The Convinced Disciples

2021-09-20

Maybe the disciples lied about seeing Jesus alive from the dead? Perhaps they were delusional?

The disciples truly believed they saw Jesus risen from the dead. It is highly unlikely they would have conspired together with such an elaborate tale. They were willing to die for this cause.

Peter was crucified upside down, according to Origen (ca. 184-ca. 253). Eusebius, in Church History III.1, a fourth century work, records Origen’s information. His martyrdom is also recorded in 1 Clement 5:4. Peter even knew that he was going to be crucified since the Lord told Him:

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (John 21:18-19)

We know of the other apostles’ martyrdom from various sources. James son of Zebedee’s martyrdom is recorded in Acts 12:2. Here is a link that describes what happened to the others and by what sources we know: https://overviewbible.com/how-did-the-apostles-die/

But here is the main question: Would people be willing to be tortured and die for a lie? The first sight of torture would have exposed the fraud.

However, maybe they were delusional or hallucinated? They had immense trauma and sorrow from the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. However, this would not work in some group settings. Would multiple disciples hallucinate the exact same thing? We see groups of people seeing the risen Jesus here: Matthew 28:9, 16-17; Mark 16:12-14; Luke 24:15, 36; John 20:19, 26; 21:7; Acts 1:3-9; and 1 Corinthians 15:3-7. Consider that last reference, the oft-quoted ancient creed, which mentions the risen Lord being seen by over 500 people at once: “He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:6). Why did Paul mention most of them were still alive? Because you could have gone and checked out the evidence and interviewed witnesses for yourself during that time.

It would also not make sense for skeptics like James the Lord’s brother and Paul to hallucinate. They did not share in any trauma or sorrow the original disciples experienced.

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. (25) But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. (26) For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. (Acts 26:24-26)

This is Exhibit G for the evidence that Jesus rose from the dead.