In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, Paul describes the implications if the resurrection didn’t happen. In short, he says that our preaching is in vain, our faith is futile, that we’re false witnesses about God, that we’re still in our sins, and that we’re utterly pitiable. Without the resurrection, Jesus was a liar and a false prophet. But with confidence, Paul declares that Christ has indeed been raised!
The resurrection is the central claim of Christianity. While other religions focus on internal or personal feelings for verification, Christianity is grounded on the historicity of an event. In that sense it’s testable. So, how do we make the case for the resurrection?
The tomb was found empty. A fact confirmed by the Jewish authorities when they bribed the Roman guards and then spread a rumor that the disciples stole the body. By spreading the rumor, they are implicitly acknowledging the tomb was empty.
The origin and survival of the Christian faith. The gospel was preached within a few months of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. If it could’ve been proved otherwise (e.g., with Jesus’ dead body), the whole movement would’ve perished.
Trustworthy testimonial evidence. The written accounts of the apostles do not come across as dishonest and insincere men perpetuating a fraud. Besides, their religion prohibited lying. There were multiple, independent eyewitness accounts. The accounts do not sound contrived, forged, embellished, or like propaganda documents, but instead, contain different perspectives and awkward or embarrassing items.
Multiple eyewitnesses and conversions. The apostles were eyewitnesses of the risen Christ, plus 500 others, plus doubters like James, and enemies like Paul, who both converted and were later killed for believing Jesus rose from the dead.
Changed behavior. By the earliest accounts, the apostles began worshipping on Sundays (the day the resurrection occurred) instead of on the Sabbath—a severe departure from their Jewish tradition.
Martyrdom. As best we can tell, all but one apostle died a painful martyr’s death. Only the apostle John likely died of old age but that was after a couple unsuccessful executions, including a failed attempt to boil him alive. The apostles were hardcore Jews—they were keenly aware that this new revelation had serious consequences for them (ostracism, injury, and death). Not to mention damnation if they were wrong. Yet none of the eyewitnesses ever recanted.