The fact that Jesus lived on this earth and died by the Crucifixion is scientifically well documented even by ancient sources outside the Bible. there is historical evidence dating back just over 20 years after his death. [1]
Investigative journalist Lee Strobel in his book ‘The Case for Christ’ (The Case for Christ, Zondervan Books, USA, 2016) examines the historical truth of the Gospels and, among other things, presents a comparison with ancient biographies Alexander the Great. Alexander died in 323 BC, the oldest biographies date from the end of the first, or beginning of the 2nd century AD (the Greek historian Plutarch and his parallel biographies, respectively Arrian of Nicomedia and his Alexander Anabasis). More than 400 years have passed between Alexander’s death and the first surviving written records of his life and actions, yet the works of both Plutarch and Arrian are generally accepted as historically reliable. In other words – in ancient times it was quite common for information to be transmitted orally for many years, but relatively accurately. The first surviving written records of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were created only approximately 20 years after his death, so it can be assumed that the authors of the Gospels did not deviate too much from the reality.
The most remarkable mention of Jesus outside the Bible can be found in the writings of Flavius Joseph, a Jewish historian from the 1st century. In his Jewish antiquities there is a passage, referred to as the ‘Testimonium flavianum’, where it is written: At this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if we can call him man at all. For he … performed wonderful deeds….. It was Christ. When Pilate … condemned him to crucifixion, those who … fell in love with him did not give up their affection for him. On the third day he appeared … brought back to life… and the tribe of Christians … did not disappear.
One of the greatest evidences of the resurrection is the testimony of the people who followed Jesus for three and a half years of his stay on earth and yet did not stop believing in him after his death. – Is there evidence that he rose from the dead?
eyewitnesses
In the documents from the beginning of the first century, which make up the New Testament, there are more testimonies of eyewitnesses, let’s look at some of them:
Mary Magdalene: Marie stayed at the grave and cried….she turned and saw that someone was standing behind her. Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ (John 20:11,14 and 16, SNC)
Peter: ‘The Lord really rose from the dead! He showed himself to Peter!’ (Luke 24:34)
Two men on the Emmaus Road: Two of Jesus’ disciples went to the town of Emauzy, near Jerusalem, that day (3 days after the Crucifixion). On the way, they talked about the events of the last few days. They were prevented from talking, so they almost didn’t even notice anyone joining them; It was Jesus. (Luke 24:13-16)
Apostles (first without Thomas): In the evening of the same day, the disciples were together behind the locked door, fearing that the Jews would now come upon them. Suddenly Jesus stood between them and said: ‘Peace be with you!’ He then showed them wounds in his hands and in his side. That evening, Tomáš was absent among the disciples. (John 20:19,20,24)
All disciples: After a week, the disciples were together again, and this time Tomáš was with them. …Jesus stood between them and addressed them: ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he turned to Tomáš: ‘Look and reach for my wounds! Don’t doubt anymore, but believe me!’ Thomas convinced: ‘You are my Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You have seen me, and therefore you believe. But it is more valuable not to see and to believe.’ (John 20:26-28)
Seven disciples: Then Jesus appeared again to the disciples at Lake Tiberias. It happened like this: Simon Peter, Thomas called a twin, Nathanael of Cana of Galilee, sons of Zebedee and his other two disciples were together. (John 21:1, 2)
More than five hundred people: Later, over five hundred witnesses saw him together; Some of them are no longer alive, but most are still alive. (1 Corinthians 15:6)
Jacob (Son of Joseph and Mary, brother of Jesus): Then James and the other apostles saw him (1 Corinthians 15:7)
later appeared too Apostle Paul. (Acts 9:3-5)
How long was Jesus on earth before he went to heaven?
After his suffering and death, he appeared to them. He proved in many ways that he is alive. He appeared to them for 40 days. During this time he spoke of the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
Summary
These individual meetings, beyond all doubt, convinced the eyewitnesses that Jesus rose from the dead. Since then, over many centuries, millions of Christians have experienced personal experiences with Jesus and answers to their prayers.
Biblical references from the translation of the Word on the Road (SNC)https://www.bible.com/cs/bible/162/JHN.1.SNC
[1]https://www.bethinking.org/jesus/ancient-evidence-for-jesus-from-non-christian-sources|
