Did you know that most of the disciples were martyred or imprisoned for their belief in Jesus.
From the scriptures we know that they proclaimed Jesus as the son of God who died for our sins, that he rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven.
So, why were the disciples so determined to talk about Jesus to the point of being killed?
This is what happened
After experiencing Jesus’s death on the cross his followers gave up in total despair. Most of them scattered and hid behind locked doors thinking they may receive the same fate as Jesus. This action alone tells me there was no doubt in their hearts and minds, Jesus was dead. For three years they had followed him witnessing his miracles first hand and seeing his love for those around him. They were sure Jesus was the messiah and he would change everything by establishing his kingdom here on earth … but now he was gone.
So, what Changed the Disciples outlook?
Jesus appeared to them three days after his death, just as he had foretold. He appeared to them all on and off over the next 40 days teaching them the reason for his death. Then finally, before their eyes, he ascended into heaven leaving them to carry on. They witnessed all this first hand.
If you or I had actually seen all of these things what would we think? Would we react the same way? These events firmly cemented the belief in each and every one of them that Jesus was and is who he said he was, the Savior of the world.
After all that had happened there was no stopping them. The disciples conviction was rock solid because of what they saw.
Let me ask you, if this was a fabrication or a hoax, would they willingly become martyrs for a lie? Also, ask yourself, what do they have to gain by talking about and writing down what they had seen?
When these things are presented to me I find it impossible to ignore the fact the disciples testimonies are real and true.
As a side note:
An interesting observation. The disciples wrote their accounts describing their utter failure and weaknesses during this time. Who would willingly document their own short comings for the world to see? This, in my mind, further proves what they wrote was transparent and truthful.
Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:9-12
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