[Inyokern]

Because he remninds his readers that they also saw Jesus after His resurrection -- at one point, as he points out, 500 saw Jesus at one time. If he was lying, he readers were know it.

This is what Paul said:

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."

He says "I delivered unto you," in other words, "I told you." He is definitely not addressing people who were actual witnesses. He is addressing people who are taking his word that these things happened. These people are in Corinth.

[Ciexyz]

Good for another bump.

[churchillbuff]

he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, """

He's talking about people who are still alive. They could be asked. It would be like me talking about what freepers have seen posted on FR. I could easily be found out to be a liar, if I was lying.