The events that followed the resurrection of Jesus, according to the New Testament, are quite extensive and transformative. Here's a summary:
* Appearances to Witnesses: Jesus appeared to numerous individuals and groups over a period of 40 days. These appearances are described in various Gospels and the book of Acts.
* Mary Magdalene: She was one of the first to see him near the tomb.
* Other Women: The Gospel of Matthew mentions Jesus appearing to other women who were on their way to tell the disciples.
* Disciples: He appeared to the disciples in the upper room (Thomas was initially absent), on the road to Emmaus, by the Sea of Tiberias, and at other times. These appearances often involved teaching and reaffirming their mission.
* Over 500 People: 1 Corinthians 15:6 mentions that he appeared to over 500 believers at one time.
* The Great Commission: Jesus gave the disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey his commands (Matthew 28:16-20).
* Ascension: After a period of 40 days, Jesus ascended into heaven in the sight of his disciples (Acts 1:9-11). This event marked the end of his physical presence on Earth.
* Pentecost: Following Jesus's ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in Jerusalem during the Jewish festival of Pentecost (Acts 2). This event is often considered the birth of the Christian Church. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages (tongues).
* The Early Church: The disciples began to preach the Gospel and perform miracles, leading to the rapid growth of the early Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 2-7). Many people were baptized and became believers.
* Persecution and Expansion: The early Christians faced persecution from Jewish authorities (Acts 4-12), which led to the scattering of believers and the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem to other parts of Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the Gentiles (non-Jews).
* The Ministry of Paul: The Apostle Paul (formerly Saul), a persecutor of Christians, had a dramatic conversion experience (Acts 9) and became a key figure in spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. He established churches and wrote letters (epistles) that form a significant part of the New Testament.
* The Writing of the Gospels and Epistles: The events of Jesus' life, teachings, death, resurrection, and the early church were eventually written down in the Gospels and epistles, which form the New Testament.
In summary, the resurrection of Jesus marked a pivotal moment in Christian history, leading to the Great Commission, the descent of the Holy Spirit, the birth and expansion of the Christian Church, and the writing of the New Testament.