Series Title: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ According to Paul

“…that Christ died for our sins, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen…”

—1 Corinthians 15:3–5

Paul begins 1 Corinthians 15 by delivering what he declares as the one and (only) gospel “by which you are saved”—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures.

But right after proclaiming the resurrection, Paul adds something essential:

“…and that He was seen…”

The resurrection wasn’t a mystical vision or a private revelation—it was a bodily, visible, verifiable event. Jesus didn’t rise in secret. He appeared—to Peter, to the twelve, to over 500 brethren at once, to James, and, finally, to Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:5–8).

Why is this important?

Because the gospel is historical and eyewitness-confirmed. It’s not based on dreams, philosophy, or religious tradition. The risen Christ was seen, touched, heard, and testified to by many—most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote this letter (v. 6). The evidence could be verified.

But Paul adds something unique in verse 8:

“Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

Paul’s encounter was different. Jesus had already ascended. Yet the risen, glorified Christ personally appeared to Paul, revealing a new message—the gospel of grace, distinct from what the twelve preached (Galatians 1:11–12).

This final post in our series brings it all together:

• Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead bodily.
• He was seen after He rose from the dead by over 500 people.
• His resurrection guarantees ours.
• And it is the very heart of Paul’s gospel—the good news that saves.

Paul writes with boldness because he saw the risen Lord with his own eyes—and we believe by faith, through his testimony, by the Spirit of God.

Thanks for following along this series on The Resurrection of Jesus Christ According to Paul. If it’s stirred your heart or deepened your understanding, share it with someone who needs to know that Jesus Christ is risen indeed—and that changes everything.