Notes:
If Paul is right, the Gospels are the earliest record of Jesus' earthly life.
Paul knew Peter, James, and John, along with the other apostles, who were
the earliest followers of Jesus and eyewitnesses to what Jesus said.
He testifies that their witness was the true and authentic one.
Their Gospels contain Jesus' teachings about Himself. What did Jesus teach
His disciples concerning Himself?
Those who followed Jesus in life also followed Him in death. These, too,
could have avoided needless suffering had they but declared that Jesus was just a man. But they did not. According to oral traditions passed down from the early church, here is how some of Jesus' disciples met their end:
James the son of Zebedee was beheaded.
Simon Peter was crucified in Rome. It is said that, at his request,
he was crucified upside down, saying, "I am not worthy to die in the manner of Jesus."
Paul was beheaded by Nero in A.D. 66.