What if Christianity doesn’t begin with a teaching—but with an event?

In this episode of Apollos Answers, we confront the central claim of the Christian faith: that Jesus of Nazareth, publicly executed under Roman authority, rose from the dead.

Not metaphorically. Not spiritually. But physically.

This isn’t a question of preference or philosophy—it’s a question of history.

Get additional episode resources at ApollosAnswers.org

Using the same standards historians apply to any ancient event, we examine the evidence surrounding the resurrection. We start with what most scholars agree on: Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, His burial in a known tomb, and the early claims that the tomb was later found empty.

From there, we explore the earliest eyewitness testimony—creeds and accounts that date back to within just a few years of the crucifixion—naming individuals and even groups who claimed to have seen Jesus alive.

We then follow the transformation of the earliest Christians. Fearful followers become bold proclaimers. Skeptics like James become leaders. Enemies like Paul become missionaries. Something happened—and it demands an explanation.

But we don’t stop there.

This episode also takes seriously the strongest skeptical objections. Were the appearances hallucinations? Did the disciples fabricate the story? Was the wrong tomb involved—or did Jesus somehow survive crucifixion?

Rather than dismissing these explanations, we examine them carefully—and show where they struggle to account for the full scope of the historical data. Future episodes will go even deeper, taking each alternative theory head-on.

Because ultimately, the question isn’t whether the resurrection is easy to believe.

The question is whether it’s the best explanation.

If Jesus really rose from the dead, then history isn’t closed, death isn’t final, and Jesus isn’t just someone to admire—He’s someone to answer to.

And that’s where this conversation becomes personal.

In this episode:

• The historical method and how scholars evaluate ancient claims
• Evidence for Jesus’ death by crucifixion
• The significance of the burial and the empty tomb
• Early eyewitness testimony and the 1 Corinthians 15 creed
• The transformation of the disciples, James, and Paul
• A serious look at alternative explanations

If the text is reliable…
the next question is unavoidable.

Did Jesus really rise from the dead?