Final answer:
it is supported by the biblical passage in 1 Corinthians 15:6, where it is stated that Jesus appeared to more than 500 individuals at once, providing a specific and significant numerical reference. Thus the correct option is 2 2) 500
Step-by-step explanation:
The largest number of witnesses to the resurrection is recorded as 500. This figure is based on biblical accounts, particularly in 1 Corinthians 15:6, where it is mentioned that Jesus appeared to more than 500 brethren at once.
This biblical passage is often cited by scholars and theologians as evidence of the substantial number of witnesses to the resurrection. The specific verse reads, "After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:6, NIV).
The significance of this account lies in its early documentation, as 1 Corinthians is considered one of the earliest New Testament writings.
The mention of "five hundred" provides a numerical foundation for the claim of a substantial witness group, contributing to the credibility of the resurrection event in Christian theology.
While alternative interpretations exist, this biblical passage remains a central reference point for discussions about the number of witnesses to the resurrection.
In historical and religious contexts, the 500 witnesses play a crucial role in supporting the claim of a collective experience of encountering the resurrected Jesus.
The credibility of the resurrection account is often debated, and the number 500 serves as a point of reference for those examining the historical reliability of biblical narratives.