#2 – the witnesses for it …. ford’s theater (washington, d.c.) friday, april 14, 1865
TRANSCRIPT
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR COLLECTIVE CREDIBILITY Strength and/or weakness of testimony is
often determined by number of witnesses Taught in the Law of Moses Deut 17:6
Also a principle in the gospel of Christ Mt 18:16 1 Tim 5:19
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR COLLECTIVE CREDIBILITY Viewed collectively, the testimony of those
who saw the resurrected Lord is compelling Jesus appeared 11 times to others after His
resurrection
#2 – The Witnesses For It
Mary Magdalene Jn 20:11-17 Other women believers Mt 28:9-10 Peter Lk 24:34 1 Cor 15:5 Cleopas & unnamed disciple Lk 24:13-35 Apostles, minus Thomas Jn 20:19-23 Apostles with Thomas 1 week later Jn 20:26-29 Seven disciples by Sea of Tiberias Jn 21:1-23 Over 500 brethren at one time 1 Cor 15:6 James 1 Cor 15:7 All the apostles in Galilee Mt 28:16-20 All the apostles at His ascension Acts 1:4-9
Jesus’ 11 Post-Resurrection Appearances
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR COLLECTIVE CREDIBILITY Viewed collectively, the testimony of those
who saw the resurrected Lord is compelling Jesus appeared 11 times to others after His
resurrection
These are the “infallible proofs” of Acts 1:3
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CASE These witnesses had “empirical” evidence
Evidence from experiment (experience) and observation…not “theory”
What was this “evidence?” They ate & drank with Jesus Acts 10:40-41
Jn 21:9-15a
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CASE What was this “evidence?”
They saw, heard, touched Jesus Jn 20:25-28 1 Jn
1:1-2
They recognized His voice Jn 20:15-16
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CASE Had they only “partially known” Jesus, or if
He had been gone a long time, they could have been mistaken or even forgotten Him They spent 3+ years with Him…they knew Him Died on Friday…seen again on Sunday There was no doubt to them…it was Jesus
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CHARACTER Their credibility is strengthened when one
considers the following… Their former conduct
Skepticism before turned into belief after seeing Jesus Jn 20:24-28
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CHARACTER Their former conduct
An enemy before became a follower after seeing Jesus Acts 9:1-2 26:19-23
They were not “gullible”…willing to believe anything they were told
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CHARACTER Their honesty
What would they gain with such testimony?Fortunes, comfort in life? 1 Cor
4:9-13 What did false witnesses gain by lying?
Mt 28:11-15 Would they lie for no possible benefit???
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CHARACTER Their transformation
Prior to Jesus’ resurrection, disciples were afraid…totally without hope
They fled at His arrest Mk 14:50 Some denied even knowing Him Mk 14:66-72 They hid behind locked doors Jn 20:19
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CHARACTER Their transformation
After Jesus’ appearance, they fearlessly proclaimed His resurrection Acts 4:3, 18-22
5:28-32, 41-42
Would men with no credibility change from one extreme to another without reason???
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CHARACTER The price they paid
All but 1 suffered martyrdom (accepted by most Bible students)
Only 1 is recorded Acts 12:1-3 Mt 20:20-23 The one not killed was exiled Rev 1:9
#2 – The Witnesses For It
THEIR CHARACTER The price they paid
What would have been their motivation to continue supporting something and eventually suffer for something they knew to be false???
#2 – The Witnesses For It
Some Concluding Thoughts… History’s most significant event was not
witnessed by anyone alive today Yet, we are asked to accept it and act on it All we have is the testimony of the eye
witnesses who claimed to have seen Him
#2 – The Witnesses For It
Some Concluding Thoughts… Are they credible enough to be believed…
especially when viewed collectively? Will the case they make (and the evidence)
stand up to cross examination? Does their character compel you to believe?
#2 – The Witnesses For It
Some Concluding Thoughts… If we believe their testimony, even though
we did not see for ourselves… Jesus says we are “blessed” Jn 20:27-29
The “blessing” will be living with this resurrected Ruler in heaven forever!!