Supporting Evidence #6: No Refutation The
Enemies of Jesus Gave no Refutation The empty tomb was a well-established fact as evidenced by the inability of Jesus’ enemies to refute it. They were reduced to saying that the disciples had stolen the body. There were no rumors or hints about where the body might have been taken. The resurrection was first preached publicly in Jerusalem, about 7 weeks after the crucifixion. Jerusalem possessed the following attributes: 1. It was the city in which Jesus had been crucified. 2. It was the city in which the empty tomb was, by this time, an infamous fact. 3. It was the seat of Jewish power: the Temple and the Sanhedrin were here. I could maybe get away with going to a far-off place to tell a wild story like someone rising from the dead, but imagine doing this in the very heart of where all these events took place. Then remember how many people were converted: thousands in such a short period of time, right in the midst of all of these things. It boggles the mind. Acts 26:22-26: [Paul is
speaking] “…But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and
testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets
and Moses said would happen – that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to
rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the
Gentiles.” At this
point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted.
“Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not
insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and
reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to
him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was
not done in a corner.” (NIV) |
