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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Writing a little earlier, [b]three leaders of the early church[/b] named Clement of Rome, Polycarp, and Ignatius, mention Jesus’ resurrection. Two of them, Clement and Polycarp, probably knew the  apostles, Peter and John, respectively. Clement of Rome and Polycarp are probably repeating some of the information they had heard from Peter and John. Though  Ignatius  is fairly early and was  a friend of Polycarp, there is no evidence suggesting he had met one of the apostles. Although it is possible he did , historians must primarily concern themselves with matters that are probable. Since it is probable that Clement and Polycarp heard about Jesus’ resurrection from Peter and John, they are primary sources  related to that event. Although they mention Jesus’ resurrection on a few occasions, they do not provide any details.

Historians look for sources that corroborate what is claimed in another. In this case, we have some interesting sources that strongly suggest Paul was telling the truth. Recall that Clement of Rome and Polycarp were probably acquainted with the apostles, Peter and John, respectively. It may, therefore, be fruitful to observe what Clement and Polycarp write about Paul. Clement refers to Peter and Paul as “the most righteous  pillars” and “good apostles”  (1 Clem. 5:2ff., Holmes numbering), while Polycarp calls him “the  blessed  and glorious Paul . . . [who] accurately and reliably taught the message of truth” (1 Clem . 3:2, Holmes numbering). These are not the sort of remarks  we would expect from Clement and Polycarp if Paul had taught a message that was essentially different from what their mentors, Peter and John, had taught. But such remarks would not surprise us if Paul was being honest when saying he was preaching the same message as the Jerusalem apostles. So, Paul writes very early, claims to be an eyewitness of the risen Jesus, and proclaimed the same Gospel message being preached by the Jerusalem apostles who had known Jesus. Thus, when we read the Gospel message in Paul’s letters, we are likewise able to hear the voice of the Jerusalem apostles on the matter. Paul’s letters are, indeed, primary sources  in terms of Jesus’ resurrection.

https://hbu.edu/news-and-events/2016/06/03/primary-sources-jesuss-resurrection/

What are the Primary Sources for Jesus’ Resurrection?
By Michael R. Licona

MICHAEL R. LICONA, PhD, is [b]Associate Professor of Theology at Houston Baptist University[/b]. He has written six books and numerous  journal  articles and  essays. Licona has spoken on more than 70 university campuses.[/quote]

Associate Professor of Theology at Houston Baptist? Biased. 
Leaders of an early Christian church? Biased.

Next? [/quote]

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