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After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many over a period of forty days. In fact, He appeared to over 500 of His followers before He ascended to heaven.1
At that time there was a Jewish religious leader by the name of Saul who did every thing he could to stop the growth of Christianity. In fact he was on his way to Damascus to arrest all who claimed to be a follower of the Way (the Way being Christ Jesus.) His intention was to return them to Jerusalem as prisoners. This took place after Jesus' ascension to heaven.
While on his way to Damascus, Jesus appeared to Saul. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around Saul, and when he fell to the ground, he heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, " He replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Saul was taken into Damascus and for three days he was blind.
At that time, Jesus , in a vision, instructed Ananias (a disciple in Damascus) to pray for Saul in order to restore his sight. Ananias was hesitant to do so; he was afraid of Saul because of all that he had been doing to destroy the Church.
Upon placing his hands on Saul, however, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. Immediately Saul got up, was baptized as a follower of Jesus, and after taking some food, regained his strength.2
From that point forward, Saul (who became the apostle Paul) was one of the greatest Christian evangelist of his time. Ultimately, he was martyred in Rome under emperor Nero's orders.
Not only was the apostle Paul martyred proclaiming the resurrection of Christ Jesus, but ten of the original twelve apostles likewise died a martyr's death proclaiming the resurrection. No one would be willing to die, as they did, for a lie.
Bible Reference:
1 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
2 Acts 9:1-19
