A number of key people could have have contributed to the development of the NT narrative, borrowing people & events from the past, over a significant time period - years, decades, or even a generation or two ie. over 40-60 yrs.earlydude wrote: ... for the sake of argument/theory, let's say this invention did occur and that the storyteller's name is preserved in the historical record. If we consider their means, motive, and opportunity. Who are our prime suspects?
Marcion? Cerdo? Cephas? Ebion? Clement? Simon? Basilides? Paul? Cerinthus? Justin?
*Cumulative elaboration* is a term that seems to be appropriate.
But it's possible one or more of the people you list - Marcion, Cerdo, Cephas, Ebion, Clement, Simon, Basilides, ... Cerinthus, Justin, - or others - are likely key contributors to the development of the final NT narrative.
Eusbius is a key later figure, too +/-his predecessor, Pamphilus.