John 20:1-10
Suggested further reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Concerning the evidences of Christ's resurrection — the
proofs that he actually did rise again from the grave with his body — it
is most remarkable to observe how full and various they are. He
was seen at least eleven times after he rose again, at different times
of day, in different ways and by different witnesses.
The order of Christ's eleven appearances between his
resurrection and ascension, I believe to be as follows:
1. to Mary Magdalene alone (Mark 16:9; John 20:14);
2. to certain women returning from the sepulchre
(Matt. 28:9-10);
3. to Simon Peter alone (Luke 24:34);
4. to two disciples going to Emmaus (Luke 24:13);
5. to ten apostles at Jerusalem and some other
disciples, Thomas being absent (John 20:19);
6. to eleven apostles at Jerusalem, Thomas being
present (John 20:26-29);
7. to seven disciples fishing at the sea of Tiberias
(John 21:1);
8. to eleven apostles on a mountain in Galilee and
perhaps some others with them (Matt. 28:16);
9. to above five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:7);
10. to James only (1 Cor. 15:7);
11. to all the apostles and probably some others on
Mount Olivet at his ascension.
He was seen first by one woman alone, then by several
women together, then by one man, then by two men and each time in
the open air. Then he was seen by ten disciples in the evening in
a room, then by eleven disciples again in a room and afterwards
on five different occasions, at one of which no less than five
hundred people were present. Those to whom he appeared touched
him, talked with him and saw him eat and drink (Matt. 28:9; John
20:27; Luke 24:42). Nor must it be forgotten that all who saw him
were most unwilling at first to believe and most slow to credit the
report of his resurrection. Yet they were all finally convinced!
For meditation: Few historical events are as well documented
as the resurrection of our Lord.
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