Fact a Day: April 13th

Knowing the Truth About the Resurrection (Harvest House, 1996) p. 26

How does the initial skepticism of the apostles supply evidence for the resurrection?

The disciples were initially skeptics. But the resurrection appearances were of such a convincing character that the disciples became transformed men who proceeded to literally transform the world. That Jesus appeared to the disciples as a group at least five times was sufficient to cause them to believe. One brief appearance you could doubt—and most people probably would! Seeing a risen man twice would at least make you stop and think, and, one assumes, make you a bit nervous. But seeing Jesus at least five different times over an extended period, and each time He operates within the context of normal activities—no doubt could remain! When Jesus had lengthy conversations with the disciples (Luke 24:27; John, ch. 21), eaten physical food with them at the dinner table (John 21:10-14; Luke 24:30-43), accompanied them on a seven-mile walk (Luke 24:13,28,29), and similar things, they couldn’t deny it anymore. And neither could anyone faced with such evidence—even in spite of skepticism.

But we must not forget that the disciples were skeptics. Thomas wouldn’t believe unless he actually placed his hand inside Jesus’ wounds: “But he said to them, ‘Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe”’ (John 20:25). When Jesus appeared before him and urged Thomas to do exactly this, Thomas actually placed his hand and fingers into Jesus’ wounds. At this point, Thomas had no choice. He could only respond to Jesus, “My Lord and My God” (John 20:28). If you had experienced what Thomas did, wouldn’t you have said that also?