What Is the Earliest Evidence We Have for Jesus? (Ehrman's "Did Jesus Exist?" Part 5)

As we keep going in this series using Bart Ehrman's book "Did Jesus Exist?" to examine the historical evidence for Jesus, Adam takes a look at the evidence contained in the letters written by the Apostle Paul. The historical evidence for Jesus in these letters is some of the earliest that we have for Jesus, particularly the evidence from early creeds contained in Paul's letters. These creeds are dated by scholars to have been written within 2-3 years of Jesus' death, and they contain statements relating to Jesus' miracles, death, and resurrection. Some skeptics might object to using Paul's letters for this type of historical analysis. They might say that Paul's letters can't be trusted because they have been corrupted with errors or that you can't use the Bible to prove the Bible. But these objections are misguided. Also, some Christians might say that critically evaluating the Bible is wrong because it is tantamount to doubting God. However, this type of objection is also misguided.

Click here https://linktr.ee/convincingproof/ for articles, podcasts, and other resources from Convincing Proof that give good reasons and evidence to believe that Christianity is true. You can find resources on apologetics, theology, philosophy, ethics, and more.

You can order a copy of my book, "Divine Love Theory: How the Trinity is the Source and Foundation of Morality," from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Love-Theory-Foundation-Morality/dp/0825447577/.

Like Jesus and His disciples (Luke 8:3), my missionary work with Convincing Proof is funded by a large team of people, most of whom are investing a small amount on a monthly basis. If God leads you to invest in my work, you can donate to Convincing Proof Ministries by visiting this link: https://convincingproof.org/donate/. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Contents
0:00 Main Argument Jesus Is God
2:19 Why Use Bart Ehrman's Book?
5:04 What Books Did the Apostle Paul Write?
8:59 What Does Paul Say about Jesus?
11:49 Creeds Written Before Paul's Letters
17:11 Paul Talked with Eyewitnesses of Jesus
22:31 The Last Supper Creed in 1 Corinthians 11
27:12 The Death & Resurrection Creed in 1 Corinthians 15
31:59 Objection #1: Paul's Letters Have Been Corrupted with Errors
38:54 Objection #2: You Can't Use the Bible to Prove the Bible
43:15 Objection #3: Christians Shouldn't Critically Evaluate the Bible Because That's Doubting God