The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, Paul declares, “your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection is not merely a theological claim—it is a historical event with compelling evidence. One of the most effective ways to present this case is through the Minimal Facts Approach, a method popularized by scholars like Gary Habermas and William Lane Craig. This approach focuses only on those facts about Jesus that are so strongly supported by historical evidence that nearly all scholars—Christian and non-Christian alike—accept them.

A. Jesus’ Death by Crucifixion

The first minimal fact is that Jesus truly died by crucifixion.

1. Biblical Witness: All four Gospels record His death in detail (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19).

2. Non-Christian Sources:

   • Josephus (Antiquities 18:3): Mentions Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate.

   • Tacitus (Annals 15:44): Records that “Christus… suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of… Pontius Pilatus.”

   • Lucian (The Death of Peregrine): Refers to Christians worshiping a man who was crucified in Palestine.

   • Mara bar Serapion (Letter housed in the British Museum): Alludes to the Jews executing their “wise king.”

The historical consensus is overwhelming: Jesus of Nazareth was crucified under Roman authority.

Pull Quote
“The cross of Jesus is one of the most certain facts of ancient history—attested by both friend and foe.”

B. The Disciples Believed Jesus Rose from the Dead

The second fact is that the disciples were absolutely convinced Jesus rose again.

1. They Claimed It

• Paul’s Testimony: Paul, writing within two decades of the crucifixion, confirms that the disciples proclaimed the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:9–11; Galatians 2:1–10).

• Paul’s Authority: Paul was recognized as authoritative by other apostles (2 Corinthians 10:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:6). Apostolic Fathers like Clement of Rome and Polycarp confirm this.

2. Oral Tradition

• Early Creed (1 Corinthians 15:3–8): This passage reflects a creed Paul “received” and “delivered.”

  • Aramaic indicators (use of “Cephas”) and non-Pauline terms mark it as pre-Pauline.

  • Scholars date its origin within five years of the crucifixion, likely received from Peter and James (Galatians 1:18–19).

3. Written Tradition

• All four Gospels contain multiple resurrection accounts, written within 70 years of Jesus’ death.

• Apostolic Fathers: Clement of Rome (A.D. 95) and Polycarp (A.D. 110) affirm belief in the resurrection.

4. Transformation of the Disciples

The same disciples who fled at Jesus’ arrest (Mark 14:50) later boldly proclaimed Him risen, even unto death.

• Clement of Rome notes Peter and Paul’s martyrdom.

• Ignatius testifies that the apostles, having seen the risen Christ, no longer feared martyrdom (Smyrneans 3:2–3).

This radical change demands explanation.

C. The Conversion of Paul

The third fact is the dramatic conversion of Paul—from persecutor to apostle.

1. Paul’s Own Words: He recounts his transformation in 1 Corinthians 15:9–10 and Galatians 1:13–16.

2. Acts’ Accounts: Paul’s conversion is recorded three times (Acts 9, 22, 26).

A man who once tried to destroy the church became its greatest missionary—because he encountered the risen Jesus.

Why This Matters

These minimal facts—Jesus’ death by crucifixion, the disciples’ belief in His resurrection, and the conversion of Paul—form a foundation nearly all scholars acknowledge. Alternative explanations (hallucinations, conspiracy, or myth) fail to account for all the evidence.

The resurrection remains the best explanation for the facts.

Summary

The historical case for the resurrection stands on firm ground. The death of Jesus by crucifixion, the disciples’ unwavering proclamation of His resurrection, and Paul’s radical conversion all point to one conclusion: Jesus truly rose from the dead.

Key Points

1. Jesus’ crucifixion is one of the best-attested events in ancient history.

2. The disciples proclaimed the resurrection with conviction, supported by early oral and written traditions.

3. Paul’s radical conversion is inexplicable apart from a real encounter with the risen Christ.

Engaging Question
How does the historical evidence for the resurrection strengthen your personal faith—and how could you use it to share the gospel with others?