Three Proofs of the Resurrection

I Corinthians 15:1–11
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

“Moreover” tells us that Paul has finished his answers to the Corinthians’ questions, and he now goes on to a new subject. This is truly the greatest resurrection chapter of the entire Bible. The first eleven verses present the Gospel message and the evidence for its truthfulness. Paul gives three proofs to his readers that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead:

1. Their Salvation (vv. 1-2): Paul had preached the Gospel (which included Christ’s resurrection) that transformed their lives. A dead savior cannot save anybody.

2. The Old Testament Scriptures (vv. 3-4): The Old Testament declared Jesus’ resurrection on the third day in the experience of Jonah. Other proof texts include Acts 2:25-28 and Acts 13:32-33.

3. The fact that He was seen by many witnesses (vv. 5-11): Peter saw Him, and the disciples saw Him collectively (v. 5). Five hundred plus people saw Him at the same time (v. 6) and the greatest witness of the resurrection was Paul, one of the greatest persecutors.

The apostle Paul has not yet recovered from the “wonder of it all” that he should be elevated to the honor and office of apostleship. In humility he did not magnify his own personal credentials, but only the sovereign grace of God as he states, “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (v. 10). The intent of the apostle is not to boast but to magnify the grace of God. 

Application

True humility is not convincing myself that I am worthless but recognizing God’s work in me. Paul shares how God wants to accomplish many things through my life, but only because of His mercy and not because I deserve anything.