Navigating Faith and Doubt: Is There Historical Proof Jesus Rose from the Dead?

In this episode of Bold Journeys, we dig into one of the most important questions anyone wrestling with faith eventually faces: Is there real historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus?

New Testament scholar and author Dr. Mike Licona shares his personal battle with doubt, the research that reshaped his faith, and the historical case that convinced him the resurrection wasn’t just a belief — it was an event grounded in eyewitness testimony and early Christian records.

We talk through Paul’s transformation, external historical sources, debates with skeptics, and why alternative explanations fall apart when you actually pressure‑test them. This conversation is honest, direct, and built for anyone navigating questions about faith, truth, and the foundation of Christianity.

In This Episode

  • Licona’s journey through doubt
  • The historical case for the resurrection
  • Paul’s testimony and early Christian creeds
  • External sources: Josephus, Tacitus, and more
  • How personal experience and evidence work together

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Chapters

00:00 Doubting the Resurrection

01:38 Meet Mike Licona

04:35 Campus Questions Today

09:22 Childhood and Conversion

15:38 From Music to Ministry

28:19 Researching the Evidence

35:50 Debate Prep Mindset

36:56 Did Jesus Exist

40:20 Resurrection Case Starts With Paul

47:01 Martyrdom And Eyewitness Claims

51:26 James Skeptic To Believer