Jesus, the Apostles, and the New Testament — Oral Christian Tradition

The Early Resurrection Tradition in First Corinthians

Received before c. AD 35-40; written c. AD 54-55
A Visit With Jesus

Paul repeated an earlier summary declaring Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and appearances to named witnesses.

Full Account

Paul reminded the Corinthians of a message he had received and delivered: Christ died for sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared to Cephas, the Twelve, more than five hundred believers, James, and the apostles.

The formula's structured language suggests a memorized confession or teaching summary older than the letter itself. Paul's early contact with Peter and James provides a plausible setting for confirming this testimony close to the events.

Historical Significance

This passage demonstrates that resurrection belief and named eyewitness testimony belong to the earliest Christian proclamation, not a legend that arose generations later.

People, Places and Sources