospel narratives stand as a multi-faceted defense of the resurrection's authenticity.
Furthermore, the empty tomb serves as a silent witness to the resurrection. The narratives account for women as the first witnesses, which, in the cultural context of the time, adds a layer of credibility rather than detracting from it. As Craig notes, this would be an unlikely invention, given the low status of women's testimony in the first-century legal system (Craig, "Assessing the New Testament Evidence for the Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus," 1989). Additionally, the Jewish authorities' inability to produce Jesus' body, despite having the means and motivation to do so, speaks volumes.
The resurrection appearances are documented in early creedal statements within the New Testament, indicating a belief system that emerged immediately following the events in question. These creeds, such as the one recited by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, are among the earliest extant Christian formulations and signify the foundational belief in the resurrection as a historical event (Gerd Lüdemann, "The Resurrection of Jesus," 1994).
The legend theory proposed by David Strauss and others fails to account for the immediacy of the resurrection proclamation and the existence of early creeds that preclude the development of legend over generations. The Gospels' portrayal of the resurrection as a physical, bodily event rather than a spiritual or metaphorical one further counters the claim that the resurrection accounts are merely mythological (Luke 24:39-43).
Against the backdrop of these arguments, the resurrection's significance to humanity cannot be overstated. It is the linchpin of Christian theology, the event upon which the Christian faith hinges. Without the resurrection, as Paul argues, the Christian message is void, and the hope for redemption and eternal life is nullified (1 Corinthians 15:13-19). The resurrection confirms Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the Son of God, validating His teachings and providing a foundation for the Christian hope in life after death (Romans 1:4).
Lee Strobel's Observations
Lee Strobel, a former investigative journalist and legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, is a well-known Christian apologist and author who has written extensively on Jesus Christ and the resurrection, most notably in his book, "The Case for Christ." In this work, Strobel approaches the subject of Jesus’ resurrection from his professional background as an investigative journalist, applying legal and journalistic techniques to the examination of the biblical accounts and historical evidence.
Strobel's inquiry into the resurrection is structured around a series of interviews with biblical scholars and theologians. He questions the reliability of the New Testament, the historicity of the resurrection accounts, and the alternative explanations that have been proposed for the early Christian proclamation of Jesus risen from the dead.
Strobel discusses various aspects of the resurrection, including:
Historical Evidence: He examines how contemporary scholars view the historical evidence for the resurrection, and he looks at the sources outside of the Bible that reference Jesus and early Christianity.
Eyewitness Accounts: Strobel highlights the importance of eyewitness testimony in establishing the resurrection's historicity, particularly pointing to the accounts of Jesus appearing to individuals and groups after his death.
Psychological Considerations: He addresses the psychological state of the disciples after Jesus' crucifixion and how their transformed attitudes and behaviors post-resurrection are a strong indication of the event’s authenticity.
Medical Evidence: Strobel brings in medical experts to discuss the plausibility of Jesus' death by crucifixion, countering the swoon theory which suggests that Jesus did not actually die but was merely unconscious when he was taken down from the cross.
Analytical Reasoning: Using his legal background, Strobel applies the rules of evidence to the resurrection accounts and argues that the evidence meets the criteria for credibility used in modern courts of law.
Strobel's conclusion, after his investigation, is a personal one: he finds the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection to be convincing enough to warrant belief in it as a historical event. He argues that the resurrection is the linchpin of the Christian faith, stating that without it, Christianity would not have the foundation it claims. Strobel's own journey from skepticism to faith is a key narrative element in his writings, as he asserts that the evidence he uncovered in his investigation led him to become a committed Christian.
Conclusion
The historical and theological significance of the resurrection is unparalleled. It serves as a beacon of hope for believers, affirming the triumph over sin and death. The robustness of the historical evidence, the profound transformation in the lives of the disciples, and the enduring impact of the resurrection message throughout history provide a compelling case for its authenticity. As stated in the Nicene Creed, the resurrection is a core doctrine of the Christian faith: "On the third day, he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures." The resurrection remains a cornerstone of Christian belief, a testament to God's redemptive plan for humanity, and a pivotal event that has shaped the course of human history.
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