Did the Resurrection Happen?

The resurrection of Jesus is not presented as myth, symbol, or private spiritual experience. It is presented as a public, historical event. The earliest Christian message centered on this claim, and it was proclaimed in places where it could be challenged.

Several facts are widely acknowledged by historians across belief systems:

• Jesus was executed by Roman crucifixion

• His tomb was reported empty

• His followers claimed to see Him alive

• These claims began immediately, not generations later

• Witnesses were willing to suffer and die rather than recant

Even non‑Christian scholars affirm these core points. Bart Ehrman—an agnostic New Testament historian who is openly critical of Christianity—states plainly that Jesus existed, was crucified under Roman authority, and that His followers were convinced they saw Him alive afterward. He notes that no serious historian denies these basic facts, even if they disagree about what they mean.

When historians evaluate ancient events, they look for early sources, multiple witnesses, hostile corroboration, and the ability of claims to be tested. The resurrection accounts meet these criteria unusually well. The message was first proclaimed in Jerusalem—the very city where Jesus had been executed. If the body were still in the tomb, the movement would have collapsed immediately.

Non‑Christian sources confirm that Jesus was crucified, that His followers believed He appeared to them alive, and that this belief spread rapidly. Critics in the first century never argued that the tomb still contained a body; instead, they tried to explain why it was empty.

The disciples did not gain wealth, power, or safety from this message. Many faced imprisonment, beatings, or execution, yet none recanted their testimony. People may die for a lie they believe is true, but not for a lie they know is false.

Alternative explanations—hallucinations, conspiracy, or legendary development—fail to account for all the data: the empty tomb, the multiple appearances, the transformation of the disciples, and the explosive growth of the early church within the same generation.

The question is not whether the claim is convenient, but whether any alternative explanation fits the evidence better.