Happy Easter! In 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 Paul offers proof of Christ’s resurrection. Then, he discusses the importance of Christ’s resurrection.
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 15.1-11
For proof that Christ died, the Apostle Paul said “according to the scriptures,” I Corinthians 15.3.
Likewise, for proof Christ was resurrected, Paul repeated that same phrase in 1 COR 15.4.
Paul then listed several appearances of Christ that He made to different groups and individuals after His resurrection:
1). Christ appeared to Peter, Luke 24.34.
2). Then, He appeared to the disciples the evening of resurrection Sunday, Luke 24.36.
3). Also, He appeared to several women on resurrection Sunday, Luke 24.1-10. However, the disciples didn’t believe those women, Luke 24.11.
4). He appeared to Cleopas and most likely his wife, on the road to Emmaus that first Easter Sunday, Luke 24.13-35.
5). Days later, Christ appeared again to several disciples, John 21.1-23.
The testimony of these various individuals and groups are proof of the resurrection of Christ.
Christ blessed the bread. Then, they knew him! He disappeared. Luke 24.30-31 paraphrase
Some Insights
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul described his own, personal encounter with Christ, 1 COR 15.8-11.
First, Paul didn’t consider himself to be worthy to be called an apostle, 1 COR 15.9, because of his past life.
Second, by God’s grace Paul was now a believer, 1 COR 15.10.
Third, his response to God’s grace in his life was to serve whole-heartedly, 1 COR 15.10.
Fourth, the outcome of his service was that others believed in Christ, I COR 15.11.
I am who I am by God’s grace. Therefore, I serve God through His grace. I COR 15.10 paraphrase
Apply These Precepts
Belief in the resurrection isn’t just for first-century believers.
Actually, all of us who are believers have placed our trust in Christ. Moreover, that faith is based on our own personal encounter with Him.
As it turns out, one proof of resurrection is the testimony of first-century believers who saw Him.
That said, the most immediate proof of resurrection is my own personal relationship with Christ.
As a result, my motivation for service as a believer is God’s grace and forgiveness to me. Hence, the proof of resurrection is how it lives out in my life.
“The Lord make his face shine upon you…” Numbers 6.22-27
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