After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, several significant events and transformations occurred, according to the New Testament accounts (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21). Here’s a breakdown of what happened:

1. *The Resurrection (Sunday morning, early morning)*
– Jesus rose from the dead, fulfilling His promise and the prophecies of the Old Testament.
– The stone was rolled away, and an angel announced the resurrection to the women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome in Mark 16:1).
– Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18).

2. *Appearances to Disciples*
– *To the women*: Jesus met them as they left the tomb, saying, “Peace be with you” (Matthew 28:9).
– *To Peter*: Jesus appeared privately to Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5).
– *To two disciples on the road to Emmaus*: Jesus walked with them, explained the Scriptures, and revealed Himself in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:13–32).
– *To the disciples (Thomas absent)*: Jesus appeared in the upper room, showing His wounds and giving the Holy Spirit (John 20:19–23).
– *To Thomas (1 week later)*: Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds, leading to Thomas’ declaration, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:24–29).

3. *The Great Commission*
– Jesus commanded the disciples to *”go and make disciples of all nations”* (Matthew 28:19–20), promising to be with them “to the end of the age.”
– He emphasized baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

4. *Ascension (40 days after resurrection)*
– Jesus led the disciples to the Mount of Olives, blessed them, and ascended to heaven (Luke 24:50–53; Acts 1:3–11).
– Angels promised His return: “He will come back in the same way you saw Him go into heaven.”

5. *Impact on the Early Church*
– The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Pentecost, Acts 2), preached the gospel boldly, leading to the growth of the church.
– The resurrection became the cornerstone of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile”).

Theological Significance
– *Defeat of sin and death*: Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated His victory over death, offering salvation to humanity.
– *New life*: Believers are “born again” to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).
– *Assurance of eternal life*: Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:20).