How do we know Jesus rose from the dead? Here’s the proof

… “We know that Jesus is risen from the dead because the Apostles said so.” They were eyewitnesses

… What if they made the whole thing up or were delusional? What if, by Resurrection, they merely meant that Jesus lived on in their hearts and in their memory?

… How could twelve uneducated men, who lived on lakes and rivers and wastelands, get the idea for such an immense enterprise [of spreading the Gospel worldwide]?

… men who perhaps had never been in a city or a public square think of setting out to do battle with the whole world?

… when Christ was arrested, they fled, despite all the miracles they had seen

… He could not save himself but now he will protect us?

… In his lifetime he brought no nation under his banner, but by uttering his name we will win over the whole world?

… if they had not seen him risen and had proof of his power, they would not have risked so much (St. John Chrysostom, Hom. 4,3.4: PG 61,34–36)

… Every one of them except perhaps John died as a martyr

… Who would do such a thing for a made-up story or a vague hope?

… only the actual occurrence of the Resurrection can adequately explain the heroics and tenacity of the Apostles in going forth to proclaim the truth. The Apostles are trustworthy eyewitnesses. Christ is risen indeed!