By Brian G. Chilton, PhD

Jesus is alive. Jesus was murdered and then, He became alive again.
Jesus is RISEN. This acronym helps organize why we know Jesus lives.
R – Records of the Resurrection
I – Irritating details about Jesus’ Resurrection
S – Sightings of the risen Jesus
E – Early testimony about the risen Jesus
N – Newfound faith within Jesus’ disciples

RECORDS of the RESURRECTION
1) You have Five Independent Testimonies of Jesus’ resurrection in the Gospels.
2) We have Multiple Independent Reports of Jesus’ being risen in the Epistles.
3) There are Multiple Extra-Biblical Records of Jesus’ being alive after His crucifixion.
4) Early Roman (pagan) Historians write about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
5) Talmudic Jewish Rabbis speak unflatteringly about Jesus’ coming back to life.

IRRITATING DETAILS about Jesus’ RESURRECTION
6) The First Eyewitnesses of the Risen Jesus are Women
7) Jewish Sanhedrin member Joseph of Arimathea gave his tomb.
8) Jerusalem is the origin all resurrection reports in AD33.
9) Early Messianic scholarship did not anticipate the resurrection.
10) Mosaic law curses those hung on a tree. Yet, Jesus is honored. Why?
11) Archeology demonstrates that Roman crucifixion nails were fatal.
12) The Decree of Emperor Claudius shows he knew Jesus was reported alive.
13) The Ossuary of James matches the burial practices presented in the gospels.
14) The Shroud of Turin matches resurrection event and records.

SIGHTINGS of the RISEN JESUS
15) 500 Eyewitnesses of Jesus Risen.
16) The universal witness of the Women at the Tomb.
17) The Twelve Disciples were named early.
18) Jesus was seen alive by his half-brother James.
19) Jesus’ previously unbelieving family report Him alive.
20) Jesus appeared to the Apostle Paul, demonstrably alive.

EARLY TESTIMONY
21) Nine Early NT Creeds site Jesus as being alive; risen; resurrected.
22) Strong Early Oral Traditions (prior to the first published documents).
23) The Sermon Summaries in the Book of Acts proclaim Jesus is alive.
24) The earliest written Christology titles of Jesus as “Lord” (and not as dead).
25) Jesus calls Himself “Son of Man” 14 times, referencing His divinity (Daniel 7).
26) All early Resurrection reports (‘stratum’) record a similar chronology.
27) ‘The Empty Tomb’ is the earliest Christian assertion (not a later invention/insertion).
28) Archeology indicates that Jesus was buried at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

NEWFOUND FAITH
29) Rabbi-Scholar Paul (who was an inquisitor) was Transformed.
30) Jesus’ brother James (who was a skeptic) saw Jesus Alive.
31) The Disciples all Died for what they Knew to be True (Jesus is Resurrected).
32) Jewish Jesus Followers changed their Day of Worship to Sunday.
33) Jesus Fulfilled Messianic Prophecies about Himself, including His resurrection.

If Jesus is still dead, Christianity is stupidly foolish.
If Jesus is alive today, He can be your only hope and King.
Jesus is alive. Confess, worship and submit to Him as Lord.

Find the full article here: https://bellatorchristi.com/2024/03/29/33-defenses-for-the-resurrection-of-jesus/

This outline was adapted by George Bradley but first created by Brian Chilton. Credit to Dr. Brian Chilton.