The 500 & Common Sense.

[Angrboda]

I have, at age 53, just finished listening to the Age of Reason on audio book (Audible), having never read it.  All that I can say is that Thomas Paine, whom I consider to be one of the Founding Fathers, is truly amazing.  Even though his book is 200 years old, it is an incredible analysis of "Holy Writ".  Paine's discussion of Paul's "500 brethren" in 1st Corinthians 15 is truly amazing, and contains analysis that I have never heard before, from anyone, including Professor Bart Ehrman, although, I am sure that such deficiency is on my part alone.  But, here's Paine's take on things:

1)  Paul was an extremist, who went from one end to another, first persecuting Christianity before becoming one of its most adherent believers.

2)  Most importantly, and never considered by yours truly; assuming, for the moment, that the story of "the 500" was true, such "evidence" was, at the time, not sufficient to convert Paul to Christianity.  In other words, even with the so-called "500 witnesses," Paul still persisted in his unbelief, and so, even their supposed testimony was insufficient to convince Paul of the so-called truth of the Gospel.  Only Paul's private encounter with Jesus enough to convince him, and not the experiences of others.

3)  As was known to me, Paul is the only one who mentions "the 500"; they do not mention themselves (say, by recording their experiences of Jesus firsthand) nor does anyone else mention them, either.

Paine's conclusion:  Paul mentions testimony as being "evidence" of Jesus' Resurrection which he, Paul, found to be unconvincing during the time that he was an unbeliever.

I find it remarkable that human beings are far quicker to give kudos to men/each other for being "amazing" based on finite analysis of GOD's work and inspired word - yet hesitate or decline to give thanks or even credit to the Creator Who made all things, and by Whom all things consist.  

 
1. Since the fall and degeneration of man - mankind (like Saul turned Paul) has been on the other end of the spectrum in relation to Who and how holy GOD truly is.
 
“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, There is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.” - Psalm 14:1-3
"But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away." - Isaiah 64:6... but when GOD meets you (like He met Paul on the road to Damascus), you do a 180 degree turn (I have shared before that this is my humble experience, like Paul's, corroborated by the Holy Bible).
 
2. Yes, "...Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD" - Romans 10:23 but we do not choose when to be saved, GOD does this work in His perfect time - and when He does (like Paul), we are compelled to turn - in reality from death to life. So also is the change of heart and mind - from one extreme to the other; so Paul's transformation is understandably spot on.
 
3. Paul testified in 1 Corinthians 15:8 "Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." - so the testimony is not only reported and shared by others, but by Paul as well. 
 
Only GOD can open our eyes, ears and hearts to truly see, hear and truly perceive.  It is imperative to humbly look to Him for answers - and I tell you that He answers prayer. 
 
"For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." - 1 Corinthians 1:21
 
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6