1 Corinthians 15:3-8 — the resurrection creed: appearances to Peter, the twelve, 500+, James, all apostles, and Paul

Mike reads the full creedal list: Jesus died, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared to Cephas, then the twelve, then 500+ brothers (most still alive at time of writing), then James, then all the apostles, then Paul himself. Mike notes Paul's letters are written before the Gospels — so this list of witnesses predates the Gospel accounts and represents independent attestation. The 500 still living serve as live witnesses who could be questioned.