Quick answer: More evidence supports the resurrection of Jesus Christ than most events in antiquity.

Have you ever considered the evidence that George Washington was actually the president of the United States? We believe he was the president because people alive at the time said he was. We have written documents. But, that's all we have. None of us were alive at the time. We have to trust the documents and people of the time. We have just as much evidence for the fact that Jesus lived, Jesus died, and Jesus rose again.

The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. Scholars and historians have examined evidence for this event over the centuries, finding compelling support in historical records, eyewitness accounts, and the transformed lives of Jesus' followers. Below, we explore ten key facts that support the resurrection, providing a scholarly foundation for believers.

1. Historical Consistency of the Crucifixion and Burial.

Fact: Nearly all scholars agree on the historical fact that Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate.

“The crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans is one of the most secure facts we have about his life.” (Ehrman, Did Jesus Exist?, p. 146)

Why this matters: Understanding the reality of Jesus’ death affirms the authenticity of the resurrection narrative, a cornerstone of our faith.

2. The Empty Tomb.

Fact: The empty tomb is a point of agreement even among critical scholars.

“The fact that the tomb was found empty is strongly attested in the tradition of the early church.” (William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith, p. 362)

Why this matters: The empty tomb laid the foundation for the early Christian belief in the resurrection, as it suggested something extraordinary occurred.

3. Early Eyewitness Accounts.

Fact: Paul’s writings, such as in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, record encounters with the resurrected Christ, including appearances to Peter, James, and over 500 witnesses.

“Paul’s creed is dated to within 2-3 years of Jesus’ death, a period too short for legend to have developed.” (Gary Habermas, The Historical Jesus)

Why this matters: These firsthand accounts lend historical and spiritual weight to the belief in the resurrection.

4. Transformation of the Disciples.

Fact: The dramatic change in the disciples, from fear to fearless proclamation, is difficult to explain otherwise.

“It’s inconceivable that the early Christians would have developed such a story unless something extraordinary had actually happened.” (N.T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God, p. 233)

Why this matters: The disciples’ willingness to die for their testimony of the resurrection underlines their absolute conviction.

5. The Rise of Early Christian Worship on Sundays.

Fact: Christians shifted their worship from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday, the day of the resurrection.

"This shift was radically innovative and marks the resurrection as a unique event.” (Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses)

Why this matters: Sunday worship remains a celebration of Christ’s victory over death, a practice rooted in the early resurrection testimony.

6. Conversion of Skeptics: James and Paul.

Fact: Jesus’ brother James and Paul (formerly Saul) went from skepticism to belief after witnessing the risen Jesus.

“The conversion of Paul after experiencing what he believed to be a vision of the risen Jesus...is one of the most certain facts of Christian history.” (James D.G. Dunn, Jesus Remembered)

Why this matters: These conversions highlight the profound, life-changing impact of encountering the resurrected Christ.

7. Multiple Independent Sources Confirm the Resurrection.

Fact: The resurrection narrative appears in multiple, independent sources, which strengthens its credibility.

“Multiple attestations strengthen the argument for the resurrection, as they are drawn from diverse traditions.” (Craig Blomberg, The Historical Reliability of the Gospels)

Why this matters: These varied accounts provide a fuller picture of the resurrection and deepen Christian belief.

8. Growth of the Early Church in Hostile Environments.

Fact: Christianity’s rapid spread, despite persecution, suggests that something monumental happened.

“The power of resurrection belief played a decisive role in the explosive growth of the church.” (Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity)

Why this matters: The spread of Christianity, despite severe opposition, indicates that the early believers were driven by their conviction in the resurrection.

9. Lack of Veneration of Jesus’ Tomb.

Fact: Unlike other holy figures, Jesus’ followers did not make his tomb a shrine.

“If Jesus’ body remained in the tomb, his followers would have venerated it, not abandoned it” (Michael Green, The Empty Cross of Jesus).

Why this matters: The absence of a shrine emphasizes the early Christians’ belief that Jesus was alive, and not in need of memorialization.

10. The Enduring Faith of Christians Throughout History.

Fact: The resilience of Christianity hinges on the belief in the resurrection.

“Christian hope is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus, which is the foundation of Christian life and witness.” (Jurgen Moltmann, Theology of Hope )

Why this matters: The resurrection continues to inspire faith, hope, and transformation, upholding the Christian belief in eternal life.

The resurrection is a pivotal claim of Christianity that has inspired centuries of belief and continues to be examined by historians and theologians. For Christians, these facts serve not only as historical evidence but as pillars of faith, inviting them into a deeper understanding of the hope offered through Jesus' victory over death.