The Case for the Resurrection Use RISEN acronym to make a case for why Jesus actually rose from the dead

R ISEN R eliable and trustworthy historical text We have many early New Testament manuscripts that mention specific historical figures, places, and events (over 150). It is not legendary writing. We have many early New Testament manuscripts that mention specific historical figures, places, and events (over 150). It is not legendary writing. An oral tradition of Jesus’ resurrection was in place only a few years after his death (See I Corinthians 15:1-9). This oral tradition predates the Gospels. An oral tradition of Jesus’ resurrection was in place only a few years after his death (See I Corinthians 15:1-9). This oral tradition predates the Gospels. The New Testament account of the resurrection, includes eyewitness testimony, embarrassing details and a fact disciples were willing to die for--Jesus rose from the dead. The New Testament account of the resurrection, includes eyewitness testimony, embarrassing details and a fact disciples were willing to die for--Jesus rose from the dead.

R I SEN I ndependent eyewitness accounts Jesus' resurrection is confirmed by over 500 eyewitnesses, including skeptics like Paul and James. Jesus' resurrection is confirmed by over 500 eyewitnesses, including skeptics like Paul and James. These physical appearances occurred in different places, with different groups of people and included Jesus eating, teaching, walking, and allowing them to touch him. These physical appearances occurred in different places, with different groups of people and included Jesus eating, teaching, walking, and allowing them to touch him. These eyewitness resurrection accounts led the disciples to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem where the accounts could have been disputed. These eyewitness resurrection accounts led the disciples to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem where the accounts could have been disputed.

R I S EN S upporting details affirm resurrection Except that these people actually saw the risen Jesus, how do you explain… Why the disciples suddenly moved from fear and skepticism at Jesus' death to becoming devoted followers, and worshiping him as God? Why the disciples suddenly moved from fear and skepticism at Jesus' death to becoming devoted followers, and worshiping him as God? Why would they be willing to suffer and die for a lie? (Jesus rose from the dead)? Why would they be willing to suffer and die for a lie? (Jesus rose from the dead)? Why the radical transformation of skeptics James, Paul? Why the radical transformation of skeptics James, Paul? Why within weeks are thousands of devout Jews abandoning social practices that would isolate them and according to the Jews, threaten their salvation. Why within weeks are thousands of devout Jews abandoning social practices that would isolate them and according to the Jews, threaten their salvation.

R IS E N E mbarrassing Empty Tomb Joseph of Aramathia’s name would be known at the time and no question of the location of his tomb. Joseph of Aramathia’s name would be known at the time and no question of the location of his tomb. Joseph, a member of Jewish Sanhedrin, not the disciples, gave Jesus honorable burial. Embarrassing Joseph, a member of Jewish Sanhedrin, not the disciples, gave Jesus honorable burial. Embarrassing Primary witnesses of empty tomb were women, considered back then to be second class citizens. Awkward and Embarrassing. Primary witnesses of empty tomb were women, considered back then to be second class citizens. Awkward and Embarrassing. Jews said disciples stole the body. The Jews never disputed that the tomb was empty. Jews said disciples stole the body. The Jews never disputed that the tomb was empty.

R ISE N N o early 1 st century writings contradict the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection Secondary Sources affirm the major events of Jesus' life, death and resurrection( Tacitus, Josephus) Secondary Sources affirm the major events of Jesus' life, death and resurrection( Tacitus, Josephus) Most scholars, from the most liberal to the most conservative agree on the basic events of the resurrection. Most scholars, from the most liberal to the most conservative agree on the basic events of the resurrection.

Facts not in dispute Jesus died by Roman crucifixion Jesus died by Roman crucifixion He was buried, likely in a private tomb He was buried, likely in a private tomb Soon afterward, the disciples were despondent, lost hope. Soon afterward, the disciples were despondent, lost hope. Jesus’ tomb was found empty. Jesus’ tomb was found empty. The disciples believed they actually saw Jesus The disciples believed they actually saw Jesus They were now willing to die for their belief They were now willing to die for their belief The proclamation of the Resurrection occurred early The proclamation of the Resurrection occurred early The Disciples preached Christ risen in Jerusalem The Disciples preached Christ risen in Jerusalem The gospel message centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus The gospel message centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus Sunday became the day of worship Sunday became the day of worship James, brother of Jesus, believed he saw Jesus risen and converted James, brother of Jesus, believed he saw Jesus risen and converted Saul of Tarsus (Paul) believed he saw Jesus risen and converted. Saul of Tarsus (Paul) believed he saw Jesus risen and converted.

If he did not rise what are the alternatives? 1. He didn’t really die(Swoon Theory) 2. Hallucination theory 3. Stole the body 4. Went to wrong tomb 5. Legend This alternative theories offer little, if any credible historical evidence. (These will be explored in the next assignment)