If we talk about 1 Corinthians 15 in detail,
1 Corinthians 15 is the chapter where the apostle Paul discusses the importance and meaning of the resurrection. This chapter delves deeply into the truth of the resurrection and its theological and ethical implications, and deals with the core of the Christian faith.
1. The Gospel of Resurrection (verses 1-11)
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached, and emphasizes that the core of that gospel is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul mentions the following important facts:
- Jesus died for our sins according to the Bible (verse 3).
- Jesus rose again three days after being buried according to the Bible (verse 4).
- The resurrected Jesus appeared to many people (verses 5-8). This list includes Peter, the twelve disciples, the 500 brothers, James, all the apostles, and finally Paul himself.
2. Resurrection of the dead (verses 12-34)
Paul begins a refutation of some within the Corinthian church who deny the resurrection of the dead. He explains how serious it is to claim that there is no resurrection of the dead:
- Without resurrection: Christ was not raised again (verse 13).
- If Christ had not been raised again: our preaching would be in vain, our faith would be in vain, and we would still be in our sins (verses 14-17).
- Without the Resurrection: those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished, and we will be most pitiful (verses 18-19).
Paul emphasizes the certainty of resurrection and declares that Christ has become the firstfruits of the resurrection (verse 20). This guarantees that all who believe in Christ will participate in the resurrection.
- For as in Adam all die: so in Christ all will be made alive (verse 22).
- Order of Resurrection: First, Christ, then those who belong to Him when Christ comes, and finally, when all authority and power are destroyed and the kingdom is handed over to God the Father (verses 23-24).
3. Resurrected body (verses 35-49)
Paul answers questions about the resurrection body and explains how it differs from the present body:
- Parable of the seed: Just as a seed planted in the ground must die to give rise to new life, our bodies will also be transformed into a new body of resurrection through death (verses 36-38).
- Physical and spiritual bodies: Just as heavenly and earthly things each have different glory, the resurrection body is also a glorious body different from the present body (verses 40-41).
- The first man Adam and the last Adam: The first man Adam came from the ground, but the last Adam, Jesus Christ, came from heaven (verses 45-49).
4. Declaration of victory (verses 50-58)
Paul declares the final victory of resurrection. He emphasizes that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, and prophesies change and victory:
- The last trumpet sounds: When the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed (verse 52).
- Death's defeat: Death will be swallowed up and victory will be achieved (verse 54). This fulfills the prophecy, “O death, where is your victory?” (verse 55).
Through this hope of resurrection, Paul exhorts believers not to waver but to always strive harder to do the Lord's work. Because their labor is not in vain in the Lord (verse 58).
summary
1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the dead are the core of the Christian faith. Paul preaches the gospel of resurrection, explains the truth of resurrection and its meaning, and declares the victory of resurrection. This chapter exhorts believers to continue their religious life unwaveringly with the hope of resurrection.