"Then he (Jesus) appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.” | 1 Corinthians 15:6 According to researchers, First Corinthians 15 is the only place in ancient literature that documents Jesus' appearance to over 500 people at once. Neither secular historians nor the Gospels mention this significant part of the post-resurrection actions of Jesus. However, the lack of discussion doesn't in the least taint the authenticity of this record.
Dr. Gary Habermas, an old professor of mine who also happens to be the leading expert in apologetics around the world, has an interesting take on the exclusivity of the Corinthian letter account. In an interview about First Corinthians 15, Habermas believes that although it is the only record of the 500 plus person appearance, it is also the earliest and best-authenticated passage of all. Habermas then went on to say, "Scholars believe these verses were actually an early creed of the church, the elements of which even atheistic scholar Gerd Ludemann said to be dated no later than two-three years after the resurrection."
Another factor that lends more credibility to the record is the connection between Paul and the eyewitness believers. Apparently the Apostle Paul, who authored First Corinthians, had direct contact with a certain amount of these 500 plus witnesses, some of whom were still living! By making this statement, Paul was inviting anyone in his day to investigate his claims. One would conclude that if the witnesses who saw the resurrected Christ weren't real or living, Paul wouldn't have recorded that statement because he could easily be refuted. Perhaps this is why German historian Hans von Campenhausen stated this concerning the integrity of First Corinthians 15; "This account meets all the demands of historical reliability that could possibly be made of such a text."
With these basic facts in mind, we can logically accept First Corinthians 15 as an official historical document of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. More importantly, by faith, we can trust every jot and tittle of God's Word. Every prophecy, parable, command, and accounts of the Life of Christ all have a purpose in God's plan. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus promises;
"I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”
Find Out More & Get My Daily Inspiration Emailed To You Each Day:
Connect With Crossroads Church:
Online:
Watch Messages:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
YouTube:
App:
0 Comments