Did Jesus really rise from the dead?

The resurrection of Jesus is the central claim of Christianity. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17 that if Christ has not been raised, the Christian faith is futile. Everything rises or falls on this single historical question.

In this episode, we examine the historical evidence surrounding the death of Jesus and the rise of the early Christian movement. Using the same methods historians apply to other ancient events, we look at several widely accepted historical facts: Jesus’ crucifixion, the empty tomb, the reported appearances of the risen Jesus, the transformation of the disciples, and the dramatic conversions of skeptics like Paul and James.

We also evaluate common alternative explanations such as the conspiracy theory, hallucination theory, swoon theory, and the idea that the resurrection developed as legend.

When all the historical evidence is considered together, which explanation best accounts for the facts?

Sources referenced in this episode include:

William Lane Craig – On Guard
William Lane Craig – Reasonable Faith
Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell – Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Lee Strobel – The Case for Christ
Peter Kreeft & Ronald Tacelli – Handbook of Christian Apologetics
Gary Habermas & Michael Licona – The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

All biblical references are from the English Standard Version (ESV).