We can tell by the lasting results in the lives of those who experienced them. These appearances were not visions or hallucinations, but actual encounters with the risen Christ. The women took hold of His feet (Matthew 28:9). Thomas put his finger in Christ’s wounds (John 20:27). The disciples saw Him eat real food (Luke 24:42, 43). These encounters were life transforming to those who experienced them. They produced lasting changes. James, a half brother of Jesus, had little confidence in Jesus’ claims before his encounter with the resurrected Christ. Then James became a pillar and leader in the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:9; Acts 15; 21:18).  

 Paul was transformed from a bitter, persecuting enemy of Christ into an apostle to the Gentiles. Peter, who was depressed because of his own failure to remain loyal to Christ under pressure, declares that he was “begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).