The Resurrection and Appearances of Jesus After the Resurrection

Key Concepts

Angel Rolls Away the Stone

• The stone was rolled away not for Jesus to exit but for others to see the empty tomb.
• The resurrection forms the foundation of Easter and this series focuses on post-resurrection appearances.

Series Focus

• A detailed exploration of who Jesus revealed himself to after the resurrection.
• Jesus appeared to hundreds of people over 40 days.

The Gospel and the Resurrection

Core Gospel Elements (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

1. Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
2. He was buried.
3. He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.

Importance of the Gospel

• Even longtime churchgoers sometimes cannot clearly define the Gospel.
• The Gospel encapsulates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection which affords us eternal life.

Witnesses Post-Resurrection

• Jesus appeared to Cephas (Peter), then the 12, more than 500 brethren, James, all apostles, and lastly Paul.
• Women's testimonies were traditionally not included due to cultural norms.

Cultural Context and Implications

dashdash### Significance of Names and Terms

• Cephas is Peter in Aramaic, translated to Petros in Greek.
• Josephus added to the historical validity confirming Jesus' resurrection citing credible witnesses.

Differences in Gospel Accounts

Synoptic Gospels

• Matthew, Mark, and Luke: Similar in content and structure.
• John: Distinct, providing unique details.

Importance of Multiple Perspectives

• Harmonizing Gospel accounts offer a fuller picture of events including Jesus' appearances post-resurrection.

Resurrection Confirmed by Witnesses

• Jesus’ resurrection confirmed by many witnesses, not just mythical sightings.
• A detailed mention of Jews’ customs and Roman's exceptions (#discrepancies in burial laws).

Specific Appearances and Events

Turning to Scripture

1. Corinthians 15:1-8 for key post-resurrection appearances.

Sharing the Gospel

1. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each provide partial but complementary views.
2. Concepts like synoptic views, harmony of the Gospels explained.

Harmony of the Gospels

1. Study method to avoid repetitive flipping in the Bible (#the layout of scriptures).
2. Parallel columns’ utility in comparative study.

Burial of Jesus (John 19:38-42)

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1. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus handle Jesus’ burial under constraints of Jewish customs.
2. Pilate's approval and urgencies of burial before sundown before Passover.

The Resurrection Narrative's Depth

Depth of Cultural Context and Law

1. Sanhedrin’s role and Joseph’s and Nicodemus' secret discipleship highlighted.
2. Roman law and exceptions for Jews recounted explaining why Jesus wasn't left till decomposition.

Fulfillment of Prophecy through Resurrection

Customary Observances before and after Crucifixion

1. Breaking the legs of thieves explained and Jesus’ non-broken bones fulfilling prophecy.
2. The narrative of the burial, Roman exceptions, the involvement of Jewish customs.

Securing the Tomb Post-Burial

1. Chief priests and Pharisees’ plot to seal the tomb against theft and deception.

Events Leading to the Resurrection Chains of Events

1. Angel’s descent, rolled away stone, women visiting the tomb detailed.

The Holistic Picture: Multiple References

1. Gospel harmonization lays groundwork for understanding conflicting details in single accounts.
2. Detailing Josephus’ external validation of the Gospel narrative.

Key Post-Resurrection Events and Teachings

Jesus’ Various Appearances

1. Emphasis on understanding multiple gospel references for full context.
2. Appearances not just one-off events, reinforced by synagogue practices.

Importance of Women in the Post-Resurrection Narrative

1. Cultural context of women's testimony simultaneously indicating the non-fabrication of experiences.

Further Explanation of Synoptic Gospels and Their Harmonization

The Role of Context Across Gospels for Full Understanding

1. Matthew’s Mark, and Luke’s perspectives maintain cultural specificity.
2. John’s different, complementary emphasis establishes fuller understanding.

Conclusion

Resurrection Significance

1. The necessity of resurrection for ultimate fulfillment of scriptures.
2. Harmonizing Gospel accounts offer greater understanding, reinforcing the faith.