Hey Deacon!

We know from scripture that Jesus appeared at least 10 times after His resurrection. However, we can’t be certain of the exact number of times Jesus appeared. John the Evangelist explained how the Gospel accounts were not a complete historical record, "Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book" (John 20:30). 
 
Referring to the scripture narratives in the Book of the Gospels, the Book of Acts and Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, I present the 10 (or 12 depending on the math) post-resurrection appearances. The following biblical text is listed in chronological order.
 

1. Early in the morning on resurrection Sunday, Mary Magdalene was crying by the tomb in Jerusalem. Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18.
2. Early on resurrection Sunday, the other women returning from the tomb saw Jesus. Matt 28:8-10.
3. On the afternoon, of resurrection Sunday, Cleopas and another disciple encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32.
4. Late afternoon of resurrection Sunday, Jesus appeared to Peter. Luke 24:33-35; 1 Cor 15:5a.
5. Jesus appeared to the ten disciples and others, without Thomas, in the upper room on the evening of resurrection Sunday. Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-25.
6. Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples, including Thomas, on the eighth day (Octave) of Easter. Mark 16:14; John 20:26-29.
7. A week or so later, Jesus appeared to seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias). John 21:1-25.
8. Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples receiving the ‘Great Commission’ near the end of His 40 days post resurrection. Matt 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Cor 15:5b
9. Jesus appeared to 500 people, probably near Galilee, near the end of the 40 days. 1 Cor 15:6.
10. (10a) Jesus also appeared to James, shortly after appearing to the 500 people. 1 Cor 15:7a.
11. (10b) Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples, Mary, and others at His’ Ascension into heaven. Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:4-11; 1 Cor 15:7b.
12. (10c) Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus. Perhaps a year or two later after Jesus’ resurrection. Acts 9:3-5; 22:7-8; 26:14-16; 1 Cor 15:8.

 
Jesus’ many appearances following His crucifixion and burial attest to the validity of His resurrection. I believe that St. Paul’s witness is powerful because Jesus had ascended long before his conversion. St. Paul considered himself “last of all” the apostles and felt to be the “least.”
 
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received… through which also you are being saved… 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 scripture (our Creed)…that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then to more than five hundred…then the apostles.  Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.  (I Cor 15:1-8)
 
The many post-resurrection appearances by Jesus Christ are one of many proofs that He indeed rose from the dead.  We should take comfort in knowing that our own resurrection from the dead is assured because of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.   May God’s truth and grace reside within you.

Author Bio:
 Deacon Dan Vaughn