1st Corinthians 15:1-11
Paul is in the middle of the troubles with this troublesome church in Corinth: they were always arguing and fighting with each other.
The dispute this time is the “resurrection of the body”. Some weren’t sure and given the theological and philosophical world in which they lived that is not surprising but Paul is emphatic in his reminder that Jesus appeared to Peter and the twelve then to numerous more (500 he states) of his followers. Paul’s claim is that in appearing to his followers Jesus was identified as the man they knew: this wasn’t some disembodied spirit but Jesus and this is what the apostles testified to.
Paul then goes on to state Jesus appeared to him and by grace called him to be an apostle also despite his faults and failings. Paul is being modest here but he is also being firm: this belief in resurrection was not up for debate this was the truth handed on to them by those who had seen Jesus.
Paul is in the middle of the troubles with this troublesome church in Corinth: they were always arguing and fighting with each other.
The dispute this time is the “resurrection of the body”. Some weren’t sure and given the theological and philosophical world in which they lived that is not surprising but Paul is emphatic in his reminder that Jesus appeared to Peter and the twelve then to numerous more (500 he states) of his followers. Paul’s claim is that in appearing to his followers Jesus was identified as the man they knew: this wasn’t some disembodied spirit but Jesus and this is what the apostles testified to.
Paul then goes on to state Jesus appeared to him and by grace called him to be an apostle also despite his faults and failings. Paul is being modest here but he is also being firm: this belief in resurrection was not up for debate this was the truth handed on to them by those who had seen Jesus.