Thanks for the shout-out, Graham!

But I have to chuckle.

You cover the qualifications of LeBlanc and Religion and Politics, but you ignore my qualifications completely, instead labeling me pejoratively as an “apologist.”

I have earned my Master of Divinity as well, the same degree as LeBlanc. I earned it from one of the top seminaries in the country, learning Hebrew and Greek even as LeBlanc did, along with every other skill they train us with in order to prepare us for academia and ministry.

I also note that I based my assertion on evidence. Paul refers to Jesus rising in three as a being in accordance with the Scriptures — something written down, something considered to be inspired by God.

Jesus’ self-prophecy in Matthew fits the bill. As you admit, no other extant Scriptures do.

I appeal to Scriptures that specifically prophecy exactly what the passage requires. You reject this in favor of the possibility of “lost” Scriptures that are not supported by any tangible evidence.

The only objection raised against Matthew being the Scripture in question is the later date that many want to assign to it, yet even LeBlanc is honest that they can’t nail this down with certainty, only saying that he thinks it “likely” to be later.

Yet again, the actual evidence appeals to the early date. According to Irenaeus (ca. 130–200; Against Heresies 3.1.1–2; cf. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History5.8.1–4):

“So Matthew brought out a written gospel among the Jews in their own style, when Peter and Paul were preaching the gospel at Rome and founding the church.”

Finally, we don’t have to speculate about a lost “Gospel of Issa/Jesus.” We have it in our Bibles.

Mark 1:1 begins by saying:

“The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

In Arabic:

“The beginning of the Gospel of Issa”

The Gospel of Jesus isn’t lost, my friend. It’s right there in your Bible, as it states directly.