Yuku free message boards

In Galatians
1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles
2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?


Whether Cephas and Peter are the same person is not certain, but it is likely to be as one is Greek and one Aramaic for rock (I forget which).

I'd say this was conclusive evidence they existed, since Paul wouldn't invent enemies and give them high status.

Paul also refers to the Twelve when mentioning who Jesus appeared to when resurrected (which I'd take as an indication the twelve existed, but not the resurrection. This is as Paul had a justification to lie about one but not the other, although maybe the Twelve did believe they'd seen Jesus).

1 Corinthians

15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

The part about the 500 is clearly false (Acts claims there were only 120 believers after the crucifixion, which sounds more believable, as a rough figure, if that many), and Paul helpfully doesn't mention the names of any of them.

Both Galatians and 1 Corinthians are genuine epistles, so can be useful for things like this.