“Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel.” (2 Timothy 2:8)

Why does Paul say my gospel?

Because the gospel revealed to Paul was unlike anything previously known or preached. It was given to him by direct revelation from the risen, glorified Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11–12). Central to this gospel is not only the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but the divine truth that His resurrection secures the believer’s justification, union with Christ, heavenly identity, and eternal glorification. No one before Paul preached these truths—they were part of the mystery kept hidden in God (Ephesians 3:8–9).

Peter and the eleven believed in the resurrection, yes—but not according to Paul’s gospel. They believed in the resurrection in the same way Job did:

“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God.”
(Job 19:25–27)

And like Martha, who said to Jesus:

“I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
(John 11:24)

This was the hope of Israel—the resurrection at the last day when Messiah would establish His kingdom. Even after Jesus rose from the dead, the apostles asked, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Their understanding of the resurrection was still rooted in prophecy and Israel’s earthly hope.

But Paul reveals something new: that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to my gospel—a gospel that unveils the heavenly calling and glorification of the Body of Christ. This gospel wasn’t known before. It’s the message that the risen Christ is now seated at the right hand of God and that believers are united with Him, raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4–5, Ephesians 2:5–6).

And here’s something staggering: every person who has ever lived—starting with Cain—will be judged by this gospel.

“…in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
(Romans 2:16)

Paul’s gospel is not a side note in God’s plan—it’s the standard by which all men will be judged. Why? Because it is the full and final revelation of God’s redemptive purpose, centered in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So as we celebrate the resurrection, let us remember it as Paul instructed: not only as a historical fact, not only as a promise to Israel, but as the divine cornerstone of the gospel given specifically to him—for us.