The 10 Appearances of Jesus AFTER His Resurrection +1

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is our example, the way to eternal life, our hope of glory. If Jesus wasn't resurrected, then there is no Christian faith. There is no hope of glory for the rest of us. If Jesus wasn't resurrected, where would that leave us?

Jesus’ resurrection has been disputed from the very beginning. If Jesus really was resurrected from the dead as He said, it would have turned the Jewish world upside down. The Chief Priests, the scribes and Pharisees, and the Sadducees, their entire religious belief system would have been compromised and their aristocratic status ruined. The truth had to be covered up.

The Roman soldiers who had been guarding Jesus’ tomb knew full well what happened. They saw the angel of the Lord descend from heaven. They saw the bright light. They felt the earthquake. They saw the angel roll the stone away from the door and were in shock and fell down as dead men.

So, the elders and the Chief Priests paid the Roman soldiers who had been guarding Jesus’ tomb large sums of money to lie, to say Jesus wasn’t resurrected but that Jesus' body was stolen by his disciples during the night while they slept. (Matt 28:12)

God is not the author of confusion (1Cor 14:33) but guess who is. At first Jesus had been killed and his followers scattered. Satan thought he had triumphed. Until the stone was rolled…

The entire event had to be obliterated or surrounded with such a fog of doubt and confusion that it would be dismissed without anyone ever giving it serious consideration.

But our God had a plan to counter their feeble efforts through a series of eyewitness accounts.

Proving the resurrection is absolutely fundamental to our faith. Paul tells us that without the resurrection, forget about it. Forget about it all. Without the resurrection of Christ, we have no faith. We have no hope. We might as well eat, drink, and be merry and do the best we can in this life for there is no other. On the bedrock of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is built the entire gospel message, the message we’re commissioned to carry to the ends of the earth.

The Kingdom of God depends on it. If there is no resurrection, there is no Millennium. There is no Kingdom of God on Earth.

1Co 15:12-14 NKJV  Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  (13)  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.  (14)  And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

 1Co 15:20 NKJV  But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1Co 15:29-32 NKJV  Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?  (30)  And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?  (31)  I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.  (32)  If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE!"

 What Paul’s saying here is, what would be the point of putting ourselves in danger, to be persecuted, to be beaten, to be tortured, to be killed, for Jesus’ sake and the gospel’s if there is no resurrection? (Mar 10:29) If Christ was not resurrected, then how could we have any hope of being resurrected?

But Christ was resurrected and in this we rejoice and offer ourselves daily as a living sacrifice. (Rom 12:1)

So, is proof of the resurrection important? You bet it is! You’ve pledged your life based on it!

God had a plan to counter the naysayers. Through God’s divine plan, He brought about so great a cloud of witnesses that the resurrection cannot be refuted though they continue to try even to this day.

What does the Bible tell us about how to go about proving a matter?

... at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. (Deu 19:15)

... that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (Mat 18:16)

What if I told you, there were not 2 or 3 witnesses but that He appeared on 10 separate occasions to a total of over 500 people? Wouldn’t that be conclusive evidence that He was risen from the dead?

Today we’re going to look at those ten separate appearances of Jesus AFTER His resurrection and establish the matter firmly fixed in our minds. To start us off we’ll look at what it says in Acts chapter one.

Act 1:1-3 KJV  The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,  (2)  Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Spirit had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:  (3)  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

The Amplified version says,

“by [a series of]

many convincing demonstrations

[unquestionable evidences

and infallible proofs]” 

Now let's walk through the 10 appearances of Jesus Christ AFTER His resurrection.

The first witnesses were the women who arrived early Sunday morning at the tomb to continue wrapping Jesus’ body in spices bought on the Friday between the first Day of Unleavened Bread and the weekly Sabbath.

1 - To Mary Magdalene

Mar 16:9-11 KJV  Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.  (10)  And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.  (11)  And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

Mary knew exactly which tomb it was. She and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were there the evening before when Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus laid him in the tomb. (Mar 15:47; Joh 19:39)

2 - To Mary, mother of James, Joanna, and the "other women"

This was Mary, the mother of Jesus, James (the Less), and Joses, Jesus’ half-brothers, Salome, believed to be the wife of Zebedee, and the mother of James (the Great) and John, the “sons of thunder” who had requested of Jesus that her two sons sit on His right and on His left in the Kingdom, and Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward. We’re not told who the “other women” are exactly.

Mat 28:9 KJV And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

In the first century, women were considered second-class citizens with rights barely above that of slaves. They were not allowed even to testify in court. So, if you were going to make up a story about Jesus' resurrection, you wouldn't have people whose testimony was of no account lead the way. You probably wouldn't even mention it. By having all four gospels tell the story of women seeing Jesus alive first, the story rings true. 

Number three was an encounter with two men on the road headed out of Jerusalem.

3 - To Cleopas and one other on the road to Emmaus

Luk 24:13-33 KJV And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs [7 ½ miles]. (14) And they talked together of all these things which had happened. (15) And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. (16) But their eyes were holden [restrained] that they should not know him.

(21) But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. (22) Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; (23) And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. (24) And certain of them which were with us [Peter and John] went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

(27) And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

(30) And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. (31) And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. (32) And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (33) And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them

Notice these men believed the prevailing Jewish narrative that the Messiah was to overthrow the Roman occupation and restore the kingdom to power. They were quite disappointed when that did not prove to be the case. They had given up and were returning home. Since they did not have an understanding that the Messiah had to come first as a suffering Lamb, they needed to have the books opened unto them regarding the gospel message of Christ. Likely it included Isaiah 53. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to be with the 11 though it was already late in the evening.

Question – What is going to occur with those who do not understand who Christ is at the second resurrection at the end of the Millennium? Aren't the books going to be opened to their understanding and their eyes opened to the truth? (Rev 20:12) This was a foreshadowing of the future.

4 - To Simon Peter

Luk 24:34-35 KJV Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. (35) And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

1Co 15:5 KJV And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

We’re not told when this happened exactly but somewhere along the way He appeared to Simon Peter (Cephas). (Joh 1:42)

Think of the transformation Peter went through. From totally denying Christ three times, and hiding away fearful of being killed by the Jews, to speaking boldly and confidently at Pentecost, passionately explaining the prophecy and fulfillment of the resurrection of Christ.

When he and John arrived at the empty tomb, neither of them knew the scripture that Christ would rise from the dead (John 20:9), though Jesus had told them that after 3 days he would rise again. (Luk 18:33; Mar 10:34)

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (Joh 20:9 KJV) 

What could have caused such a dramatic change? Could it have been seeing Jesus in the flesh after the resurrection? Could it have been also when Jesus opened his mind to the scriptures as well in Luke 24:45?

Next, Christ appeared to the disciples on three separate occasions.

5 - To the disciples without Thomas

Joh 20:19-24 KJV Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (20) And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (21) Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (22) And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy [Spirit]: (23) Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (24) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, [the twin] was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples told Thomas they had seen Jesus but “Doubting Thomas” refused to believe until he personally saw him and stuck his finger in the holes in his hands and his side.

Notice Jesus was still hungry. He asks them for something to eat so they gave him some fish and honey. He didn’t actually eat with the boys from Emmaus. He only took bread, blessed it, brake it and gave it to them, but he didn’t eat.

6 - To the disciples with Thomas

Joh 20:26-29 KJV And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (27) Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (29) Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

  

7 - To 7 of the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius

Joh 21:1-4 KJV After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. (2) There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee [James and John], and two other of his disciples. (3) Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (4) But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

(7) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (8) And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) [100 yards] dragging the net with [153] fishes.

(12) Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. (13) Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. (14) This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

Some disparaging theories claim that the disciples concocted the whole resurrection story so as not to discredit Jesus. They made it up! If the resurrection was a big fat lie, they had to have known it. Would they have then risked their lives, suffered persecution, and allowed themselves be tortured and killed for a lie they just made up? Not a chance!

They knew deep in their hearts that the resurrection was true.

Number eight was to a large crowd. It appears this may have been at the same time he gave the Great Commission to the eleven disciples to go ye therefore into all nations, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you, as this was also in Galilee after His resurrection about the same time. (Mat 28:16; Mar 16:15)

8 - To over 500 in Galilee

1Co 15:6 KJV After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Jesus was seen alive after the resurrection by over 500 people! Some had died but most of them were still alive when Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth over 20 years later in 54-55 AD. How could you possibly argue with that many eye witnesses? They know what they saw!

9 - To James the Lord's brother

1Co 15:7 KJV After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

Anybody here have a brother? Anyone think they could convince their brother that they’re the Messiah? Neither could Jesus. It was only AFTER the resurrection and Jesus appeared to James that James believed. The resurrection of Jesus had such a profound impact on James that he couldn’t help but believe. He ended up leading the church from Jerusalem.

10 - To 11 disciples on the Mount of Olives

Act 1:9-11 KJV And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

(9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

They witnessed his ascension into heaven. Stephen even saw Christ there standing at the right hand of the Father before he died, a further witness! (Act 7:55)

As He departed from the Mount of Olives, He will return the same way to the same place. (Zec 14:4)

+1 - To Saul on the road to Damascus

1Co 15:8 KJV And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

But Paul doesn’t offer us any explanation here. Let’s look at the account in Acts chapter nine.

Act 9:1-18 KJV  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,  (2)  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.  (3)  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  (4)  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5)  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (6)  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (7)  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.  (8)  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.  (9)  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.  

(17)  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  (18)  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Paul described meeting Jesus to King Agrippa this way

Act 26:12-18 KJV  Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,  (13)  At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.  (14)  And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (15)  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. (16) But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; (17) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, (18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

If that’s not proof enough, after his conversion, Paul was not trained in the gospel by Peter, James, John, or any other man but spent 3 years in Arabia being taught by Jesus Himself -

Gal 1:11-18 KJV  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  (12)  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.  

(15)  But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,  (16)  To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:  (17)  Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.  (18)  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

There’s no doubt that Paul met with Jesus after his crucifixion. Paul even spent 3 years being taught directly by Jesus Christ, just like the other apostles were taught for 3 years before Christ's crucifixion. Then he went to Jerusalem to meet Peter and compare notes.

Paul went from being the most infamous violent destroyer of the Christian sect to becoming its most notorious zealous ally and advocate.

What explanation other than seeing the resurrected Christ could there be for someone who so vehemently opposed the Way, the sect that followed Jesus to have had such a dramatic change of heart?

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These 10 appearances of Jesus, yea 11, AFTER He was resurrected offer many infallible proofs, eyewitness accounts that Jesus was indeed resurrected from the dead. They even watched Him ascend into heaven to be with the Father.

BONUS – Side Note

It is also reassuring to note that when Christ was resurrected, the graves of the saints at that time were opened and they too were resurrected.

Mat 27:52-53 KJV  And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,  (53)  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

That must have been something! Why is this important? It’s proof that it can be done. Isn't it comforting to see that regular people can be resurrected too, not just our Messiah? It’s further evidence that we too will be resurrected. It gives us hope.

Act 17:30-31 NKJV  Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,  (31)  because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

God the Father loves us and has made exceeding great and precious promises to us. He wants us to rest assured that He is still on His throne and has provided us with innumerable witnesses that we too will be resurrected at Jesus’ return.

Heb 12:1-2 KJV  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  (2)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Remember, Christ’s resurrection matters!  You can stake your life on it!

He did!

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