Did You Know?

Women, including Mary Magdalene, were the first to discover Jesus' empty tomb.

This discovery is recorded across all four Gospels, notably in Matthew 28:1-8, with an angel announcing that Jesus 'is not here: for he is risen.' In the historical and cultural context of the time, women's testimony was not always considered legally reliable, making their prominent role in these accounts notable.

Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus without them initially recognizing him.

This account, recorded in Luke 24:13-35, describes Jesus explaining Old Testament scripture concerning himself before finally being recognized while breaking bread with them. Upon recognizing him, the disciples reflected that their hearts had 'burned within' them during his earlier explanation.

The disciple Thomas initially doubted reports of Jesus' resurrection until seeing him personally.

This account, recorded in John 20:24-29, gave rise to the common phrase 'doubting Thomas.' Upon seeing Jesus' wounds directly, Thomas responded with the declaration, 'My Lord and my God.'

Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at one time following his resurrection, according to Paul's later account.

This significant detail is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:6, cited by Paul as substantial evidence supporting the resurrection. Paul notes that most of these witnesses were still alive at the time of his writing, implying their testimony could be verified.

Pontius Pilate offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or a criminal named Barabbas.

This event, recorded in Matthew 27:15-26, describes the crowd choosing to release Barabbas while calling for Jesus' crucifixion. Barabbas is specifically described as a notorious prisoner, in some accounts associated with insurrection and murder (Mark 15:7).

Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus' cross after Jesus became physically unable to continue.

This detail is recorded in Matthew 27:32, indicating the severe physical toll of the flogging and abuse Jesus had already endured. Mark 15:21 additionally names Simon's sons, Alexander and Rufus, suggesting they may have been known figures within the early Christian community.

Jesus was flogged by Roman soldiers before his crucifixion, a common practice preceding execution.

This scourging, along with mocking abuse involving a crown of thorns and a purple robe, is recorded in Matthew 27:26-30. Roman flogging was notoriously brutal, often causing severe injury even before crucifixion itself began.

According to John's Gospel, a Roman soldier pierced Jesus' side with a spear after his death, confirming he had already died.

This event, recorded in John 19:34, resulted in blood and water flowing from the wound, a detail some scholars connect to specific physiological indicators of death. This event is also connected by the Gospel writer to earlier Old Testament prophecy (John 19:36-37).

Jesus commissioned his disciples with the Great Commission shortly before his ascension into heaven.

This final instruction, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, includes the well-known statement affirming that 'all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.' This commission remains foundational to Christian evangelistic and missionary efforts.

Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times over a period of forty days following his resurrection.

This timeframe is specifically mentioned in Acts 1:3, describing Jesus 'shewing himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs.' This period concluded with his ascension into heaven, as recorded shortly afterward in Acts 1:9-11.