2 Peter 1:16
“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”
This is the claim of some who don’t believe in the resurrection. They say that Jesus didn’t rise, but His body was stolen. The disciples made up all of the appearances. The pharisees feared of this and wanted the body guarded.
Here are some reasons why the story wasn’t made up. Most of the disciples were martyred for their faith. Some may die for a lie, but not all. Some would have confessed.
The confidence of the disciples is another reason. Acts 4:13 says, “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” People aren’t that confident for a lie. Detectives are experts at reading people. They know when someone is lying. The apostles gave none of those signs.
Another reason is that there would have been too many people in on the lie. Some of these lived another 60 years. Some would have told of the tale. For all to stick to the story for that long also isn’t possible.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:6, “After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep”. There were too many eye witnesses. Paul is telling the audiences this. Go and talk to them for yourselves.
The reason none of the disciples confessed and why none came up with a different story is because it was true.
God gives enough evidence for us to believe. He loves us and doesn’t want us plagued with doubt. Those who demand proof beyond a shadow of doubt aren’t being reasonable. In reality these want to live their lives the way they want. God puts moral limits on behavior. He also wants us to follow Him. It’s understandable that can make one nervous. But God loves us and can be trusted. This is usually a convenient argument that gives them a way out. God sees through this.
Lord, thank You for all the evidence You’ve provided.