An eyewitness is one whose firsthand knowledge of a crime or an important event is used to ascertain the actual facts surrounding the event in a court of law. One witness is usually insufficient. “The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15).
Paul reminded the Corinthians to remember what they had believed when they first accepted the good news (1 Corinthians 15:1). They were to continue believing that “Christ died for [their] sins . . . was buried, and . . . was raised from the dead on the third day” (vv.3-4). This was the basis of their salvation, for it was true (v.2).
In the span of 40 days, Jesus “appeared to the apostles . . . and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive” (Acts 1:3).
In 1 Corinthians 15:5-7, Paul listed credible key eyewitnesses: Peter (Luke 24:34; John 21:1-22), the Twelve (Luke 24:33-49; John 20:19-28), James, Jesus’ previously unbelieving half-brother (John 7:5; Galatians 1:19), and all the apostles (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:3-8). Paul referred to an occasion (possibly Acts 1:9-11) where Jesus “was seen by more than 500 of His followers at one time” (1 Corinthians 15:6). Paul also named himself, for he had met the risen Lord on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-5).
Writing some 20 years after the resurrection (AD 53–56), Paul stated that “most of [these eyewitnesses] are still alive” (1 Corinthians 15:6). The fact of Christ’s resurrection, readily verifiable, is firmly established by the testimonies of more than 500 eyewitnesses (John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1).
As eyewitnesses, we too can testify to Jesus’ reality. We have experienced His salvation and presence, and our lives will never be the same!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 103:1-22
More:
Read Matthew 28:1-15, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-18 to find out what really happened on the morning of the first Easter Sunday.
Next:
If you were to testify as a witness, what might you say that would convince others that Jesus is alive? How do the changed lives of true believers in Jesus also bear witness to His reality?
tom felten on May 16, 2012 at 10:02 am
So true. Both the historical and experiential aspects of being an “eyewitness” of Jesus are powerful presentations of His reality. For more, click here to read a helpful online article titled “10 Reasons to Believe Christ Rose From the Dead.”
mike wittmer on May 16, 2012 at 2:55 pm
This is a good reminder that our faith is historical. It’s not something we could ever figure out or even guessed, but it’s about what God has chosen to do in time and space. It wasn’t logically necessary, but I’m glad he saved me!
daisymarygoldr on May 16, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Good post and comments, KT & Co. We cannot convince anyone that Jesus is alive. When we believe in the risen Lord, rivers of living water flows out from within us to others (John 7:38). It is the resurrected power of His Spirit that makes us effective witnesses of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8).
People from all walks of life—Jews and gentiles; rich and poor; young and old, literate and illiterate have followed Jesus for 2,000 years. They boldly proclaim that He has radically changed their lives. In other words, Jesus is not just a historical figure to them; He is a real Person with whom they actually pursue a living relationship.
The life-giving power of God’s Spirit knows no boundary of time or space. It breathes life and revives the dead souls of skeptics, unbelievers, doubters and convinces even those who are enemies of the cross. Even today in our own age, those who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed.
The lives of all those who truly believed are altered forever. Staying true to our faith, we do not hesitate to suffer hardship, persecution and even death. In fact, many are tortured and killed because they proclaim Jesus is alive. This is how changed lives of true believers bear witness to the reality that—Jesus is alive and alive forevermore.
tom felten on May 17, 2012 at 9:49 am
Good thoughts, daisymarygoldr. When you wrote, “The lives of those who truly believed are altered forever,” it reminded me of the transformation of Paul—from Christian persecutor and killer to faithful follower of Jesus. From a man of violence to a man of grace. And just think of the countless individuals across the centuries who have turned to Jesus, drank deep of His grace, and lived out “new creation” lives—revealing the profound effects of God’s Holy Spirit actively working within them!