Connect 1 Corinthians 15:15 with other scriptures affirming Christ's resurrection. Setting the stage: 1 Corinthians 15:15 “In that case, we are also exposed as false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead, but He did not raise Him if in fact the dead are not raised.” (1 Corinthians 15:15) Paul insists that if Christ is still in the grave, every apostle is a liar and the gospel collapses. The resurrection is not an optional detail; it is the very backbone of Christian truth. The gospel core Paul already gave them • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4—“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” • This early creed predates the letter itself. Paul reminds the Corinthians that the resurrection was foundational from the start. Eyewitness confirmation in the Gospels • Matthew 28:5-6—“Do not be afraid…He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!” • Mark 16:6—“He has risen! He is not here!” • Luke 24:5-6—“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” • John 20:27-29—Thomas moves from doubt to worship when he touches the risen Lord. Each account records an empty tomb and personal encounters with the living Jesus—precisely what Paul testifies to in 1 Corinthians 15. Apostolic preaching in Acts • Acts 2:24—“But God raised Him from the dead…because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches.” • Acts 3:15—“You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of the fact.” • Acts 10:39-40—“They put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree, but God raised Him from the dead on the third day and caused Him to be seen.” The same apostles Paul calls “false witnesses” if Christ is not risen are publicly risking their lives on the fact that He is. Doctrinal reinforcement in the Epistles • Romans 1:4—Jesus “was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead.” • Romans 6:9—“Since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.” • 2 Timothy 2:8—“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead…as proclaimed by my gospel.” The resurrection validates Jesus’ identity, guarantees His ongoing life, and anchors every promise of salvation. Prophetic roots in the Old Testament • Psalm 16:10—“You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” • Isaiah 53:10-11—After the Servant’s suffering, “He will prolong His days…He will see the light of life and be satisfied.” Centuries before Bethlehem, Scripture pointed to a Messiah who would die and yet live again. Firstfruits of our own future • 1 Corinthians 15:20—“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Because He rose, all who belong to Him will rise. Paul’s entire chapter builds from this reality—without it, Christian hope evaporates. Key takeaways • Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 15:15 highlights the absolute hinge of Christianity: a literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus. • The claim is verified by: – an early creedal summary (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) – multiple Gospel witnesses to an empty tomb and physical appearances – fearless apostolic testimony throughout Acts – consistent doctrinal statements in the Epistles – prophetic anticipation in the Old Testament. • Far from being “false witnesses,” the apostles stand on the solid ground of God’s historical act. Christ is risen—therefore preaching is powerful, faith is meaningful, sins are forgiven, and eternal life is assured. |
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