by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 21, 2025 | Daily Encouragement, The Resurrection According to Paul |
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.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 21, 2025 | The Resurrection According to Paul |
Series Title: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ According to Paul
Scripture:
“The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 15:56–57
This is resurrection victory—victory over all things. Christ’s resurrection is the culmination of everything God has done on behalf of mankind. The grave is not the end. Death is no longer our master. The law no longer condemns us, and sin has no power over us. All of it—death, law, and sin—was nailed to His cross. There is now no condemnation. We are in Christ, and Christ is risen.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ didn’t just break open the tomb—it broke the power of death itself.
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul builds an unshakable foundation for the believer’s hope. He doesn’t present resurrection as a future theory—it’s a guaranteed reality, anchored in the resurrection of Christ.
“For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.”
—1 Corinthians 15:21
Paul makes it personal: the same power that raised Jesus will raise those who are His—the Body of Christ—at His coming (v. 23). This is not a general resurrection at the end of time like Martha believed in John 11:24. This is a mystery revealed to Paul—we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed (v. 51).
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.”
(1 Corinthians 15:52)
This is the resurrection tied to the catching away of the Body of Christ—what many call the Rapture. It’s distinct from Israel’s prophetic program. It’s part of the mystery gospel given only to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Romans 16:25).
That’s why Paul can shout:
“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
And then:
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is resurrection victory—victory over all things. Christ’s resurrection is the culmination of everything God has done on behalf of mankind. The grave is not the end. Death is no longer our master. The law no longer condemns us, and sin has no power over us. All of it—death, law, and sin—was nailed to His cross. There is now no condemnation. We are in Christ, and Christ is risen.