The Gospel Foundation
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel he preached, which they received and on which they stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you (1 Corinthians 15:2). The resurrection is central to the gospel message.

Christ's Resurrection
Paul emphasizes the historical reality of Christ's resurrection, listing witnesses including Peter, the Twelve, and over five hundred others (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). This underscores the resurrection as a verifiable event.

The Importance of the Resurrection
Paul argues that if Christ has not been raised, our preaching and faith are in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection is essential for the validity of the Christian faith.

The Order of Resurrection
Paul explains the order of resurrection: Christ as the firstfruits, then those who belong to Him at His coming (1 Corinthians 15:23). This assures believers of their future resurrection.

Victory Over Death
The chapter culminates in the triumphant declaration that death has been swallowed up in victory through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). This victory gives believers hope and assurance.Stand Firm in Faith
Just as Paul exhorts the Corinthians, we are called to stand firm and let nothing move us, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Live with Hope
The resurrection assures us of eternal life. Let this hope influence how we live daily, with an eternal perspective.

Proclaim the Gospel
Understanding the centrality of the resurrection should motivate us to share the gospel with others, emphasizing the hope and victory found in Christ.1. Christ (Christos)
Referred to as the first to rise from the dead, the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). The term "Christ" is derived from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah."

2. Cephas (Kephas)
Mentioned as the first individual to whom Christ appeared after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5). "Cephas" is the Aramaic name for Peter, meaning "rock."

3. The Twelve
Refers to the group of Jesus' closest disciples, also known as the apostles, to whom Christ appeared after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5). The term "Twelve" signifies the foundational leaders of the early Church.

4. More than five hundred brothers at once
A large group of believers who witnessed the resurrected Christ simultaneously (1 Corinthians 15:6). This collective appearance serves as a significant testimony to the resurrection.

5. James (Iakobos)
Identified as one of the individuals to whom Christ appeared post-resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7). James is traditionally understood to be the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church.

6. All the apostles
Refers to the broader group of apostles beyond the original Twelve, to whom Christ appeared (1 Corinthians 15:7). The term "apostles" comes from the Greek "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent."

7. Paul (Paulos)
The author of 1 Corinthians, who describes himself as the last to see the risen Christ, "as to one abnormally born" (1 Corinthians 15:8). "Paul" is derived from the Latin "Paulus," meaning "small" or "humble."1. Jerusalem
While not explicitly mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15, Jerusalem is implicitly referenced as the place where Christ was crucified and resurrected. This is foundational to the chapter's discussion on the resurrection. The Greek term "Ἱεροσόλυμα" (Hierosolyma) is used elsewhere in the New Testament to refer to Jerusalem.

2. Galilee
Similar to Jerusalem, Galilee is not directly mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15, but it is the region where Jesus appeared to many of His disciples after His resurrection, as noted in the Gospels. This is relevant to the witnesses Paul refers to in the chapter.

3. Corinth
Although not mentioned in the chapter, Corinth is the city where the recipients of the letter, the Corinthians, are located. Understanding the context of Corinth helps in comprehending the issues Paul addresses, including the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15 does not explicitly mention many geographical locations, as its focus is more on the theological implications of the resurrection. However, understanding the broader biblical context and the places associated with the resurrection narrative can enrich the interpretation of the chapter.1. The Gospel Reminder (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached to them, which they received and in which they stand. This gospel is the means of their salvation, provided they hold firmly to the word he preached.

2. Christ's Death and Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Paul delivers what he received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. The Greek term "ἐγείρω" (egeirō) is used for "raised," emphasizing the action of God in raising Christ.

3. Witnesses of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)
Paul lists those who witnessed the resurrected Christ: Cephas (Peter), the Twelve, over five hundred brothers at once, James, all the apostles, and lastly, Paul himself. The term "ὤφθη" (ōphthē) is used for "appeared," indicating a physical appearance.

4. Paul's Apostolic Authority (1 Corinthians 15:9-11)
Paul acknowledges his unworthiness to be called an apostle due to his persecution of the church but emphasizes that by the grace of God, he is what he is, and his labor was not in vain.

5. The Importance of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
Paul argues that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised, making their faith futile and leaving them in their sins. The Greek word "ἀνάστασις" (anastasis) is central here, meaning "resurrection."

6. Christ the Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)
Christ is described as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, indicating the first of a greater harvest. The term "ἀπαρχή" (aparchē) is used for "firstfruits," signifying the first portion of a sacrifice.

7. The Order of Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)
Paul outlines the order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming, those who belong to Him. He describes the end when Christ hands over the kingdom to God the Father after destroying all dominion, authority, and power.

8. The Defeat of Death (1 Corinthians 15:26-28)
The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Paul emphasizes that God has put everything under Christ's feet, but when everything is subjected to Him, the Son will also be subject to God.

9. The Practice of Baptism for the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:29)
Paul references the practice of being baptized for the dead, questioning its purpose if the dead are not raised at all.

10. Paul's Suffering and Sacrifice (1 Corinthians 15:30-32)
Paul speaks of the dangers he faces daily and his boasting in Christ Jesus, questioning the point of his suffering if the dead are not raised.

11. The Call to Righteousness (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
Paul warns against being misled by bad company and calls the Corinthians to sober up and stop sinning, as some have no knowledge of God.

12. The Nature of the Resurrection Body (1 Corinthians 15:35-49)
Paul explains the resurrection body using analogies of seeds and different kinds of flesh, emphasizing that the perishable must put on the imperishable.

13. The Mystery of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)
Paul reveals a mystery: not all will sleep, but all will be changed in a moment, at the last trumpet. The perishable will be clothed with the imperishable, and death will be swallowed up in victory.

14. The Victory through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Paul gives thanks to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

15. Exhortation to Steadfastness (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Paul concludes by urging the Corinthians to stand firm, let nothing move them, and always give themselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing their labor is not in vain.Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

Philippians 3:10-11
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1 Thessalonians 4:14
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. Thanksgiving for the Resurrection
Thank God for the gift of the resurrection and the hope it brings to our lives.

Strength to Stand Firm
Pray for the strength to stand firm in faith, especially in times of doubt or trial.

Boldness in Witnessing
Ask for boldness to share the gospel and the message of the resurrection with others.

Hope in Eternal Life
Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the eternal life promised through Christ's resurrection.

As we reflect on 1 Corinthians 15, may we be encouraged by the truth of the resurrection and its profound impact on our lives and faith.

1. How does the reality of Christ's resurrection impact your personal faith?

2. Why is the resurrection of Christ so crucial to the Christian faith, according to Paul?

3. How does Paul's argument for the resurrection of believers affirm your hope in Christ?

4. In what ways does the promise of the resurrection influence your daily life and decisions?

5. How does Paul's description of the resurrection body challenge or affirm your understanding of eternity?

6. What does Paul mean by the phrase "the last enemy to be destroyed is death"?

7. How does Paul's affirmation of victory over death through Jesus Christ encourage you in your personal walk with God?

8. How can we ensure that our "labor in the Lord is not in vain"?

9. In what ways does Paul's discourse on resurrection provide comfort in times of loss or grief?

10. How does the belief in resurrection shape our understanding of mortality and the afterlife?

11. What are the implications of the resurrection for our understanding of sin, grace, and salvation?

12. How does this chapter challenge our attitudes towards death?

13. In light of the promised resurrection, how should we live our lives today?

14. How does Paul's portrayal of the gospel message in this chapter inspire you in your personal evangelism?

15. How can we use Paul's argument in this chapter to address doubts about life after death in our contemporary world?

16. What is the role of eyewitness testimony in affirming the reality of Christ's resurrection?

17. How does Paul link the reality of Christ's resurrection to the necessity of living a Christ-focused life?

18. How does the understanding of the future resurrection help you deal with present trials?

19. What does the concept of "victory in Jesus" mean to you personally?

20. How do you understand and apply Paul's call to "stand firm" in your own life, considering the future promise of resurrection?