1 Corinthians 15

The Gospel which the apostle preached to the Corinthians; viz. that Christ died for our sins, and rose again the third day, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 . The witnesses of his resurrection, Peter, James, and more than five hundred brethren, 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 . Lastly, Paul himself saw him, and was called by him to the apostleship, 1 Corinthians 15:8-11 . Objections against the resurrection of the dead answered, vv. 12-34. The manner in which this great work shall be performed, 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 . The astonishing events that shall take place in the last day, 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 . The use we should make of this doctrine, 1 Corinthians 15:58 .

It appears from this chapter that there were some false apostles at Corinth, who denied the resurrection, see 1 Corinthians 15:12 ; in consequence of which St. Paul discusses three questions in this chapter: -

1. Whether there be a resurrection of the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:1-35.

What will be the nature of the resurrection bodies? 1 Corinthians 15:35-51.

What should become of those who should be found alive in the day of judgment? 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 .

I. The resurrection he proves,

From Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .

From eye witnesses, 1 Corinthians 15:5-12 .

II. He proves the resurrection by showing the absurdity of the contrary doctrine: -

If the dead rise not, Christ is not risen, 1 Corinthians 15:13 .

It would be absurd to have faith in Him, according to the preaching of the Gospel, if he be not risen, 1 Corinthians 15:14 .

The apostles must be false witnesses who attest this resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:15 .

The faith of the Corinthians must be vain who believe it, 1 Corinthians 15:16 , 1 Corinthians 15:17 .

All the believers who have died in the faith of Christ have perished, if Christ be not risen, 1 Corinthians 15:18 .

Believers in Christ are in a more miserable state than any others, if there be no resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:19 .

Those who were baptized in the faith that Christ died for them and rose again, are deceived, 1 Corinthians 15:29 .

8. The apostles, and Christians in general, who suffer persecution on the ground that, after suffering awhile here they shall have a glorious resurrection, are acting a foolish and unprofitable part, 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 .