In my previous blog, I presented the finely tuned and ordered nature of the universe as strong evidence for a Creator. Please don’t underestimate the power of this contention. But the case for God is not only written in the stars—it is also written in human history.

One of the most compelling elements of the Christian claim is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, and what happened after those events. It is through Jesus that God revealed Himself to us in a form we could relate to—human.

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Jesus: The Bridge Between God and Humanity

Jesus declared Himself to be the Son of God, sent to redeem humanity from its sinful past. His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His death and resurrection are recorded in the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These accounts form the foundation of Christian belief. (My blog 6 will look at the truth of the gospels).

The Gospels state that Jesus rose from the dead and was seen alive by over 500 people. If this resurrection truly occurred, it is perhaps the most profound confirmation of God’s existence we could hope for.

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The Apostles: From Fearful to Fearless

But the most persuasive evidence, for me, lies not just in the Gospel accounts—but in the actions of Jesus’ closest followers after His death.

The apostles were ordinary men—untrained, uneducated in any formal sense, and deeply afraid after Jesus’ arrest and execution. They went into hiding, fearing for their lives. They denied they knew Him. Their leader had been crucified. All hope seemed lost.

And then—something changed.

The same men who had fled in fear suddenly reemerged with confidence, conviction, and courage. They preached across the known world, proclaiming Jesus as the risen Lord, without regard for their own safety. Many of them were tortured, imprisoned, and ultimately martyred for this message.

Why would they do this? Why would a group of frightened men, with families and futures, risk everything for a lie—unless they knew the resurrection was real?

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The Transformation of Paul

Then there is Paul, who had previously persecuted Christians. On the road to Damascus, Paul encountered Christ and became perhaps the greatest advocate for Jesus the world has known. His letters make up a significant portion of the New Testament, and his life was radically transformed.

How do we explain this? From persecutor to preacher—from enemy to evangelist—Paul’s dramatic shift mirrors that of the apostles. Their total surrender to the cause of Christ was not born from a myth, but from a moment—a true encounter with the risen Jesus.

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Their Conviction Changed the World

The apostles and Paul changed the course of human history. Their belief in Jesus’ resurrection was not casual; it was so strong that they staked their lives on it.

This, to me, is not easily dismissed.

If God does exist—and I believe He does—then it makes sense that He would reveal Himself in a way we could understand. Jesus is that revelation. And the bold, unwavering response of His followers is a strong testament to the truth of what they saw.

The Timing of Jesus

Jesus came into the world at a relatively convenient time. Humanity had grown in numbers; times were more peaceful; there was more commonality in language; books were beginning to replace scrolls; and upgraded roading enabled His followers to undertake more extensive travel for evangelisation.

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SAINT PETER’S LETTERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Let us ponder for a moment on some of the observations of St Peter, the appointed leader of the apostles:

“In His great mercy, God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.

“I am a witness to Christ’s sufferings and one who will share in the glory to be revealed”.

“We were eyewitnesses of His majesty. We ourselves heard this voice come down from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain”.

“When they hurled insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats”. By His wounds, you have been healed”.

“The day of the Lord will come like a thief”.

Closing Thought

In a world that still struggles to find hope, meaning, and truth, the story of Jesus—and the legacy of His apostles—invites us to consider more than just abstract ideas. It invites us to consider a person, a purpose, and a promise.

Mike.

mike@acaseforgod.com

Post 2. of a 33-part series exploring the evidence for the existence of God

Please see my next Blog – Why would Jesus die for a lie?