How Many Appearances Did Jesus Make After His Resurrection?

After Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, his disciples were devastated and fearful. However, three days later, they received news that Jesus had risen from the dead.

Over the next few weeks, Jesus appeared to a number of people in different locations before ascending to heaven. In this article, we will explore how many appearances Jesus made after his resurrection.

Appearance #1: Mary Magdalene

The first recorded appearance of Jesus after his resurrection was to Mary Magdalene. She had gone to the tomb where Jesus was buried and found it empty.

While she was standing there weeping, Jesus appeared to her and spoke with her. This is documented in John 20:11-18.

Appearance #2: The Disciples (Minus Thomas)

Later that same day, Jesus appeared to his disciples (minus Thomas) while they were gathered together in a locked room. He showed them his hands and side as proof that he had indeed risen from the dead.

This is documented in John 20:19-23.

Appearance #3: The Disciples (Including Thomas)

A week later, when Thomas was with them, Jesus again appeared to his disciples while they were gathered together in a locked room. He showed Thomas his wounds as proof that he had indeed risen from the dead.

This is documented in John 20:26-29.

Appearance #4: Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

On the same day as the appearance to Mary Magdalene, two of Jesus’ disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus when Jesus appeared to them but they did not recognize him at first. They talked for a while before he revealed himself and then disappeared.

This is documented in Luke 24:13-32.

Appearance #5: The Disciples While Fishing

After the disciples had gone fishing all night and caught nothing, Jesus appeared to them on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat and they caught a large number of fish.

After they had eaten breakfast together, Jesus spoke with Peter and instructed him to feed his sheep. This is documented in John 21:1-14.

Appearance #6: To More Than 500 People

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at once, most of whom were still alive at the time he wrote it. The details of this appearance are not recorded in the Bible.

Appearance #7: To James

Paul also wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:7 that Jesus appeared specifically to James.

Appearance #8: The Ascension

After appearing to his disciples over a period of forty days, Jesus ascended into heaven while they watched. This is documented in Acts 1:9-11.

  • In conclusion, Jesus made a total of eight appearances after his resurrection:
  • To Mary Magdalene
  • To his disciples (minus Thomas)
  • To his disciples (including Thomas)
  • To two disciples on the road to Emmaus
  • To his disciples while fishing on the Sea of Galilee
  • To more than 500 people
  • To James
  • The Ascension

It is important to note that these appearances solidified the fact that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, and gave hope and encouragement to his disciples and all those who believe in him.