What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:8? And last of all - Paul marks the chronological close of the resurrection appearances that began with Peter (1 Corinthians 15:5) and continued through “more than five hundred brothers at once” (15:6). - By adding “last,” he underscores how every appearance before his had already established the factual reality of Christ’s bodily resurrection (Acts 1:3; Luke 24:39). - His statement also signals the completion of the apostolic eyewitness list, reinforcing that no further authoritative resurrection appearances were needed (Revelation 1:17–18 shows Christ alive forever; Hebrews 1:1–2 highlights final revelation in the Son). He appeared - Paul insists on a literal, visible encounter: “He appeared” means Christ showed Himself in objective reality, not a mere vision (Acts 9:17; Acts 22:14). - This continues the pattern of tangible post-resurrection meetings where Jesus ate, spoke, and was touched (Luke 24:41–43; John 20:27). - The wording shores up the gospel’s foundation: “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). to me also - The risen Lord’s appearance to Paul personalizes grace: the persecutor becomes a witness (Acts 9:3–6; 1 Timothy 1:12–13). - Paul’s authority as an apostle rests on this encounter received “not from man” but “by revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12, 15–16). - The inclusion of “also” links his testimony with the earlier eyewitnesses, creating a unified chorus affirming one resurrection and one gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:11). as to one of untimely birth - Paul likens himself to an infant born prematurely—sudden, unexpected, seemingly ill-prepared (1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8). - The picture highlights: • His earlier hostility toward the church (Acts 8:3) • His sense of unworthiness compared with those who walked with Jesus before the cross (Acts 26:9–11) • The miraculous mercy that transformed him “by the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Timothy 1:15–16). - God’s timing overrules human expectations: even an “untimely” apostle becomes a chosen instrument to carry Christ’s name “before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). summary Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:8 complete the roster of resurrection eyewitnesses, affirming a real, historical appearance of the risen Jesus to Paul himself. Though he views his calling as sudden and undeserved, the same risen Lord who met earlier disciples met Paul, proving the universality of grace and sealing the authoritative testimony that “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). |
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