In whom is your trust--regarding a defense of truth?
Why did the early Christians, dejected and fearful at first boldly proclaim that Jesus had risen from the dead? Because, answers the apostle Paul, the risen Christ had shown himself alive to many witnesses, such as Peter, the twelve disciples, “more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive” (to confirm this claim!), James, all the apostles, and finally Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV). The enemies of Christ only had to produce a body from his guarded tomb, but they found it empty.
However, Prof. J.K. Elliott has another explanation: After Jesus’ death, his followers “had a vivid and personal feeling that Jesus was in some sense still with them and was guiding them….Jesus was ‘risen’ because his message, personality, power and influence continues after his death.” Especially at their communal meals, they “reminisced about his career, and felt that in some way the memory of him was so strong that they could and did say ‘he is alive’” (Questions Christian Origins, pp. 90-91).
Whom do you find credible: the apostle Paul and all the other eye witnesses, or modern-day skeptics like Prof. Elliott?
From James Scott, Managing Editor of New Horizons, the OPC monthly magazine, March 2002
G. Mark Sumpter
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