Did the Resurrection Really Happen?

A Concise Look at the Evidence for Christ’s Resurrection

The entire Christian faith depends on the belief that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. If there was no empty tomb, Christians have an empty faith. But how can we be confident the resurrection really happened?

In this concise booklet, author Timothy Paul Jones addresses the doubts and questions that arise from Jesus’s resurrection as recorded in the New Testament. Jones argues this story is not a mere repetition of old pagan tales or a fabrication to fulfill Jewish expectations. Instead, it was a historical event that is supported by compelling evidence, including accounts of men and women who were willing to die for what they believed they had seen.

Skeptics are correct to assume that such claims should not be taken lightly. But what happens if Jesus really did rise from the dead? What would it mean for me and you?

• Written for Skeptics: A respectful appeal to those who doubt Jesus’s story that provides convincing evidence for his resurrection
• Short, Accessible Format: A concise exploration of the resurrection of Jesus and why it matters for believers today
• Part of the TGC Hard Questions Series: Equips readers with answers to difficult questions facing today’s church

Timothy Paul Jones (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is vice president for doctoral studies; professor of Christian family ministry; and chair of the department of apologetics, ethics, and philosophy at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jones is the author of numerous books including How We Got the Bible and In Church as It Is in Heaven. He also serves as a preaching pastor at Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, Kentucky, and cohosts The Apologetics Podcast. Timothy and his wife, Rayann, have four daughters, Hannah, Skylar, Kylinn, and Katrisha.