Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  2000 Jesus Christ  »  2500 Jesus Christ, history of  »  2505 Jesus Christ, ascension of  »  2555 Jesus Christ, resurrection appearances of

Jesus Christ appeared to various groups and individuals on several occasions after his death, prior to his ascension into heaven.

The resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ on the third day

To Mary Magdalene

John 20:10-18 See also Mark 16:9-11

To the women at the tomb

Matthew 28:1-10 pp Mark 16:1-8 pp Luke 24:1-12

To Peter

Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5

To the two travellers to Emmaus

Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-16,30-32

To the disciples in the upper room

Mark 16:14 pp Luke 24:36 pp John 20:19

Further appearances of Jesus Christ

To the disciples in the upper room

See also John 20:26; 1 Corinthians 15:5

Other appearances

John 21:1 See also Matthew 28:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:6-7

Jesus Christ appears at his ascension

Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9

Jesus Christ's resurrection body

It was different from his pre-crucifixion body

John 20:26 This suggests that the resurrected body of Jesus Christ was not restricted by natural laws: closed doors provided no barrier to Jesus Christ's bodily appearance to his disciples. See also Mark 16:12 The failure to recognise Jesus Christ may be an indication of his changed appearance but also might emphasise the disciples' own sorrow and lack of faith; John 20:14,19 pp Luke 24:36

It was a body of flesh and blood

Luke 24:39 See also Luke 24:42-43; John 20:20

Jesus Christ foretold his resurrection appearances

John 16:16

Responses to Jesus Christ's resurrection appearances

Fear and alarm

Luke 24:37 See also Matthew 28:10

Doubt and disbelief

Mark 16:11 See also Matthew 28:17; Mark 16:13-14; Luke 24:11-12; John 20:9,13-14,25

Belief and joy

Matthew 28:8 See also Luke 24:31-32,41; John 20:16,18,27-29

Understanding and worship

Matthew 28:9 See also Luke 24:8,45-47; John 2:22; Acts 2:31-33

The significance of Jesus Christ's resurrection appearances

They gave proof of Jesus Christ's deity

John 20:28-29 See also Luke 24:31-34; John 20:8; Acts 10:41-42

Christian life and faith depend on the trustworthiness of the witnesses' testimony

1 Corinthians 15:17 See also John 20:31; Acts 3:15; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:3

See also

2505  Christ, ascension
2560  Christ, resurrection
5624  witnesses to Christ
9311  resurrection of Christ