Luke told Theophilus that after the resurrection, Jesus used
“many convincing proofs…” (v. 3a). That seems a bit odd to me. Does it to you? Many convincing proofs? What were they and why were they needed? The words translated,
“convincing proofs” are from one Greek word,
tekmerion, which means “a sure sign.” Of course in its plural form, here in
Acts 1:3, it means “sure signs.” So what were the “many convincing proofs?” Two signs were presented many times over the course of 40 days: His bodily appearance and His speaking about the Kingdom of God. In
Luke 24, vividly convincing proofs were offered: on the Emmaus Road (
vv. 13-32); to Peter (
v. 34); and to the disciples (
vv. 36-43). Each time during those 40 days, the resurrected Jesus’ appearances and speeches seemed too good to be true. But they were. The more He appeared and spoke to them, the more convinced they became.
Some years after the resurrection of Christ, Paul, in writing to the church in Corinth, offered the very first written word about resurrection – several years before the Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John accounts were written. Paul announced by way of
1 Corinthians 15:3-8,
“For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”
Many convincing proofs. Seems too good to be true. But it is true. Jesus is alive. It really is true. He is alive this very day. It is proven by your presence this morning. If you didn’t believe He was alive, I’m not sure you would be here. I am fully aware that is somewhat of a naive thing to say. I’m quiet certain some of us just show up out of habit – not that there is anything wrong with being in the habit of showing up for Sunday study and worship. Unfortunately, the habit of showing up can become nothing more than just that: the habit of showing up. We may show up with no desire for anything to happen, let alone to think of anything happening, that can be attributed only to the supernatural and overwhelming Presence of the Holy God.