1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXIII)

Unity And The Resurrection (Part 1)(15:1-28)

Neal Pollard

Paul once again signals a change in subject, moving on to another area of concern for the Corinthians. This one is a doctrinal question and he uses a slightly different phrase: “Now I make known to you” rather than “Now concerning.” The subject is the heart of the gospel, Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1-4), which transpired “according to the Scriptures” (3-4). In some deep, challenging concepts, Paul explains both the resurrection of Christ and our eventual bodily resurrection. Some form of the word “raised” is found 22 times in this chapter. What does Paul discuss?

THE TESTIMONY CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION (1-11)

Starting with the resurrection of Christ, Paul lays out the witnesses to His resurrected body. He lists Cephas, the twelve, 500 brethren at once, James, all the apostles, then to Paul (5-8). Notice the solid nature of these witnesses. It was diverse, meaning He appeared to individuals, small groups, and very large groups. It was sequential, meaning several different occasions over time. It was representative rather than exhaustive, as the gospels reveal even more resurrection appearances (Luke 24; Matt. 28; Mark 16; John 20-21). It was verifiable, as many of these witnesses were still alive when Paul wrote this letter. Bonafide, corroborating witnesses confirmed the truth of the resurrection. Corinth (and we) should be united in the belief that Jesus is raised from the dead (11). One footnote within the list of witnesses is the insight of Paul’s ongoing struggle with his sinful past which he rejoices to know was overcome by the wonderful grace of God (8-10).

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE RESURRECTION (12-19)

Some among the Corinthians taught that there is no resurrection (12). Certainly it is a teaching that requires faith, but denying the resurrection has some catastrophic consequences. These adversely affect both believers and unbelievers. Without the resurrection, unbelievers have no reasonable explanation about our origin, purpose, or destiny. But, if there is no resurrection, the believer is most devastated (19). What follows, if these naysayers are correct? If no resurrection, Christ is not raised (13). If Christ is not raised, our preaching is vain (14), our faith is vain (14), testifiers to His resurrection are false witnesses (15), our faith is worthless (17), we’re still in our sins (17), saints who have already died have perished (18), and we are of all men most to be pitied (19). Life and death are pretty miserable and pointless without the resurrection of Christ and our own bodily resurrection. Death wins. 

THE CEREMONY AT THE RESURRECTION (20-28)

Paul begins this paragraph with a note of triumph, asserting, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (20). Then, Paul takes us momentarily to the second coming, the general resurrection, and the end (23-24). What will happen then? We will all be made alive (22). Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father (24). He will have abolished all rule, authority, and power (24). His reign will end at the subjugation of all enemies, last of which is death (25-28). As the song says, “What a day, glorious day, that will be!” Nothing we have ever seen will prepare us for what will happen “at His coming.” And Paul is not done describing that incredible moment, which we will see in the second half of the chapter. 

Keep in mind that Paul is teaching and clarifying about the resurrection for a central purpose, to unite Christians around the heart of the gospel. It is the foundation of our hope. It helps us endure the most difficult trials of life. Peter says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3). Amen!