Why Is That Important?
Have you ever wondered how many people saw Jesus after the resurrection? And, why is that important? Several years ago I went on a quest to try to determine the answer to the first question of “How many people saw Jesus after the Resurrection?” With that answer in many, I considered the second, “Why is that important?” For the sake of the post, I want to answer the second question, then we will give a comprehensive list of who saw Jesus as the Bible describes it. My goal, today, is to give you great hope and confidence in our Risen Savior, which then provides us hope and confidence in the power of His victory over death.
Why Is this Issue Important? Because of Hope and Confidence in the Risen Savior
We can rest today because of the ability to fix our hearts upon the unshakable truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures declare with clarity and power that our Savior lives, having triumphed over sin and death at the resurrection. As Paul explains, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Cor 15:3-8).
Paul provided a historical list for us. If these events were not true, he would have never provided such a comprehensive list in real time. Many of these folks were still living. Since they were, it made this evidence of eyewitnesses unshakable.
Consider the multitude of witnesses who beheld the risen Lord: Mary Magdalene at the tomb, where she was filled with awe (John 20:16); the women who worshipped Him (Matthew 28:9); the disciples on the Emmaus road, whose hearts burned within them (Luke 24:32); and the eleven, who were commissioned to proclaim His gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Over five hundred brethren saw Him at once, which was a testimony to His victory. Even Paul, once a persecutor of the church, met the living Christ and was transformed (Acts 9:1-19).
This resurrection is our hope and confidence. Because Jesus lives, we can be forgiven, reconciled to God, and assured of eternal life. As we gather in various places on this Resurrection Sunday, let us rejoice in the words of Jesus: “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19). May this truth anchor your soul and fill you with joy. He is risen indeed!
As I noted above, the Bible provides a rich account of those who witnessed Jesus Christ after His resurrection. Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and groups who saw the risen Lord.
Biblical Accounts of Who Saw Jesus After His Resurrection
Mary Magdalene
- Scripture: John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9-11
- Details: Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus at the tomb early on the first day of the week. Jesus appeared to her and called her by name, instructing her to tell the disciples of His resurrection.
The Other Women
- Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24:1-11; Mark 16:1-8
- Details: Women including Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna (among others) went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. They encountered angels who announced His resurrection, and Jesus appeared to them as they departed, greeting them and instructing them to tell the disciples.
Simon Peter (Cephas)
- Scripture: Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5
- Details: Jesus appeared to Peter (Cephas) individually, as noted by the disciples on the road to Emmaus and by Paul in 1 Corinthians. The specific timing and details of this appearance are not fully described.
Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Cleopas and another)
- Scripture: Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13
- Details: Jesus appeared to Cleopas and another disciple as they walked to Emmaus, discussing the Scriptures with them. They recognized Him when He broke bread with them.
The Eleven Disciples (Minus Thomas)
- Scripture: Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-25
- Details: Jesus appeared to the disciples (excluding Thomas) in Jerusalem on the evening of the resurrection day, showing them His hands and side and commissioning them.
The Disciples with Thomas
- Scripture: John 20:26-29
- Details: Eight days after the resurrection, Jesus appeared again to the disciples in a locked room, this time with Thomas present, inviting him to touch His wounds to confirm His identity.
Seven Disciples at the Sea of Galilee
- Scripture: John 21:1-14
- Details: Jesus appeared to seven disciples (Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two others) while they were fishing. He performed a miracle of a large catch of fish and shared a meal with them.
The Eleven Disciples on a Mountain in Galilee
- Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:5 (implied as “the twelve”)
- Details: Jesus met the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee, giving them the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
James (Jesus’ Half Brother)
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:7
- Details: Paul notes that Jesus appeared to James, traditionally understood as Jesus’ brother, though no specific narrative details this encounter.
All the Apostles
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:7
- Details: Paul mentions an appearance to “all the apostles,” possibly including a broader group of leaders beyond the eleven, though specifics are not provided.
Over Five Hundred Brethren at Once
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:6
- Details: Paul records that Jesus appeared to more than five hundred believers at one time, most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote, serving as witnesses to the resurrection.
Paul (Saul)
- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:1-9
- Details: Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, calling him to apostleship. Paul describes himself as “one born out of due time” in this encounter.
Those Present at the Ascension
- Scripture: Acts 1:3-11; Luke 24:50-53
- Details: Jesus appeared to the disciples over forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God, and was seen by them at His ascension from the Mount of Olives.
How Many Total?
While exact numbers are difficult due to potential overlap (e.g., the eleven disciples appearing in multiple accounts), the minimum number includes:
- Named individuals: Mary Magdalene, Peter, Cleopas, James, Paul (5).
- Groups: The other women (at least 3-5, based on named women like Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna), the eleven disciples, the seven disciples (some overlap with the eleven), over five hundred brethren, and those at the ascension (likely the eleven plus others).
- Conservative estimate: At least 520 unique individuals, with the “over five hundred” being the largest single group. The total could be higher if “all the apostles” or other unnamed disciples are distinct.
Why This Matters
Back to the top of this post to just reflect one more time as we stop to celebrate the Resurrection. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we believe the Bible which speaks of the Resurrection – which means, by faith, we believe in the Resurrection of Jesus. However, as those who do believe, our hope and confidence grows when we read the story of such powerful witnesses. The Bible provides us these stories to help build and grow our faith. The multitude of witnesses – spanning men and women, individuals and crowds, skeptics and followers – affirms the historical reality of the resurrection. Their transformed lives and bold testimonies, even unto death, help anchor our faith. As we celebrate this Easter, let this truth strengthen our hearts and resound from our voices: Jesus lives, and because He lives, we have hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.
As we celebrate this Easter, let this truth strengthen our hearts and resound from our voices: Jesus lives, and because He lives, we have hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. Share on XAs part of your Easter plans, I invite you to attend our Easter service at Sonrise in Ozark, Missouri if you are in the area. You are welcome to watch online as well on Facebook. We would love to have you worship Jesus Christ with us this Resurrection Sunday at 10:00 am.
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