The Resurrection of Christ

is the pivotal point of Christian faith, a resurrection that all Christians believe in by faith. But are there evidences that, beyond faith, testify to this extraordinary event? Well, that's what we'll be doing in this video, analyzing historical evidence to also address those who doubt the real resurrection of Jesus.

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We start from a historical reality even the most skeptical critics accept: the empty tomb, the appearances of Christ, and the birth of the Christian church, these are commonly accepted historical facts.

The discovery of the empty tomb by the women is a crucial point. This event is significant for several reasons: first, women in the Jewish society of that time were not considered reliable witnesses. Therefore, if this detail is included in the Gospels, it's unlikely to have been invented. Second, the early discovery of the empty tomb confirms there was not enough time to manipulate or alter the scene. The empty tomb also lent credibility to the disciples' preaching. They could hardly have convinced anyone of the resurrection if Christ's body had still been in the tomb.

This courage and confidence in preaching suggest they knew the tomb was indeed empty and anyone could easily ascertain it. Some skeptics believe that yes, the tomb was really empty, but the body had been stolen and taken elsewhere. This theory suggests that Jesus' disciples stole His body to support the narrative of His resurrection.

This accusation implicitly admits that the tomb was empty, confirming the disappearance of Christ's body. The importance of this admission cannot be underestimated. Detractors of Christianity, trying to explain the absence of Jesus' body, inadvertently validate the reality they are trying to contest. If the body had still been in the tomb, they could have easily refuted the disciples' claims by showing the body. Another crucial aspect of this theory is the lack of logical motivation for the disciples to steal the body.

We must consider the context in which the disciples found themselves: they were frightened, discouraged, and hidden after Jesus' crucifixion. The idea that they could have orchestrated the theft of the body and then proclaim a lie under the threat of persecution and death seems incredibly unlikely. Moreover, as we have already said, it was the women who initially discovered the empty tomb, and if it had all been a setup, they would probably have chosen more culturally credible witnesses.

This choice goes against any logic of fabricating a story, suggesting instead an authentic account of events. Proclaiming the resurrection in a hostile environment like Jerusalem immediately after the crucifixion posed enormous risks. The disciples were indeed persecuted, and many suffered martyrdom. Dying for a cause is one thing; but dying for something known to be a lie is completely different and psychologically improbable.

Moreover, we must not forget that there is no shrine in honor of Jesus. In many ancient cultures, including the Jewish one, burial places of important figures often became sites of veneration. The absence of a shrine for Jesus at the believed burial site is significant. This suggests that the early Christians knew Jesus' body was not there and that He had risen, as indicated in their accounts.

The Gospel of Mark, the oldest of the four canonical Gospels, offers a simple and direct account of the event, devoid of any fantastical or exaggerated reconstruction. In the mythic and legendary stories typical of that period, it is common to find elements of exaggeration and spectacular supernatural phenomena. Such stories tend to be elaborate, colored with the intent to enchant or impress the listener. However, the sober narrative emphasizes that the focus of the event is not the spectacle of the miracle, but its meaning: the resurrection of Christ as a fundamental historical and theological event for the Christian faith. Another point in favor of the veracity of the account is the appearances of Christ. These experiences, described in various passages of the New Testament, not only provide direct testimonies but also challenge alternative explanations such as hallucinations or deceptions. Paul of Tarsus, originally known as Saul and once a persecutor of Christians, is a key figure in Christianity due to his extraordinary conversion and encounter with the resurrected Christ. This event is narrated in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul's own letters.

Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus is a fundamental moment. While traveling to persecute Christians, Paul experienced an appearance of the resurrected Christ that radically transformed his life and faith. This encounter not only converted Paul to Christianity but also propelled him to become one of the greatest missionaries and theologians in Christian history. The appearances of the resurrected Christ described in the New Testament include details of physical interactions: conversations, shared meals, and in some cases, the possibility of touching Christ. These descriptions strongly contrast with the idea of hallucinations, which are purely subjective experiences not shared among multiple people. Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is a powerful indication of the veracity of his experiences. His firm conviction and commitment to spreading the Christian message, despite persecutions and personal sufferings, support the idea that his encounter with the resurrected Christ was authentic and deeply convincing. Paul's conversion excludes the possibility that he lied. What motive would he have had? Moreover, Paul's appearance adds to the appearances to the apostles who, in different occasions and in different ways, were able to see the resurrected Christ. Some think these were hallucinations, but hallucinations cannot be collective and material like the appearances of Jesus. So, some say they lied. But let's not forget that many of the apostles were persecuted and killed because of their faith. It doesn't make sense for the Apostles to have faced death to defend a lie. Instead, it is historically real that their unshakable faith allowed, despite persecutions, the rapid expansion of Christianity in the first centuries, along with its unique doctrine and practice. All this suggests that something extraordinary catalyzed its birth and spread. This "something" is the Resurrection of Christ. The event of the Resurrection not only confirms Christian beliefs and hopes but also explains how a small Jewish movement, hindered and persecuted, could transform into a global faith, distinguishing itself and separating from its Jewish roots and resisting pagan influences.