10 pieces of historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection—rate each on credibility and strength to build your cumulative case
Scholars use the "minimal facts" method: What do we know happened based on evidence accepted by virtually all scholars—Christian and non-Christian alike?
✓ Jesus died by crucifixion (affirmed by Tacitus, Josephus, gospels)
✓ Disciples had experiences they believed were resurrection appearances
✓ James (skeptic) and Paul (persecutor) converted
✓ Tomb was empty (acknowledged even by hostile sources)
✓ Christianity spread rapidly despite persecution
The question isn't whether these facts are true—they are. The question is: What best explains them?
Rate each piece of evidence on two dimensions: Credibility (1-5) and Strength (1-5)
30-35 AD (3-7 years after crucifixion)
Pre-Pauline creed listing Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and appearances to Peter, the Twelve, 500+, James, and Paul.
Why This Matters:
Too early for legend development. Invites verification—witnesses were still alive. Formulated within 3-7 years of crucifixion.
30 AD (50 days after crucifixion)
Peter proclaims resurrection in Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. 3,000 believe despite being able to easily disprove claim.
Why This Matters:
Too early and too public to be fabrication. Happened in the city where lie could be exposed.
30-70 AD
All 12 disciples claimed to see risen Jesus. 11 of 12 died as martyrs rather than recant. People don't die for known lies.
Why This Matters:
Mass hallucination is psychologically impossible. Group delusion doesn't explain consistent testimony across decades.
30-35 AD
Paul reports Jesus appeared to 500+ people at once, "most of whom are still alive" (inviting verification).
Why This Matters:
Mass appearance to large group. Paul invites skeptics to question witnesses—they were still alive.
30 AD (3 days after crucifixion)
All sources—Christian, Jewish, Roman—agree tomb was empty. No one ever produced body. Jewish leaders accused disciples of stealing it.
Why This Matters:
If body was still in tomb, Christianity dies immediately. Jewish/Roman authorities would have produced corpse.
30 AD
Women discovered empty tomb and saw risen Jesus first. Women's testimony had low value in 1st century culture.
Why This Matters:
Embarrassing detail suggests authenticity. If fabricating, wouldn't use women as primary witnesses.
30 AD onward
From frightened fugitives who abandoned Jesus at crucifixion to bold proclaimers willing to face persecution and death.
Why This Matters:
Massive change requires massive cause. They claimed they saw risen Jesus. Died for this claim.
30-35 AD
Jesus' brother James was skeptical during Jesus' ministry. Became leader of Jerusalem church. Martyred for faith.
Why This Matters:
Skeptical family member converted by claimed resurrection appearance. You don't die for a lie you invented.
93-94 AD
Non-Christian Jewish historian mentions Jesus' death and that followers claimed He "appeared to them alive again on the third day."
Why This Matters:
Hostile non-Christian source confirms early Christian resurrection claims. Written within 60 years.
30 AD onward
Jews changed Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday (resurrection day) after 1,500 years of Saturday observance.
Why This Matters:
Radical change in core religious practice requires extraordinary cause. They claimed Jesus rose on Sunday.
Crucifixion ensured death. Roman executioners were professionals. Even if Jesus survived, a half-dead man couldn't convince disciples He conquered death.
Mass hallucinations are psychologically impossible. 500+ people don't hallucinate the same thing. Hallucinations don't explain empty tomb.
Disciples had no motive—they gained persecution and death. Roman/Jewish guards prevented theft. Stolen body doesn't explain appearances.
Women knew where Jesus was buried (watched burial). Jewish/Roman authorities would have produced body from correct tomb.
Too early for legend. Creed dates to 3-7 years after crucifixion. Eyewitnesses still alive. Invites verification.
Dive into comprehensive analysis of resurrection evidence, alternative theories, scholarly consensus, and why the resurrection is the best explanation of the historical facts.