Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? A Look at the Evidence

The resurrection of Jesus is the central claim of Christianity. For many, this is the hardest thing to believe, perhaps understandably, after all, dead people don’t just come back to life. So, is there any real evidence that Jesus rose from the dead? Or is it just wishful thinking or ancient myth?

Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons why billions of people — including historians, scholars, and everyday Christians — believe the resurrection of Jesus is not just a religious idea, but a historical event with serious implications.

1. The Tomb Was Empty

All four Gospel accounts agree that Jesus was buried in a tomb and that on the third day, that tomb was found empty. What’s striking is that the first people to discover this were women — and in that culture, a woman’s testimony didn’t carry much weight. If the story had been made up, you’d expect the authors to have men find the empty tomb. But they didn’t — probably because they were just telling the truth.

Even Jesus' opponents didn’t deny the tomb was empty. Instead, they claimed the disciples had stolen the body (Matthew 28:11–15). That response actually supports the fact that the tomb was indeed found empty — otherwise, they would have just produced the body.

2. Many Claimed to See Him Alive

After his death, multiple people claimed to see Jesus alive again — not just individuals, but entire groups. One early Christian leader, Paul, even said that Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). These weren’t fleeting visions or ghost stories — they included physical interactions: talking, walking, even eating meals together (Luke 24:36–43).

These experiences happened over several weeks, in different places, and to different people. Some have suggested they were hallucinations, but hallucinations don’t usually happen to large groups at once — and they’re rarely shared or consistent.

3. His Followers Were Radically Changed

When Jesus was arrested and crucified, his followers scattered, frightened and disillusioned. But just a short time later, these same people were boldly preaching that Jesus was alive — in the very city where he had been executed.

They weren’t gaining power or popularity — they were beaten, imprisoned, and even killed for this message. Something had clearly convinced them that Jesus was not dead. And for them, it wasn’t just an idea — it was a life-changing reality.

4. Even His Sceptical Brother and an Enemy Believed

Two particularly interesting cases are James (Jesus’ brother) and Paul.

James didn’t believe in Jesus during his ministry (John 7:5), but after the resurrection, he became a key leader in the early church. What changed his mind? According to early sources, he saw the risen Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7).

Paul was a staunch opponent of the Christian movement — even arresting and persecuting Christians. But he claimed to have encountered the risen Jesus in a dramatic way, and his life took a complete U-turn. He became one of Christianity’s most passionate and influential leaders.

5. It Wasn’t a Later Legend

Some suggest the resurrection story was made up decades or centuries later. But one of the earliest pieces of Christian writing we have — a creed recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:3–7 — dates to within just a few years of Jesus' death. This shows that belief in the resurrection wasn’t a later invention. It was there from the very beginning.

So, What Do You Think?

Of course, believing that Jesus rose from the dead isn’t just about evidence — it’s also about faith. But the evidence gives us reason to take the claim seriously.

If Jesus really did rise from the dead, then it confirms who he said he was. It means death isn’t the end. It means forgiveness, new life, and hope are possible. And it means the story of Jesus isn’t just ancient history — it’s a message for you and me today.