The authors of the New Testament make no attempt to hide their mistakes and character flaws – or those of other followers of Jesus. People don’t highlight their shortcomings if they’re making up a story.
After the crucifixion, for example, the hid in fear and then reported that the empty tomb was not discovered by them but by women – who had no standing in their traditionally patriarchal society. In Israel, women’s testimony was not even allowed in court. An account relying on women’s witness and men cowering would have been assumed to be made-up.