1 Corinthians 15:15

ψευδομάρτυρες. Not only is our authoritative proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection useless, but it is even false, though it has been made from the beginning. See Acts 1:22; Acts 2:24; Acts 3:15; Acts 3:21; Acts 4:2; Acts 4:10; Acts 4:33; Acts 5:30; Acts 10:40; Acts 13:30; Acts 13:33-34, &c. Dean Stanley reminds us that this Epistle was written within twenty-five years of the event to which it refers with such unhesitating confidence. Yet that event is not merely affirmed, but is actually made the foundation of the Apostle’s whole argument. See Introduction. ‘There is a certain instinct within us generally which enables us to detect when a man is speaking the truth.… Truth, so to speak, has a certain ring by which it may be known. Now, this chapter rings with truth.’ Robertson. It certainly has not the appearance of having been written by a man who was endeavouring to persuade others of what he did not believe himself.

τοῦ θεοῦ. The genitive of relation, concerning God.

κατὰ τοῦ θεοῦ. Either (1) contrary to God, in opposition to His true character and purpose, or (2) with De Wette and others, as the simple gen. above, concerning God.

εἴπερ ἄρα. ἄρα here and in 1 Corinthians 15:14; 1 Corinthians 15:18, implies the improbability of the hypothesis or proposition.

ἐγείρονται. The present of habitual action.