Introduction

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is arguably the most contested event in human history. And it is the most important, especially to the Christian faith. This short Post provides a list of over 500 eyewitnesses to the risen Christ as seen in the Bible.

The Appearances and Eyewitnesses to the Risen Christ

There are many people today, just like there had been a lot of people in history, who do not believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Some of these people are from religions other than Christianity. That means they do not believe or follow the Bible. But there are others who read the Bible but claim that Christ only resurrected spiritually. But the Bible teaches physical, bodily, resurrection.

The apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ provide us with substantial evidence of the resurrection. The New Testament gives at least eleven human and physical encounters with the rise Christ.

Many of these encounters involves multiple eyewitnesses. At one point, 500 people saw the risen Christ in one location. And in one particular occasion, He ate with His disciples and permitted them to touch Him.

The Eyewitnesses to the Resurrection of Jesus

These eyewitnesses may be arranged as follows:

  1. Mary Magdalene at the sepulcher alone on resurrection morning – John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9-11.
  2. A group of women, “the other Mary,” Salome, Joanna, and others, as they returned from the sepulcher – Matthew 28:1-10
  3. Simon Peter alone on the day of the resurrection – Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5
  4. The two disciples on the way to Emmaus on the day of the resurrection – Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35
  5. The ten disciples (Thomas being absent) and others “with them,” at Jerusalem on the evening of the resurrection day – John 20:19-24
  6. The disciples again (Thomas being present) at Jerusalem – Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:33-40; John 20:26-28. See also 1 Corinthians 15:5
  7. The disciples when fishing at the Sea of Galilee – John 21:1-23
  8. The eleven, and above 500 brethren at once, in Galilee – Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6
  9. James, details of this encounter not provided in – 1 Corinthians 15:7
  10. The apostles with Him prior to the ascension at Mount Olivet – Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:4-10
  11. The Apostle Paul, formerly Saul or Tarsus, on the way to Damascus – Acts 9:3-9,17; 1 Corinthians 15:8; 9:1

Based on what the Bible says in Acts 1:3, there are definitely more encounters with the risen Christ that are not recorded. But where you stand on this will depend on whether you believe the Bible or not.

Why the Resurrection of Jesus is Important

There are many reasons why everyone needs to take the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ seriously. But one of the most important is the truth that His resurrection is part of the work of our redemption. Everything that Jesus did during His earthly life and ministry is for our redemption from the penalty of sins.

The Bible states that the Old Testament Scriptures speak about the suffering and death of Christ for our sins and transgressions. And it gives us a list of eyewitnesses to support the fact that Jesus actually rose from the dead.

Among many other passages in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 gives the message of the gospel. Jesus Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. That is the message that you must believe to be saved. For more about how to be saved, please take a look at How to be Saved and The Gospel of Salvation. Check out the Gospel Playlist on Grace Tidings YouTube Channel.

Thank you for reading!