ABSTRACT
The belief in the resurrection, i.e. in the triumph over death and the elevation to life in heaven unites the two conceptions of Jesus which otherwise would contradict each other. The theological interpretation of the resurrection outlined in Peter’s sermons and developed by Paul expresses a faith which the whole early church shared. The first germ of the idea of resurrection must be found in the thoughts of Jesus’ disciples before their master’s death. Their conviction that Jesus was alive in heaven and that they had seen him when he had judged good to show himself gave birth to the idea that the tomb was empty. God had not only done something extraordinary for Jesus crucified by restoring him to life; he had also anticipated for Jesus the resurrection on the last day and had given him from now on life in heaven, i.e. life in the world to come.
