Today’s passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Helpful thoughts:
- From the ESV Study Bible: “Many people in the ancient Greco-Roman world believed that death extinguished life completely or led to permanent but shadowy and insubstantial existence in the underworld. The concept of a physical, embodied existence after death was known mainly from popular fables and was thought laughable by the educated.”
- Therefore, Paul encourages the church at Corinth (And us!) about the truth of the resurrection.
- The Old Testament Scriptures told of the coming death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah!
- Christ did what the Bible said He was going to do.
- See Isaiah 53:3-12.
- There were hundreds of eye-witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
- What we believe is not a fable. It is historical fact.
- The word, “Apostle” means one who is sent out. Here is a helpful article on the meaning of the term and office in the early church, along with an explanation as to why no one today should be referred to as an apostle.
Questions to consider:
- The gospel was declared in today’s passage! Where was it? How would you communicate the core truths of the gospel to a person to lead them to Christ? (Two helpful websites: Two Ways to Live & What Is the Gospel?)
- Did Paul sound like he was worried people would discover the resurrection never happened? How did he evidence his confidence? What did he invite the church at Corinth to do in order to enhance their faith? Is our faith a fairytale?
- Did Paul have to earn his role as an Apostle? How did he come by the title and responsibility (Check the end of Verse 10)? What did God’s grace compel him to do? How did you come by your standing in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9)? What does God’s grace compel us to do?