Was Jesus’ Body Stolen?

2021-09-21

Was Jesus’ body stolen? Previously, we saw how the disciples truly believed they saw Jesus risen from the dead. We ruled out hallucination because large numbers of disciples believed they saw Him alive at the same time. We ruled out them lying about the empty tomb because they were willing to be tortured and die about what they saw. If they were lying, would they truly be willing to be subjected to such awful atrocities?

Perhaps somebody else stole the body, such as the religious authorities. However, we saw previously that even the religious authorities admitted the tomb was empty. They also would not want to make it look like Jesus came back to life. Perhaps somebody other than the disciples or the religious authorities? However, the tomb was guarded by Roman professionals:

Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. (64) Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. (65) Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. (66) So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. (Matthew 27:63-66)

Also, there is no one else who would have a motive to steal the body, even if they could get past the guards.

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