The Disciples Were Fooled By An Imposter

Could the disciples have been fooled by an imposter?

A less common argument against the resurrection of Jesus is this claim: “An imposter tricked the disciples and convinced them that Jesus was still alive; the disciples then advanced a lie”.

 Here is why this couldn't be true:

P1: The impersonator would have to be familiar enough with Jesus’ mannerisms and statements to convince the disciples. The disciples knew the topic of the con better than anyone who might con them.

P2: Many of the disciples were skeptical and displayed none of the necessary naiveness that would be required for the con artist to succeed. Thomas, for example, was openly skeptical from the beginning.

P3: The impersonator would need to possess miraculous powers; the disciples reported that the resurrected Jesus performed many miracles and “convincing proofs”.

P4: Who would seek to start a world religious movement if not one of the hopeful disciples? This theory requires a someone to be motivated to impersonate Jesus other than the disciples themselves.

P5: This explanation also fails to account for the empty tomb or missing body of Jesus.

C: These evidences directly oppose the idea that the disciples were fooled by an imposter, it is inconclusive to suggest they were fooled by an imposter.