Introduction:
The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ to His disciples are pivotal events recorded in the New Testament, affirming the reality of His resurrection and the fulfillment of His promises. These appearances serve to strengthen the faith of the disciples, commission them for future ministry, and provide foundational truths for the early Christian church.

Biblical Accounts:

1. Appearance to the Ten Disciples (John 20:19-23):
On the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them, saying, "Peace be with you." He showed them His hands and His side, and the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you." After saying this, He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld."

2. Appearance to Thomas (John 20:24-29):
Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus first appeared. When the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord," he doubted, saying he needed to see and touch Jesus' wounds to believe. A week later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, and this time Thomas was present. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus responded, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

3. Appearance by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14):
Jesus appeared to seven of His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus stood on the shore and instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in a large catch. Recognizing the Lord, Peter jumped into the water to reach Him. Jesus had prepared a breakfast of fish and bread, and He invited the disciples to eat with Him. This was the third time Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection.

4. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20):
The eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee as Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, though some doubted. Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

5. Appearance on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35):
On the day of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples traveling to Emmaus. They were discussing the events of the crucifixion and resurrection when Jesus joined them, though they did not recognize Him. He explained the Scriptures concerning Himself, and when He broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. Jesus then vanished from their sight, and they returned to Jerusalem to report to the others.

Theological Significance:
The appearances of Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection are crucial for several reasons. They confirm the physical reality of the resurrection, as Jesus was not merely a spirit but had a tangible, glorified body. These encounters also serve to restore and commission the disciples, particularly Peter, who had denied Jesus three times. The Great Commission underscores the global mission of the church, empowered by the authority of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit. These appearances provide a foundation for the apostolic witness and the spread of the Gospel, affirming the truth of Jesus' victory over death and His ongoing presence with His followers.