1 Corinthians 15:1

CHAPTER XV.

The Gospel which the apostle preached to the Corinthians; viz.

that Christ died for our sins, and rose again the third day,

1-4.

The witnesses of his resurrection, Peter, James, and more than

five hundred brethren, 5-7.

Lastly, Paul himself saw him, and was called by him to the

apostleship, 8-11.

Objections against the resurrection of the dead answered, 12-34.

The manner in which this great work shall be performed, 35-49.

The astonishing events that shall take place in the last day,

50-57.

The use we should make of this doctrine, 58.

NOTES ON CHAP. XV.

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.

2. What will be the nature of the resurrection bodies?

1 Corinthians 15:35.

3. What should become of those who should be found alive in

the day of judgment? 1 Corinthians 15:51-46.

I. The resurrection he proves,

1. From Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:1.

2. From eye witnesses, 1 Corinthians 15:5.

II. He proves the resurrection by showing the absurdity of the

contrary doctrine:-

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

2. 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.

3. The apostles must be false witnesses who attest this

resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:15.

4. The faith of the Corinthians must be vain who believe it,

1 Corinthians 15:16; 1 Corinthians 15:17.

5. All the believers who have died in the faith of Christ have

perished, if Christ be not risen, 1 Corinthians 15:18.

6. Believers in Christ are in a more miserable state than any

others, if there be no resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:19.

7. 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.

Verse 1 Corinthians 15:1. The Gospel which I preached unto you] This Gospel is contained in Christ dying for our sins, being buried, and rising again the third day. See the following verses.