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In 56 A.D. [the apostle] Paul wrote that over 500 people…

“In 56 A.D. [the apostle] Paul wrote that over 500 people had seen the risen Jesus and that most of them were still alive (1 Corinthians 15:6ff.). It passes the bounds of credibility that the early Christians could have manufactured such a tale and then preached it among those who might easily have…” quote by John Warwick Montgomery
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“In 56 A.D. [the apostle] Paul wrote that over 500 people had seen the risen Jesus and that most of them were still alive (1 Corinthians 15:6ff.). It passes the bounds of credibility that the early Christians could have manufactured such a tale and then preached it among those who might easily have refuted it simply by producing the body of Jesus.”

John Warwick Montgomery

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The claim that many eyewitnesses to the risen Jesus were still alive challenges the plausibility of a fabricated story, as their testimony could have been easily disproved.

In simple terms: Eyewitnesses to the resurrection were still alive, making a hoax unlikely.

Key Takeaway

Consider the weight of living witnesses.

Themes

faith history evidence

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

historical theological

When to use this quote

  • theology debates
  • academic research
  • faith discussions
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

Christianity historical criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would happen if those witnesses had been silenced?
  • How does this affect belief in resurrection?
A Different Perspective

Skeptics may argue that oral tradition could distort facts.

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