Is it true that there have been other resurrections before, after and during the time of Christ? I am currently in a debate with a Wiccan that tells me there have been 23 resurrections.
Answer
If this person is telling you of a specific number of resurrections then they should be able to show you the evidence for them. Keep in mind that the individuals resurrected must have been clearly dead, resurrected through no outside person’s assistance (not like Lazarus in John 11, who was raised through the power of Jesus), and have clearly documented eyewitness testimony that they were alive after their death.
In the case of Jesus we know that over five hundred people saw him after his resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:4-8). Is there any similarly documented case of a resurrection?
The Bible says that Jesus was the first to be resurrected in this way. “But Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Corinthians 15:20) Paul further says that the remaining resurrections will be when he comes again. “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” (1 Corinthians 15:23)
We do know that a lot of people were resurrected shortly after Jesus. “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” (Matthew 27:52-53) We know there will be a final resurrection of all people. (1 Corinthians 15) If there are others, I would have to see the evidence for them.