The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith. It is the belief that Jesus, who was crucified and buried, rose from the dead on the third day after his death.
But who first said that Jesus had risen from the dead? Let’s explore.
The Biblical Account
According to the Bible, the first people to witness Jesus’ resurrection were Mary Magdalene and some other women who had gone to his tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. They found the tomb empty and were told by an angel that Jesus had risen from the dead. Later, Jesus appeared to various disciples and followers, including Peter, James, and Paul.
The Gospels
The four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all record the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that an angel told Mary Magdalene and another Mary that Jesus had risen from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10).
Mark’s Gospel says that three women went to the tomb early in the morning and found it empty (Mark 16:1-8). Luke’s Gospel records that two men in shining clothes appeared to some women at the tomb and told them that Jesus had risen (Luke 24:1-12). John’s Gospel tells us that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early in the morning and found it empty (John 20:1-18).
The Epistles
The New Testament epistles also mention the resurrection of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul writes about how he received a tradition about Christ’s death and resurrection from earlier witnesses. He then lists several people who saw Jesus after his resurrection, including Peter, James, and over five hundred others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, according to biblical accounts as well as the epistles, the first people to witness Jesus’ resurrection were Mary Magdalene and some other women. These women were told by an angel that Jesus had risen from the dead, and later, Jesus appeared to various disciples and followers. The belief in Jesus’ resurrection is a foundational belief of Christianity and continues to be celebrated by Christians around the world.