Habermas' List of Historic Facts  

Habermas’ List of Historic Facts

The following facts surrounding the death of Jesus and the early growth of Christianity have been compiled by Dr. Gary Habermas, an apologist and debater at Liberty University in Virginia. (Habermas, Gary R. and Moreland, J.P. Beyond Death. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1998, page 115. And others).  

I have a story about these facts that I'll tell on the next page. Meanwhile, see what you think! These facts are accepted by virtually all historians, whether they believe in the resurrection or not. Any naturalistic theory put forth must adequately explain each of these facts:

1. Jesus was a real person.

2. Jesus died from the rigors of crucifixion.

3. Jesus was buried.

4. Jesus’ death caused the apostles to despair and lose hope.

5. Jesus’ tomb was found to be empty a few days later (about two-thirds of historians accept this fact).

6. The apostles thought they really saw Jesus risen from the dead.

7. Because of these experiences, the apostles were transformed from doubters who were afraid to identify themselves with Jesus to bold proclaimers of his death and resurrection, and were willing to die for this belief.

8. The doctrine of the resurrection was central in the early church preaching.

9. The resurrection was first proclaimed in Jerusalem, where Jesus had died shortly before. The Jewish authorities, who had much power and motivation to disprove the resurrection, were also centered in Jerusalem.

10. As a result of this message of the resurrection, the church was born and grew.

11. The primary day of worship in the new church was changed to be celebrated on Sunday (the (alleged) day of Jesus’ resurrection) rather than Saturday.

12. James, the brother of Jesus and a skeptic, was converted to the faith when he believed he saw the physical resurrected Jesus.