Meaning: The quote mentioned is from Josh McDowell, a Christian apologist and writer known for his works on defending the Christian faith. The quote refers to an important event in Christianity regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul the apostle, also known as Saint Paul, is a significant figure in Christianity who played a crucial role in the early spread of the faith.

The event being recounted in the quote is the appearance of Jesus to more than 500 of his followers at one time, as mentioned by Paul the apostle. This event is documented in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of 1 Corinthians, in a passage known as the "Resurrection Chapter" (1 Corinthians 15). In this chapter, Paul addresses the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance to the Christian faith.

The significance of Jesus appearing to more than 500 of his followers at one time lies in the credibility and validation it provides to the resurrection event. In the context of the quote, Josh McDowell emphasizes that the majority of these witnesses were still alive at the time of Paul's writing. This is a crucial point as it implies that the claims about Jesus' resurrection were not based on hearsay or distant accounts but were supported by the testimonies of numerous living witnesses.

This emphasis on the number of witnesses and their availability for confirmation serves to strengthen the historical and evidential basis of the resurrection event. It underscores the fact that the early Christian proclamation of Jesus' resurrection was not a myth or a fabricated story but was rooted in the testimonies of real individuals who were willing and able to attest to the reality of the event.

From a historical and apologetic perspective, the mention of the 500 witnesses by Paul serves as a compelling piece of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. It provides an important corroborative account of the resurrection alongside the testimonies of the disciples, the women at the tomb, and other individuals who encountered the risen Jesus.

The quote by Josh McDowell highlights the significance of this large gathering of witnesses and their role in affirming the truth of the resurrection. By drawing attention to the fact that the majority of these witnesses were still alive at the time of Paul's writing, McDowell underscores the tangible and verifiable nature of the evidence supporting the resurrection.

Furthermore, the quote by McDowell reflects the ongoing significance of this historical event in the Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central and foundational belief in Christianity, representing the victory over sin and death and the hope of eternal life for believers. The mention of the 500 witnesses serves to reinforce the historical authenticity of this pivotal event, which has profound implications for Christian theology and the message of salvation.

In conclusion, the quote by Josh McDowell regarding Paul's account of Jesus appearing to more than 500 of his followers at one time underscores the historical and evidential significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It highlights the credibility and validation provided by the large number of witnesses, many of whom were still alive at the time of Paul's writing. This emphasis on the tangible and verifiable nature of the evidence serves to strengthen the historical basis of the resurrection event and its enduring importance in the Christian faith.