Matthew 28:1-10 – In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of

him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I

have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

I.The Number of Witnesses  The strength or weakness of any testimony is determined by the number of witnesses. Deuteronomy 17:6 – “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.”

I.The Number of Witnesses  The strength or weakness of any testimony is determined by the number of witnesses.  So for 40 days over 500 people had an opportunity to see Jesus

II.The Character of the Witnesses A.Some had not believed in Jesus John 7:5 – “For neither did His brethren believe in Him.”

II.The Character of the Witnesses A.Some had not believed in Jesus Acts 1:14 – “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.”

II.The Character of the Witnesses A.Some had not believed in Jesus B.Some were skeptical after Jesus death John 20:24-25 – “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands…

II.The Character of the Witnesses A.Some had not believed in Jesus B.Some were skeptical after Jesus death John 20:24-25 – …the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

II.The Character of the Witnesses A.Some had not believed in Jesus B.Some were skeptical after Jesus death Acts 10:40-41 – “Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly; Not to all people, but unto witnesses chose before of God”

II.The Character of the Witnesses A.Some had not believed in Jesus B.Some were skeptical after Jesus death C.One was even a former enemy  Saul of Tarsus, who later became known as Paul the apostle

III.The Strength of their Witness A.Demonstrated by the nature of their testimony  Their testimony was based on observation rather than theory  For 40 days there were given infallible proofs – Acts 1:3  They ate and drank with Jesus – Acts 10:41

III.The Strength of their Witness A.Demonstrated by the nature of their testimony  For 40 days there were given infallible proofs – Acts 1:3  They ate and drank with Jesus – Acts 10:41  They saw, heard, and touched Him – 1 John 1:1-2

III.The Strength of their Witness A.Demonstrated by the nature of their testimony B.Demonstrated by their transformation  Prior to the resurrection the disciples were afraid and without hope  After the resurrection they fearlessly praised God and proclaimed Jesus

III.The Strength of their Witness A.Demonstrated by the nature of their testimony B.Demonstrated by their transformation C.Demonstrated by their high moral standard Ephesians 4:15 – “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”

III.The Strength of their Witness A.Demonstrated by the nature of their testimony B.Demonstrated by their transformation C.Demonstrated by their high moral standard  They lived their own lives in an unimpeachable way

III.The Strength of their Witness A.Demonstrated by the nature of their testimony B.Demonstrated by their transformation C.Demonstrated by their high moral standard D.Demonstrated by the price they paid  All but one died a martyr’s death because of their testimony