*1 Corinthians 15:1-20
Paul argues that the resurrection of Christ is essential to the Christian faith and offers hope for believers in life after death.
- Affirmation of the Gospel:
- Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached to them, which they received and on which they have taken their stand.
- He emphasizes that this gospel is crucial for their salvation, provided they hold firmly to the word preached to them.
- The Core of the Gospel:
- He succinctly states the gospel message: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day, also according to the Scriptures.
- Paul underlines that these events fulfilled the prophecies and were planned and foreseen in the Jewish Scriptures.
- Witnesses of the Resurrection:
- He lists the witnesses to Christ’s resurrection, beginning with Cephas (Peter), then the Twelve apostles.
- After that, Christ appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once, most of whom were still alive and could corroborate the story.
- Paul also notes appearances to James, then to all the apostles, and lastly, to Paul himself, as one abnormally born.
- Importance of the Resurrection:
- Paul discusses the importance of the resurrection in Christian theology, arguing that if Christ has not been raised, then their preaching and faith are in vain.
- He warns that if Christ has not been raised, then their faith is futile, and they are still in their sins.
- Moreover, those who have died in Christ have perished if there is no resurrection.
- Reality of the Resurrection:
- Paul reaffirms the reality of the resurrection of Christ, declaring that Christ indeed has been raised from the dead.
- He positions Christ’s resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, indicating that just as Christ was raised, so too will all believers be raised.
15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 15:6 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.
15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.