Three things must be considered to decide a case upon given testimony. (1) Are the witnesses
honest? (2) Are the facts of a plain, tangible nature? (3) How many witnesses are involved? If
one establishes these three things beyond lingering doubt, he could have no better evidence in any
court of law. It is the strongest evidence within the power of mortal man.
First, then, we inquire, "Were the witnesses honest men? This must be determined from the
circumstances of the case. What were they to gain by their testimony? Did they gain large
fortunes? Were they promoted to honor or high position? Were they given a comfortable, easy
life? Some have been known to receive such things after giving certain testimony. However, the
witnesses of the resurrection received only to the contrary (1 Cor. 4:9-13).
Furthermore, we ask, "Did their testimony agree?" Mark said of the witnesses who testified
against Jesus, "...Their testimonies did not agree." (Mark 14:56). There are no contradictions in
the testimony of those who witnessed of the resurrection. Also, we question, "Were they willing
to stand behind their testimony?" Some in the face of affliction have changed their testimony, but
the apostles and early Christians were willing to suffer imprisonment and death for the testimony
of Jesus (Acts 5:28-29; Rev. 6:9; 12:11; 20:4). It is not in human nature for men to suffer and die
for something they know to be false and promises no earthly rewards. Thus, we have established
the witnesses to be honest.
Next, we inquire, "Were the facts of the resurrection of a plain, tangible nature?" There are three
ways a deception could have been wrought. (1) Had they been only partially acquainted with
Jesus, they could have mistaken Him for some other. (2) If He had been absent for a long time,
they could have forgotten His general appearance. (3) If they did not have a fair opportunity to
identify Him, they could have been deceived.
They were not partially acquainted with Him. They had been closely associated with Him for
over three years and would have known His walk, voice, color of eyes, and even the very lines on
His face. Jesus needed only to call out Mary Magdalene's name for her to recognize Him (John
20:15-17). They were not away from Him for a long time. He was crucified on Friday and raised
on Sunday - hardly enough time to erase Him from their memory. They had a fair opportunity to
identify Him after He was raised. He was in their presence (Matt. 28:9-10; John 20:19-20) and
ate with them (Luke 24:36-43; Acts 10:40-41). They were associated with Him for forty days
(Acts 1:3) and at last saw Him taken up into heaven (Acts 1:9-12).
As to the number of witnesses, besides those mentioned above, on one occasion Jesus was seen of above five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:6). We close with these words from the apostle John: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:1-4)