The Resurrection of Jesus Christ was the beginning of Christianity. If Christ had not been resurrected and then seen by many people (at least over 500 people) the Christian religion never would have made it past the first century.
Because of His resurrection, there are over 1 billion Christians today, and there is the promise of eternal life in Heaven for all those who believe in Him. Since Christianity is based on these appearances, and also on the empty tomb, and also the manner in which Peter and John found the empty wrappings in the tomb (read the commentary "Proof of Christ’s Resurrection" on 4/27/03), I think it is important to list the resurrection appearances.
1. His first appearance was to Mary Magdalene on that early Sunday morning. Mark 16:9, John 20:11-18.
2. Jesus appeared to the women returning from the tomb. Matthew 28:9-10.
3. Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-32, Mark 16:12-13.
4. He appeared to Peter in Jerusalem. Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5.
5. HE appeared to His disciples and other followers, and also a second time to the two men from Emmaus, in a locked room in Jerusalem. Note: the apostle Thomas was not there at this time. Luke 24:36-43. John 20:19-23.
6. Eight days after His appearance in No. 5, Jesus again appeared to His disciples behind locked doors, and this time Thomas was present. John 20:24-29.
7. Jesus appeared to seven of His disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. John 21:1-24.
8. Jesus was seen by 500 believers at one time. 1 Corinthians 15:6.
9. He appeared to James. 1 Corinthians 15:7.
10. He appeared to eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Matthew 28:16-20.
11. He walked with His disciples along the road to Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, and then rose up to Heaven. Luke 24:50-53.
12. Some time after He was seen by over 500 people in the above list, He was seen by Paul on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:3-6, 1 Corinthians 15:8.
By George Konig
Christian Internet Forum
www.georgekonig.org
Sept. 14, 2003
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