The Resurrection and the Ascension

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Without the resurrection, there would be no Christianity. Paul states it plainly: "And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14).

The Empty Tomb

On the first day of the week, women who came to anoint the body found the stone rolled away. An angel said: "He is not here, but is risen" (Luke 24:6). Mary Magdalene stayed weeping at the tomb, and the risen Jesus appeared to her: "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master" (John 20:16).

The Appearances

The risen Jesus appeared on many occasions. Paul lists them in the earliest written summary: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time" (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

Thomas

Thomas, who had not been with the others, said he would not believe unless he could touch the wounds. A week later, Jesus appeared and invited him to do so. "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:28-29).

The Evidence

Luke says Jesus "shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days" (Acts 1:3). Christians point to several facts that any explanation must account for [12]:

• The empty tomb, which the authorities could not produce a body to refute. Their explanation was that the disciples stole the body (Matthew 28:11-15).
• The appearances, to individuals and groups, believers and skeptics, men and women.
• The transformation of the disciples, from fearful deserters to bold witnesses, willing to suffer and, according to early tradition, to die.
• The conversion of enemies, notably James, the Lord's brother, and Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul.
• The rise of the Church in Jerusalem, in the very city where Jesus was crucified, and within weeks.

The Commission and the Ascension

Jesus gave his followers their mission: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ... and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:18-20). Forty days after the resurrection, "while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight" (Acts 1:9). Two angels promised that he would return in the same way (Acts 1:11).

CHAPTER 13