💥BREAKING: 516+ Witness Of Jesus After His Resurrection! - Historic References: Part 3

BREAKING: 516+ Witness Of Jesus After His Resurrection! Historic. Seeing at this point we have so sufficiently proven through extra-Biblical references, that history declares Jesus lived. We have also showed that the majority of the world religions teach that Jesus was real and lived upon the earth. We will not go to the source material. We will look more importantly to the testimony of not just His life, yet to His resurrection from the dead.  Men and woman who gave up their own lives to retain their testimony of His victorious Resurrection from the Dead. We must remember that many of the eyewitnesses were still alive when these sacred texts were written. They did not write these testimonies in a vacuum. The people alive during this time could easily go and find eyewitness testimony to these events. It would have been much easier to create a fable 100 years after the fact, so far removed from the events. This is not what we find. These testimonies were close enough to the events that they could be substantiated and proven by the masses. What is crazy to think is that in a court of law, the members of the mob could help convict a mob by their testimony and account of His activities, yet with so much proof and testimony given by Jesus’ disciples, people still try to deny the truthfulness and accuracy of these accounts. It is nothing more than willful ignorance at this point. There is too much proof! Jesus Lives!

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New Intro

Transcript

Focus Verse: “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:29

Seeing at this point we have so sufficiently proven through extra-Biblical references, that history declares Jesus lived. We have also showed that the majority of the world religions teach that Jesus was real and lived upon the earth. We will not go to the source material. We will look more importantly to the testimony of not just His life, yet to His resurrection from the dead.  Men and woman who gave up their own lives to retain their testimony of His victorious Resurrection from the Dead. We must remember that many of the eyewitnesses were still alive when these sacred texts were written. They did not write these testimonies in a vacuum. The people alive during this time could easily go and find eyewitness testimony to these events. It would have been much easier to create a fable 100 years after the fact, so far removed from the events. This is not what we find. These testimonies were close enough to the events that they could be substantiated and proven by the masses. What is crazy to think is that in a court of law, the members of the mob could help convict a mob by their testimony and account of His activities, yet with so much proof and testimony given by Jesus’ disciples, people still try to deny the truthfulness and accuracy of these accounts. It is nothing more than willful ignorance at this point. There is too much proof! Jesus Lives!

The New Testament Letters Were Written Roughly Between 50 C.E. To No Later Than 130 C.E. Dependent upon the letter and author, we can roughly estimate these dates from Matthew to Revelations. It was in this time period that we received the Holy Word of God. 

The New Testament Books/Letters were first complied as a Canon with the “Muratorian Canon,” Around A.D. 170-180, or 170-180 C.E. This Collection did not include Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, and 3 John. In A.D. 363, or 363 C.E, the Council Of Laodicea included the 26 books/letters we now have in our New Testament, everything but Revelations. The Council of Hippo, A.D. 393 or 393 C.E. then the Council of Carthage, A.D. 397 or 397 C.E. affirmed the same 26 book/letters as full of authority and inspired by the Holy Spirit, including The Book of Revelation. It has been set this way every since. 

Strange: The Book of Revelation was written between A.D. 68-96 or 68-96 C.E. 

It was not added to Cannon until the Council of Hippo, A.D. 393 or 393 C.E.

The Slow Acceptance And Compiling Of The Cannon Of New Testament Testimonies

(A.D. 95) Clemet Of Rome Mentions 8 Books.

(A.D. 108) Polycarp The Disciple of John Acknowledges 15 Books.

(A.D. 115) Ignatius of Antioch Acknowledges 7 Books.

(A.D. 185) Irenaeus Acknowledges 21 Books.

(A.D. 170-235) Hippolytus Acknowledges 22 Books.

For many reasons, this process took time, to write them in the first place, and then prove them in unity with scripture, authenticating the author, proving Apostolic authority, etc. 

~LET THE INVESTIGATION BEGIN!~

Acts 13:28-32 “Though they found no basis for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed.  (29)  When they had accomplished everything that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb.  (30)  But God raised him from the dead,  (31)  and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses to the people.  (32)  And we proclaim to you the good news about the promise to our ancestors,”

The Declaration Of Witnesses

1 John 1:1-3 “This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched (concerning the word of life –  (2)  and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us).  (3)  What we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you may have fellowship with us (and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ).”

1 John 4:13-15 “By this we know that we reside in God and he in us: in that he has given us of his Spirit.  (14)  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.  (15)  If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God resides in him and he in God.”

Luke 24:44-49  “Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.”  (45)  Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures,  (46)  and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day,  (47)  and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  (48)  You are witnesses of these things.  (49)  And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

John 21:24 “This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.”

Acts 1:1-3  “I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach  (2)  until the day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.  (3)  To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many convincing proofs. He was seen by them over a forty-day period and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4  “For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received – that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures,  (4)  and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures,”  

Timeline Of Eyewitness Testimony 

To His Resurrection

I used Albert Barnes Commentary 1847-85 As The Layout For Order Events As My Template, But Added And Rearranged Events As I Found Most Important To Provide A Better Harmony of Appearances. I Am Sure This Can Be Revised Further, Yet For Now, It Is Sufficient For Our Goals. 

    The Roman Guards (1st To See The Revelations Of The Resurrected Christ: Gentiles)

    The Event (See: Matthew 27:62-66) Could Be the Guards From The Antonia Watch Tower, Or The Guards That Were Present At The Crucifixion.

Matthew 28:2-4 “Suddenly there was a severe earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven came and rolled away the stone and sat on it.  (3)  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  (4)  The guards were shaken and became like dead men because they were so afraid of him.”

    The Lie…

Matthew 28:11-15 “While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened.  (12)  After they had assembled with the elders and formed a plan, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,  (13)  telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole his body while we were asleep.’  (14)  If this matter is heard before the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”  (15)  So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story is told among the Jews to this day.”

    To Mary Magdalene (The First Revelation To Believers: The Jews)

John 20:11-18 “But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she bent down and looked into the tomb.  (12)  And she saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet.  (13)  They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” Mary replied, “They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have put him!”  (14)  When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.  (15)  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Because she thought he was the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him.”  (16)  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni” (which means Teacher).  (17)  Jesus replied, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  (18)  Mary Magdalene came and informed the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what Jesus had said to her.”

Mark 16:9-10 “Early on the first day of the week, after he arose, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons.  (10)  She went out and told those who were with him, while they were mourning and weeping.”

The 3 Other Ladies

    Mary (Miriam) Mother Of James and Mark (Joses)

Matthew 28:1 “Now after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”

    Salome

Mark 16:1 “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought aromatic spices so that they might go and anoint him.”

    Mystery Of The Other Women

Luke 24:8-10  “Then the women remembered his words,  (9)  and when they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.  (10)  Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles.”

    Possible Candidates…

Luke 8:3 “Joanna the wife of Cuza (Herod’s household manager), Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their own resources.”

Jesus Appeared To This Group Of Woman

Matthew 28:8-10 “So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  (9)  But Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings!” They came to him, held on to his feet and worshiped him.  (10)  Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.””

    To Peter

1 Corinthians 15:3-5  “For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received – that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures,  (4)  and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures,  (5)  and that he appeared to Cephas [Peter], then to the twelve.”

Luke 24:33-34 “So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together (34)  and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!”

    Cleopas & Another Disciple On Their Way To Emmaus

Luke 24:13-34 “Now that very day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  (14)  They were talking to each other about all the things that had happened.  (15)  While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them  (16)  (but their eyes were kept from recognizing him).  (17)  Then he said to them, “What are these matters you are discussing so intently as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad.  (18)  Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?”  (19)  He said to them, “What things?” “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied, “a man who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet before God and all the people;  (20)  and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and crucified him.  (21)  But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened.  (22)  Furthermore, some women of our group amazed us. They were at the tomb early this morning,  (23)  and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.  (24)  Then some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.”  (25)  So he said to them, “You foolish people – how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  (26)  Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?”  (27)  Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures.  (28)  So they approached the village where they were going. He acted as though he wanted to go farther,  (29)  but they urged him, “Stay with us, because it is getting toward evening and the day is almost done.” So he went in to stay with them.  (30)  When he had taken his place at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.  (31)  At this point their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Then he vanished out of their sight.  (32)  They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?”  (33)  So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together  (34)  and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!”

Mark 16:12-13 “After this he appeared in a different form to two of them while they were on their way to the country.  (13)  They went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.”

Note: From This Point Forward, I Will Be Using Paul’s Order Of Events And Appearances Of Jesus, Found In 1 Corinthians 15. Time Gaps And Events Are Often Left Out Of The Appearance. So, We Cannot Be Sure The Exact Order Of Event, Nor If The Writer Was Only Commenting On The Event They Knew About, Yet Unknowingly Omitted Other Appearances, As They Had No Knowledge Of The Appearance.

Note: Terms Like “The 12” or “The Eleven” Are Just A Proper Reference To Say Jesus’ Core Group Of Believers, The Apostles. Not Necessarily Meaning The Exact Number Count. As We Can Cleary See With All The Ladies, Their Entourage Was Larger Than This Small Number Represented.

    Then To The Core Group Of Disciples The Evening Of The Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:5 “and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”

John 20:19+24  “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the disciples had gathered together and locked the doors of the place because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you. (24)  Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.”

Luke 24:33-43 “So they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and those with them gathered together  (34)  and saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!”  (35)  Then they told what had happened on the road, and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.  (36)  While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  (37)  But they were startled and terrified, thinking they saw a ghost.  (38)  Then he said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?  (39)  Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.”  (40)  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.  (41)  And while they still could not believe it (because of their joy) and were amazed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”  (42)  So they gave him a piece of broiled fish,  (43)  and he took it and ate it in front of them.”

Mark 16:14 “Then he appeared to the eleven themselves, while they were eating, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him resurrected.”

    To Thomas And The Rest Of The Apostles

John 20:24-29 “Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.  (25)  The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!”  (26)  Eight days later the disciples were again together in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  (27)  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and examine my hands. Extend your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe.”  (28)  Thomas replied to him, “My Lord and my God!”  (29)  Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.”

    To The Disciples In Galilee

Remember The Prophecy?

Matthew 26:32 “But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Remember This Command?

Matthew 28:7+10 “Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you! Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.”

Matthew 28:16-17 “So the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated.  (17)  When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.”

Albert Barnes Commentary On Matthew 28:17

But some doubted - As, for example, Thomas, Joh_20:25. The disciples had not expected his resurrection; they were therefore slow to believe. The mention of their doubting shows that they were honest men that they were not easily imposed on that they had not previously agreed to affirm that he had risen - that they were convinced only by the strength of the evidence. Their caution in examining the evidence; their slowness to believe; their firm conviction after all their doubts; and their willingness to show their conviction even by their “death,” is most conclusive proof that they were “not” deceived in regard to the fact of his resurrection.

    To more than 500 Believers At One Time

1 Corinthians 15:6  “Then he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”

    Then To James, The Brother Of Jesus

1 Corinthians 15:7a “Then he appeared to James,…”

    Then To Many Other Unnamed Believers

1 Corinthians 15:7 “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”

    Again To 7 Disciples By The Sea OF Tiberias

John 21:1-2+19-14 “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Now this is how he did so. (2)  Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael (who was from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of his were together. + (9) When they got out on the beach, they saw a charcoal fire ready with a fish placed on it, and bread.  (10)  Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you have just now caught.”  (11)  So Simon Peter went aboard and pulled the net to shore. It was full of large fish, one hundred fifty-three, but although there were so many, the net was not torn.  (12)  “Come, have breakfast,” Jesus said. But none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.  (13)  Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.  (14)  This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.”

    For 40 Days In Various And Most Likely Unnoted Ways And People

Acts 13:30-32  “But God raised him from the dead,  (31)  and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are now his witnesses to the people.  (32)  And we proclaim to you the good news about the promise to our ancestors,” + ACTS 1:1-3 AS SEEN ABOVE ON PAGE 3

    The Disciples At His Ascension On The Mount Of Olives

Luke 24:46-51  “and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ would suffer and would rise from the dead on the third day,  (47)  and repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  (48)  You are witnesses of these things.  (49)  And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”  (50)  Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.  (51)  Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven.”

Acts 1:6-12  “So when they had gathered together, they began to ask him, “Lord, is this the time when you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”  (7)  He told them, “You are not permitted to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.  (8)  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.”  (9)  After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight.  (10)  As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them  (11)  and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven.”  (12)  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives (which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away).”

Mark 16:19-20 “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  (20)  They went out and proclaimed everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through the accompanying signs.”

    Then To Saul (Paul, Once Persecutor Of The Church)

1 Corinthians 15:8-9 “Last of all, as though to one born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.  (9)  For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

Acts 9:1-6  “Meanwhile Saul, still breathing out threats to murder the Lord’s disciples, went to the high priest  (2)  and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, either men or women, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.  (3)  As he was going along, approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.  (4)  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  (5)  So he said, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting!  (6)  But stand up and enter the city and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 22:6-10 “As I was en route and near Damascus, about noon a very bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around me.  (7)  Then I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’  (8)  I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’  (9)  Those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.  (10)  So I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told about everything that you have been designated to do.”

    Ananias Of Damascus

Acts 9:10-17 “Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias,” and he replied, “Here I am, Lord.”  (11)  Then the Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called ‘Straight,’ and at Judas’ house look for a man from Tarsus named Saul. For he is praying,  (12)  and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he may see again.”  (13)  But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem,  (14)  and here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call on your name!”  (15)  But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel.  (16)  For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”  (17)  So Ananias departed and entered the house, placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

    Paul, Who Was Saul Repentant Persecutor, Now Faithful Servant

Galatians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle (not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead),”

Galatians 1:11-12  “But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.  (12)  For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Galatians 1:15-19  “and when God was well pleased—having separated me from the womb of my mother, and having called me through His grace—  (16)  to reveal His Son in me, that I might proclaim him good news among the nations, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood,  (17)  nor did I go up to Jerusalem unto those who were apostles before me, but I went away to Arabia, and again returned to Damascus,  (18)  then, after three years I went up to Jerusalem to enquire about Peter, and remained with him fifteen days,  (19)  and other of the apostles I did not see, except James, the brother of the Lord.”

    John The Revelator (Disciple And Apostle Of Jesus)

Revelation 1:9-18  “I, John, your brother and the one who shares with you in the persecution, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.  (10)  I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day when I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,  (11)  saying: “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches – to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”  (12)  I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands,  (13)  and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt around his chest.  (14)  His head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, and his eyes were like a fiery flame.  (15)  His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.  (16)  He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun shining at full strength.  (17)  When I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last,  (18)  and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades!”

Revelation 22:6-16 “And he said to me, These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show to His servants the things which must shortly be done.  (7)  Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this Book.  (8)  And I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel showing me these things.  (9)  Then he said to me, Behold! See, do not do it! For I am your fellow-servant, and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who keep the Words of this Book. Do worship to God.  (10)  And he said to me, Do not seal the Words of the prophecy of this Book; for the time is at hand.  (11)  He acting unjustly, let him still act unjustly. And the filthy, let him be filthy still. And the righteous, let him be righteous still. And the holy, let him be holy still.  (12)  And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according as his work is.  (13)  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last.  (14)  Blessed are they who do His commandments, that their authority will be over the Tree of Life, and they may enter in by the gates into the city.  (15)  But outside are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and makes a lie.  (16)  I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify these things to you over the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright and Morning Star.”

But That’s Not All, Folks!

There Be Many More, Various And Sundry Acts And Visitations Of Jesus, Which We Do Not Know About. So Many They Could Not All Be Written Down!

    In Context After His Resurrection

John 20:30-31 “Now Jesus performed many other miraculous signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  (31)  But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

    In Context During His Ministry

John 21:24-25 “This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.  (25)  There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

As we can clearly see and prove, the multitude of witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus is stupefying and abundant. We have an embarrassment of richness.  Combined with extra Biblical historical references and the multitude of other religious traditions declaring that Jesus lived, and then we marry this to the eyewitnesses to His resurrection. We are left with only one conclusion- Jesus Lived, walked the earth in the flesh, died, was resurrected from the dead, walked the earth again, was taken to Heaven, and once more revealed Himself to John in the book of Revelation. You would be hard pressed with so much conclusive evidence for the lives of many major historical figures. The honest seeker is left with only one honest declaration- Jesus lived, and lives this very day. We must then accept His testimony about Himself:

 “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.” John 14:6