The gospel accounts were compiled from circulating narrative accounts. From the first chapter of the gospel of Luke:

"1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us, 2 just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent The-oph'ilus, 4 that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed."

The gospel recognizes that "many" had undertaken (past tense) to compile narratives, and that Luke set out to write an orderly account. It is likely the Evangelist Luke used such sources in his chronicles of the life of Christ.

The oral traditions handed down were also important together with writings to corroborate the teachings and deeds of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, the Talmud, Jewish writers, and other pagan writers referenced Jesus, whether negatively or positively. That takes care of historicity of Jesus. However, Josephus' writings, with a few references (not all) disputed, and the following Christian accounts, primary sources and so on matter much in the historical study:

• Clement (A.D. c. 30-100) the Bishop of Rome

• The writer of the Epistle of Barnabas (A.D. c. 70-130)

• Polycarp (A.D. 70-155) the Bishop of Smyrna, a student of the Apostle John

• Ignatius (A.D. 35-110) the Bishop of Antioch

• Irenaeus (A.D. 130 -200) the second century Bishop of Lyons

• Tertullian (A.D. 160 -220) the second century apologist

• Clement (A.D. 150 -215) the second century Bishop of Alexandria