The DaVinci Myth vs. The Gospel Truth - Online Christian Library

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
Professor Harold Smith, “A Watch usually consisted of
four men, each of whom watched in turn, while the others
rested beside him so as to be roused by the least
alarm; but in this case the guard may have been more
numerous.” 120 These Roman soldiers were well-trained.
They were experts in what they did. The penalty for leaving
their post or for falling asleep at the job was
death 121 —death that was “always rigorously enforced.” 122
Fifth, there was the stone—at least two tons, probably
more. The opening would indicate that the stone
would have to be at least about seven or eight feet high.
It took more than one person to move it.
Sixth, there were the appearances. These are crucial.
Over a period of about six weeks He appeared to one,
then to another, then to two, then to three and then to
eight and ten and eleven and 500 people at a time (1
Corinthians 15:4-9). They saw Him, they heard Him,
they handled Him. He fixed breakfast for them. He ate
fish with them (John 21:7-15; Luke 24:42-43).
The transformation of the apostles was connected to
the appearances. One day they were cringing in an upper
room for fear of the Jews, and soon after, they were boldly
upbraiding the Sanhedrin and proclaiming the resurrection
of Christ. Consider also their martyrdom. They
were crucified, crucified upside down, sawed in half,
stoned to death, and killed in many other ways, except
for John, who was exiled to the island of Patmos by
Nero. Why would they give their lives for what they
knew to be false?
Seven, there is the character of Christ Himself. Christ
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