Quote Originally Posted by Canton Kev View Post
You’ve never embellished a story to make it a bit better down the pub? People exaggerate and people lie all the time. I’m guilty of it and I’m sure most people on here can admit to it as well as you.

Even if John didn’t, do you not think it’s possible that over the last 2000 years the story could’ve evolved and expanded? Especially in a time when reading and writing was very rare and most stories would’ve been word of mouth.
I agree that people down the pub may embellish stories of course but that doesn't answer my question about who were these people who so-called "stood to benefit" in the early days of the Christian church? The inescapable fact is that the Christian church came into being very soon after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Why would those early apostles initiate and perpetuate a movement based on something which they knew was untrue – again, where was the “benefit” to them knowing that they risked death or persecution by being involved?