We are looking at 1 Corinthians through the lens of Christ’s call for us to live “in” the world (John 17:15) but not live “of” the world (James 4:4). So, we are called to live “cross-culturally” and if any letter of the NT sounds like it could have been written in the 21st century, it is Paul’s first letter to the Christians in Corinth.
Chapter 15 is Paul’s extended discussion of the resurrection of the dead. The issue is clearly stated in verse 12: there were some who were denying a resurrection of the dead. As we take a “bird’s-eye-view” of the text, we note these important words and phrases: first, “preached”. There are two different verbs translated “preached” in the NASV, to “evangelize” and to “herald.” The words are used as synonyms in verses 1, 2, 11-12, 14. “Believe” or “faith” is used four times: verses 2, 11, 14, 17. What we believe impacts how we live and how we hope.
“According to the Scriptures” is used twice. The verb “appeared” is used four times as Paul emphasizes that Christ was seen bodily after His resurrection. The verb “to raise” and the noun “resurrection” are used a dozen times in the text we are considering (vss 1-19).
In verses 1-11, Paul gives the basis of his discussion: the resurrection of Christ. He emphasizes: “This is what we’ve all been taught, people!” It is the Gospel! They have received it. They stand in it. They are saved by it if they hold fast to it! But, some were in danger of leaving it behind!
The Gospel centers on four facts: Christ died for our sins. Christ was buried. Christ was raised. The Greek verb in verse 4: “He has been raised” carries the idea that Christ was raised and is still raised! Christ appeared. It is important here for Paul to emphasize the appearances since they confirm Christ’s resurrection. He mentions six appearances, the last one being to Paul who was “untimely born.” That phrase could mean aborted, still born, or miscarried. The point is that Paul was chosen as an apostle (by God!) at a different time and manner than the other twelve.
So in verses 12-34, Paul deals with the certainty of the resurrection which, again, some were denying (verse 12). If there is no resurrection, then we Christians are simpling playing the fool!
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We’ll only deal with verses 12-19 at this point, but if Christ is not raised, then certain other things will follow. Basically, Christians have no past, no present, and no future!
If there is no resurrection, then Christ was not raised from the dead! And the core message of the Gospel is destroyed. If Christ has not been raised, then Paul’s preaching is vain and the Corinthians’ faith is in vain! If Christ is not raised, then Paul is a false witness! And all those “miracles” they saw Paul do…? They must have been done in the name of a dead man! (Who can believe that?!)
If Christ has not been raised, the Corinthians’ faith is worthless and they are still in their sins. See, they have no past, no present, and no future. Even dead Christians are perished, lost, non-existent. They lived their lives for nothing. Christians are still in their sins (vs 17) so Christians are to be pitied (vs 19).
So, to live cross-culturally in 21st century America, 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 remind us to live in hope of the resurrected life!
Paul Holland
