Meaning: This quote by Josh McDowell, a well-known Christian apologist, addresses the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the context of early Christianity. McDowell is suggesting that if the disciples of Jesus had fabricated a scheme about his resurrection, it would have been extremely difficult to convince anyone of its truth, especially in Jerusalem, where the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection took place.

The quote highlights the central importance of the resurrection in the Christian faith. According to Christian doctrine, the resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that not only validates his divinity but also serves as the foundation of the Christian belief in the hope of eternal life. McDowell's assertion underscores the idea that the resurrection was not merely a symbolic or metaphorical event, but a historical reality that had a profound impact on the early followers of Jesus and the subsequent spread of Christianity.

The statement also points to the incredulity of the disciples and early followers of Jesus in the immediate aftermath of his crucifixion. The Gospels depict the disciples as disheartened and fearful after the events of Jesus' death, hardly the demeanor of individuals who would have been capable of fabricating a resurrection story. McDowell's quote suggests that the transformation of these disciples from a state of despair to becoming bold proclaimers of the resurrection requires a compelling explanation, and the most plausible one, according to the Christian faith, is the actual resurrection of Jesus.

Furthermore, the reference to Jerusalem in the quote is significant. Jerusalem was the epicenter of the events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. The city was also the seat of Jewish religious authority, making it a particularly challenging environment for the proclamation of a resurrected Messiah. The fact that early Christianity not only survived but flourished in Jerusalem, despite the hostile religious and political climate, is a testament to the compelling nature of the disciples' testimony regarding the resurrection.

From a historical perspective, McDowell's quote touches on the notion of hostile witnesses. In other words, the early proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus was made in a context where there were many who were directly familiar with the events in question. If the disciples were spreading a fabricated story, they would have faced immediate and forceful opposition from those who had knowledge of the events. The quote implies that the success of the disciples in persuading others about the reality of the resurrection, even in the face of opposition, points to the credibility of their claims.

In summary, Josh McDowell's quote underscores the pivotal significance of the resurrection of Jesus in the Christian faith and its implications for the early followers of Jesus. It highlights the implausibility of the disciples fabricating a story of resurrection and the formidable challenges they would have faced in convincing others, particularly in the historical and religious context of Jerusalem. The quote invites reflection on the profound impact of the resurrection on the disciples and the subsequent spread of Christianity, as well as the historical and theological implications of this central belief.