1 Corinthians 15:1-58 - Exposition

The doctrine of the resurrection. This chapter, and the thirteenth, on Christian love, stand out, even among the writings of St. Paul, as pre-eminently beautiful and important. No human words ever written have brought such comfort to millions of mourners as the words of this chapter, which form a part of the Burial Service of almost every Christian community. It is the more deeply imprinted on the memory of men because it comes to us in the most solemn hours of bereavement, when we have most need of a living faith. The chapter falls into six sections.

1. The evidence of Christ's resurrection ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 ).

2. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith in the general resurrection ( 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 ).

3. Results to be deduced from Christ's resurrection (verses. 20—28).

4. The life of believers an argument for the resurrection ( 1 Corinthians 15:29-34 ).

5. Analogies helpful for understanding the subject ( 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 ).

6. Conclusion and exhortation ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 ).