A Lawyer's View of the Resurrection

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
Most people admit the fact of Christ’s resurrection, but a lawyer stated the other day that legally the question was beyond doubt, and any court of law would be compelled to admit it.
He said, “I can easily prove my case. If you read your Bible, you will see that there are thirteen witnesses, unimpeached and unimpeachable, whose names are known. They were well acquainted with Christ. They were with Him many times before His death. They saw and talked with Him after the resurrection. Five hundred persons also saw him at one time.
“In the eyes of the law, one witness (not an accomplice) is sufficient to prove the highest offense known to the law-murder. Two witnesses are required to prove treason, and three witnesses is the highest number required to prove the execution of a will.
“There could have been no case of mistaken identity. The five hundred witnesses were liable to err through bias, but where was the motive? Their cause was condemned, their leader killed, themselves outcasts. Would they swear falsely to His identification? It is incredible. The witnesses to the resurrection of Christ never contradicted or denied their testimony, but told the same story as long as they lived.
“This is always competent evidence, especially where the number of witnesses is large. These witnesses all led exemplary lives. As long as life lasted, they lived in poverty and virtue, as their Master had taught. Most of them suffered martyrdom after preaching the gospel all their lives at great personal hazard. Had they not been sincere, they would not have persisted as they did to the end. Yes, any court in the land would have to accept that evidence!”
“Him [Christ Jesus] God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead....To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:40-4340Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; 41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:40‑43)).