On the third day after his crucifixion, Jesus' tomb was empty.
His disciples were the first to encounter him personally – and now they knew that Jesus had truly risen from the dead, just as he had foretold.
The Bible tells us that many other people subsequently encountered the risen Jesus. They saw him. They spoke with him. They touched him. They ate with him.
The first Christians therefore did not simply proclaim that Jesus' teaching should live on. They proclaimed: Jesus is alive!
This message spread from Jerusalem throughout the world.
A few weeks later, at Pentecost, the disciples were strengthened by the Holy Spirit and began to speak publicly about Jesus.
From a small group of people, a worldwide community emerged.
Today there are Christians in almost every country and culture on earth, and faith in Jesus has transformed the lives of countless people.
