Actually, jno, evidence supports an early oral tradition for testimonial confirmation of the events. The first book written in the New Covenant was, most probably James, written by the brother of Yeshua. During the earthly lifetime of the Messiah, James would not or could not accept that his own half-brother was the prophesied Ha Massiach. Evidence supports James as being written about 43 to 48 AD. More importantly are these lines from Paul's (nee Saul of Tarsus) First Letter to the Corinthians written near 48 to 50 AD: in 1 Cor. 15:3-4 we find an early creed of the Christian church where Paul mentions that Jesus had died and risen. "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." Notice that he says he received this information. From whom did he receive it? Most probably the apostles since he had a lot of interaction with them. This means that Paul received the gospel account from the eyewitnesses. The eyewitnesses traveled within the region and taught many concerning the events. So much so, that Luke records in his second book, Acts, that as many as 3,000 people came to faith on one day. This also confirms the extensive oral transmission of events before the setting to pen in writings. By the way, I, for one, appreciate your reasoned approach to the subject...