The ResurrectionThe Resurrection

ApologeticsApologetics

David EvansDavid Evans

4 Basic Theories4 Basic Theories• Hallucination: Jesus didn’t Hallucination: Jesus didn’t rise- the apostles were rise- the apostles were deceiveddeceived

• Myth: The apostles were Myth: The apostles were myth-makersmyth-makers

• Conspiracy: The apostles Conspiracy: The apostles were deceiverswere deceivers

• Swoon: Jesus didn’t dieSwoon: Jesus didn’t die

Swoon Swoon theory is false because:theory is false because:

1.1. Jesus couldn’t have survived the Jesus couldn’t have survived the crucifixioncrucifixion

2.2. No legs brokenNo legs broken

3.3. Blood and Water from the heartBlood and Water from the heart

4.4. Body was encased in windy sheetsBody was encased in windy sheets

5.5. The disciples were convinced he was The disciples were convinced he was gloriously alivegloriously alive

6.6. Roman guardsRoman guards

7.7. Great stoneGreat stone

8.8. No data on Jesus’ life after the No data on Jesus’ life after the crucifixion, where did he go?crucifixion, where did he go?

ConspiracyConspiracy theory is false because:theory is false because:

1.1. No one confessed freely or under pressure that No one confessed freely or under pressure that the resurrection was a fake or liethe resurrection was a fake or lie

2.2. To make up the story they must be the most To make up the story they must be the most clever, creative, intelligent fantasists in historyclever, creative, intelligent fantasists in history

3.3. They willingly died for their conspiracyThey willingly died for their conspiracy

4.4. Lies are always told for some selfish advantageLies are always told for some selfish advantage

5.5. If it was a lie the Jews would’ve got the corpse If it was a lie the Jews would’ve got the corpse and gotten rid of the superstition right awayand gotten rid of the superstition right away

6.6. Could not have gotten away proclaiming the Could not have gotten away proclaiming the resurrection in Jerusalem( same time, same resurrection in Jerusalem( same time, same place, full of eyewitnessesplace, full of eyewitnesses

HallucinationHallucination theory is false because:theory is false because:

1.1. Too many witnessesToo many witnesses

2.2. The 500 people saw Jesus together, at the same time, The 500 people saw Jesus together, at the same time, at the same placeat the same place

3.3. Hallucinations usually last a few seconds or minutes, Hallucinations usually last a few seconds or minutes, this one lasted for 40 daysthis one lasted for 40 days

4.4. Hallucinations usually happen once, except to the Hallucinations usually happen once, except to the insane. This one returned many times to ordinary insane. This one returned many times to ordinary peoplepeople

5.5. Hallucinations don’t eat. Christ ate on at least 2 Hallucinations don’t eat. Christ ate on at least 2 occasionsoccasions

6.6. Figments of your imagination do not have profound Figments of your imagination do not have profound extended conversations with youextended conversations with you

7.7. Wouldn’t have believed in a hallucination if a corpse Wouldn’t have believed in a hallucination if a corpse was still therewas still there

Myth Myth theory is false because:theory is false because:

1.1. Not enough time for a myth to develop- dates for Not enough time for a myth to develop- dates for writing the Gospels have been pushed back by writing the Gospels have been pushed back by every manuscript discoveryevery manuscript discovery

2.2. The 1The 1stst witnesses were women. In 1 witnesses were women. In 1stst century century Judaism, women’s testimony’s were considered Judaism, women’s testimony’s were considered worthlessworthless

3.3. 2 Peter 1:16 says that the resurrection is not a myth, 2 Peter 1:16 says that the resurrection is not a myth, so then it would be a lie, so then it comes down to so then it would be a lie, so then it comes down to either being a lie or the truth not a mytheither being a lie or the truth not a myth

4.4. The Gospels are written by disciples, not by later The Gospels are written by disciples, not by later myth makers, the Gospels we have today aer myth makers, the Gospels we have today aer essentially the same as the originalsessentially the same as the originals

ConclusionConclusion• The Resurrection of Jesus occurred.The Resurrection of Jesus occurred.• It is one of the most well attested to It is one of the most well attested to

historical events.historical events.• It is the basis and foundation for our It is the basis and foundation for our

faith. 1 Cor 15. It is our hope & joy.faith. 1 Cor 15. It is our hope & joy.• It is by the resurrection that believers It is by the resurrection that believers

are saved. 1 Peter 3:21are saved. 1 Peter 3:21