Category: resurrection

ANCIENT HISTORIANS ON THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD 

Clearly, Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the inspired authors of the opening synoptic gospels) make an airtight case for the divinity of Jesus. Additionally, extra biblical historians validate their accounts as well like: Thallus, Africanus (a name my wife and I are strongly considering for any future children, I hope), and Phlegon. 

Dale Pollard

In Matthew 27 we find the start of what appears to be a mixture of supernatural and natural phenomena. There’s darkness, an earthquake, and the mysterious resurrection of the saints. 

“The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many (Matt. 27.52-53). 

Clearly, Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the inspired authors of the opening synoptic gospels) make an airtight case for the divinity of Jesus. Additionally, extra biblical historians validate their accounts as well like: Thallus, Africanus (a name my wife and I are strongly considering for any future children, I hope), and Phlegon. 

Just for fun, here’s some interesting quotes from a few old timers: 

Irenaeus, Against Heresies (Book IV, 22:1, c. 180 AD)

“He descended into the regions beneath the earth… and the righteous souls followed Him and rose with Him.”

Clement of Alexandria (c. 200 AD, Stromata VI.6)

Mentions that Christ’s resurrection “opened the tombs of the saints” and that they “appeared in the flesh.”

He implies that early Christians considered this to be common knowledge.

Tertullian (De Anima 55)

Refers to a belief that “many bodies of the saints were revived for a sign to the unbelieving.”He presents it as a well-known occurrence. 

Perhaps the earliest detailed extra-biblical account that verifies the claims made in Matthew 27 would be The Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of Pilate), based on 2nd Century documents. One quote states: 

 “And many bodies of saints which slept arose… and were seen of many in the holy city.” Though legendary, it shows that once again, early Christians understood the “many resurrected saints” event as literal, public, and historical. If you’ve got the time, you can also read about how two sons of Simeon (Luke 2) testified to Pilate that they are among those raised from the dead. It’s not inspired, but it’s interesting. 

The Darkness 

“From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the land.” Matt. 27.45 

Phlegon records in 2nd Century AD, 

“in the time of Tiberius Caesar, at full moon, there was a full eclipse of the sun from the sixth hour to the ninth—manifestly that one of which we speak. But what has an eclipse in common with an earthquake, the rending of rocks, and the resurrection of the dead, and so great a perturbation throughout the universe? Surely no such event as this is recorded for a long period. But it was a darkness induced by God, because the Lord happened then to suffer.”

Not that we need Phlegon or any of the others to confirm what God told us three times, but how and faith-affirming. 

The Gardener’s Promise

“Her Savior was right there, but grief hid Him. We miss Jesus too, expecting Him to show up in a way WE want, instead of seeing Him in the Word, worship, or answered prayers. Mary saw a gardener, but His name was Jesus.”

Carl Pollard

 I’m no gardener, but I’ve got one story of botanical triumph. In Alabama, I had a fire pit where I burned all sorts of junk—boxes, old couches, mattresses, you name it. One day, I threw in a box of rotten vegetables. Didn’t think much of it. But a few months later, three corn stalks were growing right out of that pit. Shallow roots on a plywood slab, pushing through a metal grate. I didn’t water or tend them, yet they produced nine whole kernels! I ate that corn, somehow didn’t get tetanus, and I’m still amazed. 

Sometimes, where only death is expected, life is found. 

In John 20:11-18 Jesus’ followers expected a dead body but found a living Savior. Mary Magdalene met a “Gardener” who turned her tears into purpose. Christ’s resurrection plants hope in barren places, calling us to share His life with a world in need.

Mary found the tomb empty and wept, thinking someone stole Jesus’ body. She’d stood at the cross (John 19:25), watched Him die, and now even His memory seemed lost. Her tears show what life would be like if Jesus stayed dead—a world without hope. Two angels asked, “Why are you crying?” but grief blinded her to God’s messengers. We do the same, dwelling on broken families or a culture that’s left God, missing what He’s doing. A 2024 Gallup poll says most Americans feel hopeless. If you’re in Christ, the empty tomb is our hope—rejoice in it!

Mary turned and saw Jesus but thought He was the gardener. Gardeners worked tombs early, so it made sense. He asked, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Her Savior was right there, but grief hid Him. We miss Jesus too, expecting Him to show up in a way WE want, instead of seeing Him in the Word, worship, or answered prayers. Mary saw a gardener, but His name was Jesus.

Jesus said, “Mary,” and she knew Him, crying “Rabboni!” (Teacher). All 4 Gospels make women the first resurrection witnesses. This was countercultural, and some rejected their claims (even the apostles). Skeptics like Celsus called Mary “hysterical.” But she was the perfect witness: she followed Jesus, heard His prophecies, watched Him die, and saw Him rise. He spoke her name, like the Good Shepherd (John 10:3), and it shows He knows your name, your pain, and calls you to life as your Great High Priest and Shepherd. 

Jesus told Mary, “Go tell my brothers I’m ascending to my Father and your Father.” His resurrection makes God our Father. Mary ran to share the news. Only 10% of Christians regularly share their faith (Barna, 2021), but 1.6 billion people haven’t heard the gospel. Don’t hold onto safe faith—plant the seed of hope. Where death is expected, life is found. God will bring the increase.

Trust the Savior in barren places—brokenness, doubt, or pain. Jesus plants hope, as He did for Mary (John 16:33). Hear His call to repentance, baptism, or renewed commitment (Acts 22:16). 

Plant hope boldly—share your faith, serve others, invite someone to worship with you. The harvest is ready, and it’s more than nine kernels.

A Better Home

Carl Pollard

Do you remember going to bed on Christmas Eve as a child? Time seemed to go by at a snail’s pace! As children, we felt like we were always waiting—for birthdays, Christmas, or Halloween. Tuesday evenings felt endless because in our house we had Waffle Wednesday. Even those small joys filled us with excitement. Sadly, as we grow older, that anticipation often fades. We should strive to foster that child-like excitement in our Christian walk as we consider what’s ahead.

In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, the Apostle Paul speaks of our future bodily resurrection. These verses remind us of God’s promise and encourage us to live differently, focusing on the hope of a Better Dwelling. Many Christians are motivated by a fear of hell rather than the reward of eternal life. However, if we embrace the truth of God’s Word, we find a greater motivation—hope.

Paul describes our bodies as temporary, like tents or clay jars (2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 4). Decline is an inevitable part of life, and our bodies are not meant to last. This leads to a natural response: groaning, expressing discomfort. For many, the desire is for relief from physical pain, but for Christians, that “something better” is the promise of resurrection life and restoration.

An essential theme of Genesis is that God created everything as good, and He is committed to restoring His creation. According to 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, He will undo death through the resurrection of our bodies. The Spirit given to us is a guarantee that God has started the work of restoration in us and will see it through to completion. 

What is still to come? Paul says we have “a building from God, eternal in the heavens” (vv. 1-2). This is a NEW body. In the resurrection, Paul says we will be “putting on” a new body. “What is mortal will be swallowed up by life” (v. 4). Life as we know it will be overshadowed by eternal, perfect existence. The best part is being “at home with the Lord” (v. 8). 

The promise of resurrection promotes a different way of living. Are you willing to give up a resurrected body for a tent? Paul affirms three resolutions we should have. First, remember what we ought to believe; we know of God’s promise of resurrection. Second, remember the resurrection as encouragement during decline. Third, remember where you would rather be: “We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (v. 8). 

With these in mind, we will “walk” according to what we believe about the future and trust that God will keep His promise. Paul phrases it as “walking by faith and not by sight” (v. 7). 

Our anticipation for new life in the presence of God shapes how we live today. If you’ve lost sight of this, refocus now. Let’s strive to be resurrected and spend eternity together with the Lord.

The Power Of The Resurrection (Part 3)

Carl Pollard

 Previously we have discussed the importance of knowing for certain that Jesus lived on this earth. The power of His resurrection begins with the hope of His birth. We are all in need of a Savior. Thankfully, 2,000 years ago God sent His Son to take on flesh. He willingly came and left an example for us to imitate. Secular historians all agree that Jesus of Nazareth really did exist. But there’s more to this that we need to study. He lived, oh yes, He LIVED. But we also need to understand that He Died. 

Scripture says that, in John 19:18, “There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between.” Mark 15:39 adds, “When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Scripture tells us that not only did Jesus live on earth, He was also put to death. John tells us that Jesus hung on a cross between two criminals. Mark records the response of a Roman centurion who saw the way Jesus died and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” 

God in flesh and blood hung on a cross for my sins, for the sins of the world. For me, having several biblical authors record the death of Jesus is more than enough proof. But let’s see what secular history has to say about His death. 

The Roman historian Tacitus said this in AD 117, “Their originator, Christ, has been executed in Tiberius’ reign, by Pontius Pilate.” Even Jesus’ worst enemies record His death. The Jewish Rabbis and Religious leaders wrote this in the Talmud, “Jesus of Nazareth was a transgressor in Israel who practiced magic, scorned the words of the wise, led the people astray, and said that he had not come to destroy the law but to add to it. He was hanged on Passover Eve for heresy and misleading the people.” 

The truth is, Jesus surely died for you and me. Scripture clearly teaches this, and so do many secular historians. For us to fully grasp the power of what comes next, we’ve got to believe that Jesus lived and that He died on a cross for you and me. 

The Power Of The Resurrection (Pt. 2)

Carl Pollard

The power of the gospel is grounded and built on four essential facts. If just one of these is wrong, there’s no point in being a Christian. No point in worshipping as a family, no need to change the way we live, and no eternal life. These four essential facts are simple–I’m sure you’ve heard them before–but they are life changing. 

Fact number one…He Lived. 

This simple truth determines the outcome of the gospel truth. We need to establish that Jesus lived, before we can determine if there was a resurrection. If there is no life, there can be no death, no death means no resurrection. Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth. 

Scripture says this in John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The apostles here claimed to have seen God in the flesh. He dwelt among them, flesh and blood. ALIVE. The Logos, the word took on flesh. He was fully human! 

He was flesh and blood just as we are. 

For example, Jesus ate (Luke 7:34), He slept (Matt. 8:24), He walked (Luke 24), sometimes on land, sometimes on water…but nevertheless God took on flesh. He wore sandals, His feet got covered with dust from this very world. He felt emotions. He expressed joy (Luke 10:21), He wept (John 11:35), He loved (1 Jn. 4:19). A straight forward reading of scripture teaches us that Jesus truly lived. 

But let’s take it a step further and look at some historical proof. The fact that Jesus lived is pretty much universally accepted. 

Even people who were enemies of Christ admitted that He lived. Flavius Josephus, a non Christian historian spoke of Jesus in his history of Judaism titled “Jewish Antiquities.” In AD 97. He said this about Jesus, “There was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works—a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.”

Just so this article doesn’t turn into history class, we will keep the old quotes to a minimum. But if you want to look it up on your own time, there are many more historians who wrote of Christs existence. Pliny the Younger and Tacitus both reference a man named Jesus who died on a cross. 

Point is, history gives us undeniable truth that Jesus lived. Do you believe in George Washington? How about Abraham Lincoln? How come? You’ve never seen him! Historians and eye witnesses give us proof. We have the exact same evidence for Christ.

The power of the Gospel is found in the truth that Jesus the Son of God came down to this earth, took on flesh, and walked among us! He taught, He healed, He was a servant. And to this day He continues to impact millions with the life He lived. 

Tune in next week for fact number 2.

The Power Of The Resurrection

Carl Pollard

We read of several men and women in scripture who died and were brought back to life. Elijah raised a widow’s son in 1 Kings 17. Elisha raised the son of a Shunamite woman in 2 Kings 4. Jesus saw a funeral procession in Luke 7, He felt compassion towards the widow who had lost her only son and He brought him back to life. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after three days in John 11. He also raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Coming back from the dead wasn’t unheard of when Jesus rose from the grave. 

The power of His resurrection is found in the fact that He rose to never die again. With His death, He defeated the grip that death has on us. Elijah raised the widow’s son, but that son eventually died. It’s the same with the son in Luke 7, with Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus. They were raised through the power of God, but they died again. 

The Son of God came to be killed, to die in our place. Never to die again! Christ has saved us, there is power in His sacrifice because He continues to live today! He lives to Intercede for us! Muhammad is dead. Joseph Smith Is dead. Buddha is dead. But Christ, the author of our faith, is ALIVE. 

We sing a song with these lyrics, “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world TODAY!” Do you truly believe that? His Resurrection gives us eternal life. At least, that’s what scripture tells us. How certain are you that Jesus came back from the dead? Did you see it happen? For many, The Bible’s an old book, a lot has happened since then. Is Jesus really at the right hand of God today? 

How can we know this is the truth? 

The Power of the cross is only life changing because of Who died on it. Christianity focuses on the cross but Jesus was one of many who were killed by the Romans. The symbol of our faith is just an instrument of torture. The Resurrection is what gives the cross its meaning. If Jesus would’ve died on the cross and stayed in the ground, our faith is worthless. What happened after the cross is what gives us eternal life. 

The Bible is clear in teaching that Jesus rose from the dead. Matt. 28:6 tells us the few words that changed the course of history. Words that changed the world. “He is not here. He has RISEN.” The power of the gospel is grounded and built on 4 essential facts. If just one of these is wrong, there’s no point in being a Christian. No point in coming together to worship, no need to change the way you live, and no eternal life. 

We know from Scripture as well as secular history that He lived, He died, He rose, and one day He is coming back! The next four weeks we will look at these more in depth as we look at the Truth of the Gospel!

Darkness, Earthquakes, And The Dead Walking!

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

Dale Pollard

In Matthew 27 we find the start of what appears to be a mixture of supernatural and natural phenomena. 

Clearly, Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the inspired authors of the synoptic gospels) make an airtight case for the diety of Jesus. Additionally, three extra biblical historians validate their accounts as well: Thallus, Africanus (the name of Janelle’s and my future first born— I hope), and Phlegon. 

The Darkness 

“From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the land.” Matt. 27.45 

Phlegon records in the 2nd Century AD, 

“…in the time of Tiberius Caesar, at full moon, there was a full eclipse of the sun from the sixth hour to the ninth—manifestly that one of which we speak. But what has an eclipse in common with an earthquake, the rending of rocks, and the resurrection of the dead, and so great a perturbation throughout the universe? Surely no such event as this is recorded for a long period. But it was a darkness induced by God, because the Lord happened then to suffer.”

Not that we need Phlegon to confirm what God told us three times, but it’s interesting! 

The Earthquake That Freed The Dead 

Beginning in v.51ff, an earthquake splits the veil in the temple. The veil wasn’t a thin piece of fabric either— it’s thickness was equivalent to a man’s hand. 

Next, the earthquake (used directly or providentially by God) cracks the circular stones open and the dead walk the earth. There’s some discussion over the identity of these “Saints” or “Holy ones” but it’s likely that they are followers of God who died in the past. Whether they were faithful servants that we read about in the Old Testament or followers of Jesus who were killed for their loyalty isn’t made clear in the text. My personal opinion on the matter is that they are Old Testament followers of God as this would indicate to “many” that a new Covenant or Testament is being fulfilled. These risen ancient followers would effectively convince those following the Jewish religion that Jesus is now who they should look to, and not Moses or Elijah (see the Transfiguration, Matt.17). 

The Timeline Of Events 

View One Of Chronology: 

“The dead rise with Christ.”

Matthew captures the magnitude of Jesus’ death on the cross by describing the abnormal events surrounding his death in chapter 27. It’s important that the reader keep in mind the goal of the letter, and that’s Jesus. The tombs splitting open, then, likely occurred during the death of Jesus. After three days, the dead would then emerge along with Jesus and appear to many. 

Matthew records what literally takes place, then, as well as alludes to the Day of His return. On that Day, all of the dead in Christ will rise. 

View Two Of Chronology: 

“The dead rose first before Jesus.”

The Bible is saturated in types and apocalyptic language. The New Testament brings a new light and depth to the things of the past. For instance, the flood account directs our minds to the second destruction of earth. The crossing of the Red Sea alludes to baptism. The blueprint of the tabernacle is symbolic of church and the entrance to her. 

With that in mind, 1 Thessalonians 4.16 says, 

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an Archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”

This seems to indicate an order of resurrection. Those who followed God in life— rise first. This would fit beautifully with Matthew’s record of events in Matthew 27. 

View Three of Chronology: 

“The dead rise at the death of Christ, but enter Jerusalem three days later with Jesus.” 

The NIV suggests that the dead were resurrected when Jesus died and then went into Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection. A number of theologians and Christians agree with this view. 

Many others say that since Christ is the firstfruits of the dead (1 Cor. 15.22), then the resurrection did not occur until He was raised. This view takes the phrase “after Jesus’ resurrection” and then fits them with “…were raised to life and came out of the tombs.” This is possible in the Greek and is also hinted at in the KJV and the NASB. The tombs broke open at Christ’s death due to the earthquake, but the bodies were not raised till Christ was raised— which is the view I currently hold. 

A special thanks to Brittany Dyer for posing some interesting questions. She’s a committed student of the Bible and an excellent example to the Tompkinsville church of Christ family. 

Thank You, Dr. Jordan Peterson

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

Dale Pollard

According to an article written on The Public Discourse in 2018, Dr. Jordan Peterson is said to be “the most influential Biblical interpreter in the world today.” By almost all accounts, his insight and commentary on the Scriptures are held in high regard. On several occasions, Dr. Peterson has been asked about his belief in God to which he responds, “I don’t like that question.” One of his most popular YouTube series covers, “The Psychological Significance of the Biblical Stories.” 

There have been millions of people who have spent hours watching these videos, but most of them are still wondering what Dr. Jordan believes concerning the existence of God. He says, “I act as if God exists and I am terrified that He might.” Some in his audience have taken this, and other similar comments made by him, to be deliberately vague. After one particular lecture, Dr. Peterson gave those in attendance the opportunity to ask him questions. One attendee asked Jordan to give his insight on the apostle Paul’s statement, “…and if Christ has not been raised, then all of our preaching is useless” (I Cor. 15.14). To this, Dr. Peterson put his hand to his chin and pondered this for a minute. Afterwards, he looked up and said, “I don’t have a good answer to that. I haven’t gotten to the New Testament yet, but I plan to find out what he meant.” 

This response deserves our appreciation. Jordan Peterson is a serious thinker and a great philosopher who takes his quest for truth seriously. He has acknowledged the importance of seeking out the answer to life’s most important question. He has made the realization that a personal discovery of God’s existence would carry with it life-changing implications. 

While his current beliefs do not mesh with the teachings found in His Word, he exemplifies the seriousness that we may sometimes lack. If we profess to believe in a supreme and eternal Creator who will one day judge mankind, our lives should reflect this down to our core. Our daily decisions should exhibit the devotion of our lips. 

Because He Lives

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words (Round 2)

Gary III

Gary Pollard

 

This song by the Gaithers was written in 1971 at the height of the Vietnam War. Also happening in this country was great civil unrest, school and public arena shootings, civil rights/suffrage/anti-war protests, political unrest, economic downturn, and concerns over the rising influence of communism. It was written during the Cold War when children had to do nuclear attack drills at school.
I never noticed how important the line, “this child can face uncertain days because He lives” was until seeing the year it was published. Those were definitely uncertain days.
Our time isn’t much different. I don’t have to elaborate on the stuff that makes our days uncertain – we’re very aware. We are able to handle what’s going on because He lives. No political unrest, civil disorder, threat of war, disease, or economic downturn can keep shut us down for good because He lives.
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He hold the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.”