The bold claims of Jesus Christ led the political and religious leaders around him to plot his arrest and execution. At the age of 33, the radical revolutionary was executed by crucifixion and buried in a borrowed grave. It was reported that three days later, an earthquake shook the tomb, guarded by Roman soldiers, and Jesus rose from the dead.6 He was with his followers for some 40 days—observed by over 500 people at one time—and then ascended in to heaven, where he is today.7
In the months and years to follow, thousands of people put personal faith in the claims of Jesus, known as the "Christ" (Messiah). In spite of incredible political persecution that led to the murder and execution of thousands of his followers, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. Today, over one third of the world's population identifies themselves as Christians.
| 6 — | There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it... The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." |
| — Matthew 28:2-6 | |
| 7 — | Christ...was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living [at time of writing].... |
| — 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 | |