The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a foundational event in Christian theology, and the New Testament provides multiple accounts of those who witnessed the risen Christ. These witnesses serve as crucial attestations to the reality of the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith.

Mary Magdalene and the Women at the Tomb

The first witnesses to the resurrection were women who visited Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week. According to the Gospel of Matthew, "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb" (Matthew 28:1). They encountered an angel who announced that Jesus had risen. In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is specifically mentioned as having seen the risen Lord: "Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord!' And she told them what He had said to her" (John 20:18).

The Disciples

The disciples of Jesus were also witnesses to His resurrection. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later to the eleven apostles: "While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you'" (Luke 24:36). The Gospel of John records Jesus appearing to the disciples in a locked room: "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you'" (John 20:19).

Thomas

Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, initially doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus for himself. The Gospel of John recounts this encounter: "Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas replied, 'My Lord and my God!'" (John 20:27-28).

The Appearance to Over 500

The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, refers to a large group of witnesses: "After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:6). This passage underscores the widespread nature of the resurrection appearances and the availability of living witnesses at the time of Paul's writing.

James and the Apostles

Paul also notes that Jesus appeared to James, His brother, and then to all the apostles: "Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles" (1 Corinthians 15:7). This appearance to James is significant, as James became a leader in the early church and was initially skeptical of Jesus' ministry.

Paul

Finally, Paul himself is a witness to the risen Christ, though his encounter occurred after the ascension. He describes this experience in his letter to the Corinthians: "And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth" (1 Corinthians 15:8). Paul's encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) transformed him from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential apostles.

These witnesses, as recorded in the New Testament, provide a diverse and compelling testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, forming the basis for the proclamation of the gospel throughout the world.