#2 – the witnesses for it …. ford’s theater (washington, d.c.) friday, april 14, 1865

#2 – The Witnesses For It

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Ford’s Theater (Washington, D.C.)Friday, April 14, 1865


The Witnesses For It


THEIR COLLECTIVE CREDIBILITY Strength and/or weakness of testimony is

often determined by number of witnesses Taught in the Law of Moses Deut 17:6

Also a principle in the gospel of Christ Mt 18:16 1 Tim 5:19


THEIR COLLECTIVE CREDIBILITY Viewed collectively, the testimony of those

who saw the resurrected Lord is compelling Jesus appeared 11 times to others after His

resurrection


Mary Magdalene Jn 20:11-17 Other women believers Mt 28:9-10 Peter Lk 24:34 1 Cor 15:5 Cleopas & unnamed disciple Lk 24:13-35 Apostles, minus Thomas Jn 20:19-23 Apostles with Thomas 1 week later Jn 20:26-29 Seven disciples by Sea of Tiberias Jn 21:1-23 Over 500 brethren at one time 1 Cor 15:6 James 1 Cor 15:7 All the apostles in Galilee Mt 28:16-20 All the apostles at His ascension Acts 1:4-9

Jesus’ 11 Post-Resurrection Appearances


THEIR COLLECTIVE CREDIBILITY Viewed collectively, the testimony of those

who saw the resurrected Lord is compelling Jesus appeared 11 times to others after His

resurrection

These are the “infallible proofs” of Acts 1:3


THEIR CASE These witnesses had “empirical” evidence

Evidence from experiment (experience) and observation…not “theory”

What was this “evidence?” They ate & drank with Jesus Acts 10:40-41

Jn 21:9-15a


THEIR CASE What was this “evidence?”

They saw, heard, touched Jesus Jn 20:25-28 1 Jn

1:1-2

They recognized His voice Jn 20:15-16


THEIR CASE Had they only “partially known” Jesus, or if

He had been gone a long time, they could have been mistaken or even forgotten Him They spent 3+ years with Him…they knew Him Died on Friday…seen again on Sunday There was no doubt to them…it was Jesus


THEIR CHARACTER Their credibility is strengthened when one

considers the following… Their former conduct

Skepticism before turned into belief after seeing Jesus Jn 20:24-28


THEIR CHARACTER Their former conduct

An enemy before became a follower after seeing Jesus Acts 9:1-2 26:19-23

They were not “gullible”…willing to believe anything they were told


THEIR CHARACTER Their honesty

What would they gain with such testimony?Fortunes, comfort in life? 1 Cor

4:9-13 What did false witnesses gain by lying?

Mt 28:11-15 Would they lie for no possible benefit???


THEIR CHARACTER Their transformation

Prior to Jesus’ resurrection, disciples were afraid…totally without hope

They fled at His arrest Mk 14:50 Some denied even knowing Him Mk 14:66-72 They hid behind locked doors Jn 20:19


THEIR CHARACTER Their transformation

After Jesus’ appearance, they fearlessly proclaimed His resurrection Acts 4:3, 18-22

5:28-32, 41-42

Would men with no credibility change from one extreme to another without reason???


THEIR CHARACTER The price they paid

All but 1 suffered martyrdom (accepted by most Bible students)

Only 1 is recorded Acts 12:1-3 Mt 20:20-23 The one not killed was exiled Rev 1:9


THEIR CHARACTER The price they paid

What would have been their motivation to continue supporting something and eventually suffer for something they knew to be false???


Some Concluding Thoughts… History’s most significant event was not

witnessed by anyone alive today Yet, we are asked to accept it and act on it All we have is the testimony of the eye

witnesses who claimed to have seen Him


Some Concluding Thoughts… Are they credible enough to be believed…

especially when viewed collectively? Will the case they make (and the evidence)

stand up to cross examination? Does their character compel you to believe?


Some Concluding Thoughts… If we believe their testimony, even though

we did not see for ourselves… Jesus says we are “blessed” Jn 20:27-29

The “blessing” will be living with this resurrected Ruler in heaven forever!!


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#2 – the witnesses for it …. ford’s theater (washington, d.c.) friday, april 14, 1865

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