If some of Jesus’ own disciples still doubted (Matthew 28:17), how can their testimony about the resurrection be considered credible?

I. Understanding the Context of Matthew 28:17

Matthew 28:17 states, “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.” This moment occurs after Jesus had risen from the dead and appeared to His disciples. Despite witnessing the empty tomb and hearing reports of the resurrection (Matthew 28:1–10), a few among them still experienced hesitation or uncertainty.

Such a detail may seem troubling when considering the credibility of the resurrection testimony. Yet this passage portrays a realistic snapshot of human reactions: even first-century individuals who knew Jesus personally needed time to process the extraordinary event unfolding before them.

II. The Nature of the “Doubt”

One factor to consider is the range of meaning behind the word translated “doubted.” In the original language, the term can indicate hesitation or confusion rather than a settled disbelief. The disciples, having just endured the trauma of the crucifixion, were processing both grief and startling joy. While some of them immediately worshiped the risen Lord, others wrestled briefly with the magnitude of what they saw.

This kind of hesitation clarifies that the Gospel accounts are neither sanitized nor embellished to eliminate uncomfortable details. Instead, they preserve genuine human responses. Such honesty in describing the disciples’ own initial uncertainties points to a transparent, reliable record of events.

III. Transformations in the Disciples

Scripture also records a dramatic shift from doubt to unwavering conviction. After the initial hesitation in Matthew 28:17, these same individuals would become bold proclaimers of the resurrection in Jerusalem (Acts 2:32; 3:15). Peter—who once feared potential repercussions even from a servant girl (Matthew 26:69–70)—would later risk everything to preach that Jesus is alive (Acts 4:18–20).

Thomas’s transformation provides another important example. Initially skeptical, Thomas declared, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands...I will never believe” (John 20:25). Confronted with the risen Christ, he confessed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The profound change from doubt to belief underlines the disciples’ sincerity: people do not willingly face intense persecution and even martyrdom for what they still consider uncertain or untrue.

IV. Extra-Biblical Corroboration

Early Jewish and Roman sources such as Josephus (Antiquities 18.3) and Tacitus (Annals 15.44) acknowledge the existence of Jesus as a historical figure, point toward His death by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, and attest to the continuing movement of His followers.

While these sources do not confirm the resurrection event as believers understand it, they do verify that the disciples were profoundly convinced Jesus rose. This certainty drove them to spread the message widely despite economic, social, and legal threats. Such unwavering dedication after initial doubt testifies to a genuine change of heart, often attributed to personal encounters with the risen Christ.

V. The Disciples as Credible Witnesses

1. Consistency of Their Message: All the Gospels—written by or based on the eyewitness testimony of the disciples—proclaim the resurrection (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–14; Luke 24:1–49; John 20:1–29). The Apostle Paul later summarizes this testimony (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) and mentions that over five hundred witnesses saw the risen Christ, “most of whom are still alive.” Such agreement among multiple sources strengthens the credibility of their shared message.

2. Manuscript Reliability: Surviving New Testament manuscripts—among the ancient world’s most numerous and carefully preserved documents—consistently transmit the resurrection accounts. The textual evidence shows remarkable coherence and continuity. The presence of details like momentary doubts suggests that the authors were committed to accurately recording events, even those that might raise initial questions.

3. Psychological and Behavioral Factors: It is not unusual for humans to struggle with extraordinary claims initially. The momentary uncertainty found in Matthew 28:17 reflects natural human inclination to question unfamiliar realities. The fact that these same witnesses then engaged in lifelong proclamation and sacrifice indicates that their brief doubt was resolved in favor of firm conviction once they fully grasped the reality of Christ’s rising from the dead.

VI. Addressing the Question of Credibility

The presence of doubt does not undermine credibility; rather, it underscores the historicity and honesty of the Gospel writers. If a fabricated story were being penned, an author aiming to persuade readers might omit any mention of lingering questions among Jesus’ closest followers. Instead, the narrative’s transparency demonstrates authentic human processing of an astounding reality.

Following this initial hesitation, the disciples spent the rest of their lives testifying that they had encountered the resurrected Christ. Many endured hardships, imprisonment, or martyrdom (Acts 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 11:23–27) rather than deny the resurrection. Such a trajectory refutes the notion that lingering doubt at one moment meant a continual or permanent disbelief. Their ultimate willingness to give their lives in support of the risen Savior stands as a compelling testimony to the truthfulness of what they proclaimed.

VII. Conclusion

When Matthew 28:17 notes that “some doubted,” it reflects a candid and multifaceted depiction of genuine human reactions to an unprecedented event. Far from disqualifying their testimony, the honest acknowledgment of their initial questions highlights their sincerity. The transformation from momentary uncertainty to resolute conviction reveals a credible foundation for trust in their reports.

Their collective experience, corroborated by internal consistency, manuscript evidence, and historical attestations, strongly supports Jesus’ bodily resurrection. A witness who experiences doubt yet emerges with greater conviction can, paradoxically, offer a more credible account precisely because such honesty affirms the authenticity of the testimony.

(References: Berean Standard Bible [BSB] for all Scripture quotations; Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18.3; Tacitus, Annals 15.44; John 20:24–28; Acts 2:32, 3:15, 4:18–20; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8.)