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1 Corinthians 15

58 verses

TL;DR

Paul affirms the resurrection of Christ and the believers, arguing that without it faith is futile and death is conquered.

Summary

Paul opens by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel he preached: Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—verified by many witnesses including Peter, the apostles, and Paul himself. He rebuts those denying the resurrection, pointing out that such denial undermines Christ’s victory and the believers’ faith. Paul explains the nature of the resurrection, contrasting the corrupt, natural body with the incorrupt, spiritual body that believers will receive. He stresses that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have died, and that all will eventually be raised at the end when Christ reigns and defeats death. The chapter concludes with an exhortation to steadfastness, assuring the Corinthians that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Outline
  1. Paul’s gospel and its evidences of resurrection
  2. Debunking the denial of resurrection and its implications
  3. The nature of resurrection bodies and ultimate victory over death
Themes
resurrectionfaithvictory over death
Keywords
resurrectionChristfirstfruitsbodydeathvictoryfaithgracelast trump
People
PaulCephasJamesthe apostlesChrist
Places
Ephesus
Things
firstfruitsnatural bodyspiritual bodycorruptionincorruptiondeathvictorylast trump
Key Verses
  • 1 Corinthians 15:2: Stresses the necessity of remembering the gospel for salvation
  • 1 Corinthians 15:20-22: Affirms Christ as firstfruits and the principle of resurrection
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: Details the transformation from natural to spiritual bodies
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-53: Describes the sudden change at the last trumpet and the victory over death
Questions
  • How does Paul connect the resurrection of Christ to the resurrection of believers?
  • What is the significance of the terms "firstfruits" and "spiritual body"?
  • Why does Paul emphasize that faith and work are not in vain?
  • How does the text portray the ultimate defeat of death?
  • In what way does the concept of "corruption" and "incorruption" shape Christian hope?
Sentiment

positive
Chapter presents hope, victory, and assurance of faith.