In the very first phase after the Resurrection there was probably some uncertainty exactly how what had been accomplished in Jesus should be interpreted. It was clear that all he had said and done had been triumphantly vindicated, in spite of apparent failure. His preaching that the coming kingdom was near proved to be true. Since he had risen from the dead, it was evident that he would still take the lead in the kingdom. In other words, there could be no doubt that he was to be identified with the