What made the disciples become bold after the resurrection instead of running away?
The power of Jesus’ resurrection made the difference. Before it, all the disciples forsook Him and fled, scared like rabbits. After the resurrection, they had no such fear; resurrection power transformed them into men who stood up against Rome and Israel’s rulers.
Les explains from Matthew 26:55–56 that Jesus said the multitudes came out against Him as against a thief, with swords and staves, though He sat daily teaching in the temple. All this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then the disciples forsook Him and fled. But after the resurrection, these same men had no such fear. The difference was the power of resurrection, which transformed them from scared rabbits into men who stood against Rome and the rulers of Israel. Les connects this to Paul’s words in Philippians: “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection,” which is where it is all at in this age of grace.