1Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
The Complete Jewish Bible translation is clear and is supported by every other translation I checked.
Don’t be fooled. “Bad company ruins good character.”
The Greek for communications is a reference to companionship. Every good parent tries to teach their children that discernment in the choice of friends is very important. Every honest adult will admit the importance of that instruction. I couldn’t help but think of the scripture’s teaching that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9; based on Jesus’ teaching as recorded in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21) Peer pressure is a powerful influence—either for good or for bad. Sadly, there are far more people who will influence us for bad than there are those who will influence us for good as based on the teaching of scripture.
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
I am reminded that the context is the teaching of the resurrection. Paul is evidently making reference to false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthian church and are teaching that there is no resurrection. Take away the hope of the people regarding their resurrection to eternal life and you destroy their faith.
1Corinthians 15:34 “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”
Paul’s warning—Wake up! (Get a grip!) Quit your sinful ways and start practicing righteous living. (Live according to God’s instructions as stated in scripture.) As always, the corruption of God’s truth always leads one into sin. I just watched the movie “The Timechanger” again. Satan and his forces are so successful in their use of deceit. Even teaching the morality established by God’s word will eventually result in sin when taught disconnect from the authority behind that instruction.
“some have not the knowledge of God” – According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown this is a reference to “An habitual ignorance: willful, in that they prefer to keep their sins, rather than part with them, in order to know God.” Once our flesh gets a taste of sin, it wants more.
The more I think about it, I think that is why many who claim to possess saving faith in Christ have no interest in studying God’s word. The more you know, the more you have to confront the guilt associated with disobedience to His instruction. It’s easier to “enjoy” the pleasures of sin for a season if you can claim ignorance to its being identified as sin. That also explains the success of the seeker sensitive message embraced by many “pastors” today. By avoiding preaching against sin and only teaching about God’s love, their members can remain comfortable in their sin and stay connected to their church. The “pastors” can then consider themselves successful without suffering persecution as experienced by the prophets and apostles of old. In fact, they can enjoy a very luxurious lifestyle. I can’t help but be reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy.
2 Timothy 4:2–4 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Paul pulls no punches as he shares this truth. He declares this truth to the shame of those in Corinth who call themselves “Christians.” He understands like the prophet Jeremiah that the body of believers needs to understand God’s word—not just in part, but in whole.
Jeremiah 23:21–22 “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.”
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
APOSTLES’ ENDURANCE OF PERSECUTION GAVE EVIDENCE TO TRUTH OF GOSPEL MESSAGE
1Corinthians 15:27-28 “For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
These are hard verses. In doing phrase searches, Psalm 8:6 was the only verse I could find with like wording, and the context there is concerning man in general.
Psalm 8:4-6 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
In Adam man proved unworthy of the dominion given him, but in Jesus, the perfect man, man could once again qualify for that position of authority. Paul clarifies the obvious—In putting all things “under his feet,” the one investing that authority, God the Father, is excluded.
“when all things are subdued unto Him” – When sin and death have been destroyed forever at the end of the millennium with the destruction of Satan and his last rebel army.
I believe that the last half of verse 28 is making a distinction between Jesus the Son of God and Jesus the perfect man. As Jesus, Son of God, the perfect man, He will humbly place Himself and His kingdom in subjection to the Father. As Jesus, Son of God, Divine Creator, He will ever be equal to and in complete unity with God the Father and His Holy Spirit. Even as I type it, I don’t really understand it. I believe it was God in the fullness of His tri-unity that fellowshipped with Adam and Eve in the garden, and I believe it will be God in that same fullness with whom we will have fellowship for eternity.
“that God may be all in all” – I think this is an exclamation point on the perfection and purity of our eternal existence. God will indeed be the complete focus of the life of each one that is part of His eternal kingdom and will, I believe, continue to be a part of each one of His children through His indwelling Spirit.
1Corinthians 15:29 “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?”
It’s obvious that Paul is making reference to people who are living being baptized on behalf of loved ones who have died. In context, the subject has been the resurrection of Christ and in turn of believers who die. I think it is significant to note that in no other scripture is this taught to be an appropriate practice. I decided to look at a few commentaries, and I believe David Guzik made some good observations.
“The plain meaning of the original language is that some people are being baptized on behalf of those who have died. Paul's point is "If there is no resurrection, why are they doing this? What is the point if there is no life after death?"
Significantly, Paul does not say, "we baptize for the dead," but asks what will they do who are baptized for the dead, and Why then are they baptized for the dead? Therefore, Paul is referring to a pagan custom of vicarious baptism for the dead. "Paul simply mentions the superstitious custom without approving it and uses it to fortify his argument that there is a resurrection from the dead." (Mare)
Paul's point is plain: "The pagans even believe in the resurrection because they baptize for the dead. The pagans have the sense to believe in resurrection, but some of you Corinthian Christians do not!"
1Corinthians 15:30 “And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?”
In this verse Paul is referencing the persecution they face from their testimony and their preaching of the gospel. It is certainly foolish to jeopardize one’s safety if the gospel is not true—if there was no resurrection of Jesus from the dead and no future life for the believer.
1Corinthians 15:31 “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”
In the expanded Greek translation by Wuest this verse reads: “I am daily in danger of death by my glorying about you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The Complete Jewish Bible words it this way: “Brothers, by the right to be proud which the Messiah Yeshua our Lord gives me, I solemnly tell you that I die every day.”
Both of these translations make the connection to the previous verse clearer. Paul lives each day with an awareness of the possibility that he might be killed for preaching the gospel message, an act that brings him much joy through the fruit God is giving him in converts.
1Corinthians 15:32 “If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.”
Nowhere in scripture does Paul tell us that he fought in the arena at Ephesus, and he was quite specific in a couple of places to detail his persecutions.
2Corinthians 11:22-27 “Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”
1Thessalonians 2:2 “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”
2Timothy 3:10-11 “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”
I believe Paul is making a hypothetical application. The Greek for beasts makes reference to figurative use for an encounter with furious men. I believe this is what Paul is referencing here. Whether in reference to wild beasts or angry men, the point is that Paul’s actions were useless and of no benefit to him if there is no resurrection to life after death. One might as well enjoy the temporary fleshly pleasures of life to the fullest if death is final with no hope of resurrection.
These are hard verses. In doing phrase searches, Psalm 8:6 was the only verse I could find with like wording, and the context there is concerning man in general.
Psalm 8:4-6 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
In Adam man proved unworthy of the dominion given him, but in Jesus, the perfect man, man could once again qualify for that position of authority. Paul clarifies the obvious—In putting all things “under his feet,” the one investing that authority, God the Father, is excluded.
“when all things are subdued unto Him” – When sin and death have been destroyed forever at the end of the millennium with the destruction of Satan and his last rebel army.
I believe that the last half of verse 28 is making a distinction between Jesus the Son of God and Jesus the perfect man. As Jesus, Son of God, the perfect man, He will humbly place Himself and His kingdom in subjection to the Father. As Jesus, Son of God, Divine Creator, He will ever be equal to and in complete unity with God the Father and His Holy Spirit. Even as I type it, I don’t really understand it. I believe it was God in the fullness of His tri-unity that fellowshipped with Adam and Eve in the garden, and I believe it will be God in that same fullness with whom we will have fellowship for eternity.
“that God may be all in all” – I think this is an exclamation point on the perfection and purity of our eternal existence. God will indeed be the complete focus of the life of each one that is part of His eternal kingdom and will, I believe, continue to be a part of each one of His children through His indwelling Spirit.
1Corinthians 15:29 “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?”
It’s obvious that Paul is making reference to people who are living being baptized on behalf of loved ones who have died. In context, the subject has been the resurrection of Christ and in turn of believers who die. I think it is significant to note that in no other scripture is this taught to be an appropriate practice. I decided to look at a few commentaries, and I believe David Guzik made some good observations.
“The plain meaning of the original language is that some people are being baptized on behalf of those who have died. Paul's point is "If there is no resurrection, why are they doing this? What is the point if there is no life after death?"
Significantly, Paul does not say, "we baptize for the dead," but asks what will they do who are baptized for the dead, and Why then are they baptized for the dead? Therefore, Paul is referring to a pagan custom of vicarious baptism for the dead. "Paul simply mentions the superstitious custom without approving it and uses it to fortify his argument that there is a resurrection from the dead." (Mare)
Paul's point is plain: "The pagans even believe in the resurrection because they baptize for the dead. The pagans have the sense to believe in resurrection, but some of you Corinthian Christians do not!"
1Corinthians 15:30 “And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?”
In this verse Paul is referencing the persecution they face from their testimony and their preaching of the gospel. It is certainly foolish to jeopardize one’s safety if the gospel is not true—if there was no resurrection of Jesus from the dead and no future life for the believer.
1Corinthians 15:31 “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”
In the expanded Greek translation by Wuest this verse reads: “I am daily in danger of death by my glorying about you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The Complete Jewish Bible words it this way: “Brothers, by the right to be proud which the Messiah Yeshua our Lord gives me, I solemnly tell you that I die every day.”
Both of these translations make the connection to the previous verse clearer. Paul lives each day with an awareness of the possibility that he might be killed for preaching the gospel message, an act that brings him much joy through the fruit God is giving him in converts.
1Corinthians 15:32 “If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.”
Nowhere in scripture does Paul tell us that he fought in the arena at Ephesus, and he was quite specific in a couple of places to detail his persecutions.
2Corinthians 11:22-27 “Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”
1Thessalonians 2:2 “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”
2Timothy 3:10-11 “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”
I believe Paul is making a hypothetical application. The Greek for beasts makes reference to figurative use for an encounter with furious men. I believe this is what Paul is referencing here. Whether in reference to wild beasts or angry men, the point is that Paul’s actions were useless and of no benefit to him if there is no resurrection to life after death. One might as well enjoy the temporary fleshly pleasures of life to the fullest if death is final with no hope of resurrection.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
IN THE RESURRECTED CHRIST WE CAN EXPERIENCE LIFE AFTER DEATH
1Corinthians 15:20 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
Paul quickly follows the thought of the horrible implications of no resurrection with the truth. Christ has risen from the dead. He became the firstfruits of all those that have died as followers of God in faith.
In looking for some thoughts on firstfruits, I found some interesting thoughts in Eerdman’s dictionary: “…The first of the seasonal produce from the soil. It was considered to be intrinsically holy, the possession of God….The very first sheaf of grain harvested was to be transferred to God by the elevation ceremony before the Lord.”
I thought that painted a beautiful picture of the resurrection of Jesus. He was the first man to be resurrected from the earth to a glorified body. He was/is holy in nature, completely possessed of God. He was elevated to the throne of God to establish God’s blessing on the rest of the harvest, the body of believers.
1Corinthians 15:21-22 “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
It was through the man Adam, the progenitor of the human race, that all men are condemned to both physical and spiritual death. Through the willing sacrifice of the perfect man, Jesus, mankind now has the opportunity to gain victory over death through the resurrection. Just as surely as those birthed through Adam in the flesh are condemned to death, those who are reborn in the spirit by faith in the resurrected Christ will experience a resurrection to new life.
1Corinthians 15:23 “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
Paul is emphasizing that there is an “order” to the resurrection of man to eternal life. This is a reference to sequence or succession. Christ is the firstfruits, all other men/women of faith will be resurrected at His coming. We know from other scripture that this coming will be in two parts and will include two groups of believers. He will first come to receive the body of believers (both dead and alive) and take them home to the Father (as promised in John 14) preceding the 7-year period commonly known as the tribulation; all other believers will be resurrected when He returns to rule as King.
John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Revelation 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
David Guzik made a couple of important points that I hadn’t thought about: “The Feast of Firstfruits was observed on the day after the Sabbath following Passover (Leviticus 23:9-14). Significantly, Jesus rose from the dead on the exact day of the Feast of Firstfruits, the day after the Sabbath following the Passover.”
“The offering at the Feast of Firstfruits was a bloodless grain offering (Leviticus 2). No atoning sacrifice was necessary, because the Passover lamb had just been sacrificed. This corresponds perfectly with the resurrection of Jesus, because His death ended the need for sacrifice, having provided a perfect and complete atonement.”
1Corinthians 15:24-26 “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
I believe the end being referenced in verse 24 is a reference to the end of the millennial kingdom when Satan and his rebellious army have been defeated once for all. It is at that time that all evil spiritual forces will be condemned to the lake of fire for eternity. It is at that time that He will be able to present His kingdom to the Father as full of those who have freely chosen to serve Him for eternity. The kingdom will not have one citizen who is an enemy of God or of His chosen people (the body of believers). I thought it was interesting that “death” is described as an enemy. Why? Death came to man as a result of sin, and sin is what came between the fellowship of God and man. Once sin is eliminated, death will be eliminated as well. With the destruction of death, there will be no enemy to man left in creation. With sin and death destroyed, the Father can once again freely fellowship with man as He did with Adam and Eve in the garden.
Paul quickly follows the thought of the horrible implications of no resurrection with the truth. Christ has risen from the dead. He became the firstfruits of all those that have died as followers of God in faith.
In looking for some thoughts on firstfruits, I found some interesting thoughts in Eerdman’s dictionary: “…The first of the seasonal produce from the soil. It was considered to be intrinsically holy, the possession of God….The very first sheaf of grain harvested was to be transferred to God by the elevation ceremony before the Lord.”
I thought that painted a beautiful picture of the resurrection of Jesus. He was the first man to be resurrected from the earth to a glorified body. He was/is holy in nature, completely possessed of God. He was elevated to the throne of God to establish God’s blessing on the rest of the harvest, the body of believers.
1Corinthians 15:21-22 “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
It was through the man Adam, the progenitor of the human race, that all men are condemned to both physical and spiritual death. Through the willing sacrifice of the perfect man, Jesus, mankind now has the opportunity to gain victory over death through the resurrection. Just as surely as those birthed through Adam in the flesh are condemned to death, those who are reborn in the spirit by faith in the resurrected Christ will experience a resurrection to new life.
1Corinthians 15:23 “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
Paul is emphasizing that there is an “order” to the resurrection of man to eternal life. This is a reference to sequence or succession. Christ is the firstfruits, all other men/women of faith will be resurrected at His coming. We know from other scripture that this coming will be in two parts and will include two groups of believers. He will first come to receive the body of believers (both dead and alive) and take them home to the Father (as promised in John 14) preceding the 7-year period commonly known as the tribulation; all other believers will be resurrected when He returns to rule as King.
John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Revelation 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
David Guzik made a couple of important points that I hadn’t thought about: “The Feast of Firstfruits was observed on the day after the Sabbath following Passover (Leviticus 23:9-14). Significantly, Jesus rose from the dead on the exact day of the Feast of Firstfruits, the day after the Sabbath following the Passover.”
“The offering at the Feast of Firstfruits was a bloodless grain offering (Leviticus 2). No atoning sacrifice was necessary, because the Passover lamb had just been sacrificed. This corresponds perfectly with the resurrection of Jesus, because His death ended the need for sacrifice, having provided a perfect and complete atonement.”
1Corinthians 15:24-26 “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
I believe the end being referenced in verse 24 is a reference to the end of the millennial kingdom when Satan and his rebellious army have been defeated once for all. It is at that time that all evil spiritual forces will be condemned to the lake of fire for eternity. It is at that time that He will be able to present His kingdom to the Father as full of those who have freely chosen to serve Him for eternity. The kingdom will not have one citizen who is an enemy of God or of His chosen people (the body of believers). I thought it was interesting that “death” is described as an enemy. Why? Death came to man as a result of sin, and sin is what came between the fellowship of God and man. Once sin is eliminated, death will be eliminated as well. With the destruction of death, there will be no enemy to man left in creation. With sin and death destroyed, the Father can once again freely fellowship with man as He did with Adam and Eve in the garden.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
WITHOUT THE RESURRECTION WE HAVE NO HOPE
1Corinthians 15:11 “Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.”
This is a summary statement emphasizing that whether Paul or one of the other apostles, they were all preaching the same gospel message—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was that gospel message that the Corinthian believers embraced in faith for salvation.
1Corinthians 15:12 “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?”
I had to read through this verse several times. It would seem that Paul is trying to understand how some in the Corinthian church could believe that Christ rose from the dead and yet deny the truth of resurrection for anyone else.
1Corinthians 15:13-14 “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
Paul seems to be saying that either the resurrection is true or it isn’t. If Christ rose from the dead, then there should be no reason to deny that He could raise others from the dead. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then the gospel message that Paul and the other apostles and followers of Christ were proclaiming was useless, and their faith was useless.
God’s word is either true or not. Jesus either rose from the dead or He did not. If your faith is based on a lie, you will be disappointed.
This is a hard truth for many to accept. I believe that many in this world give credence to false religions because of passionate teaching and/or testimony of the people who are sincere in their belief concerning these religions—but they are sincerely wrong. Truth is not relative no matter how the so-called intelligentsia try to present it as such. Truth can have only one foundation, and that foundation is found in God and His word. Man’s understanding of truth can change, but the truth itself never changes.
1Corinthians 15:15-18 “Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”
Paul is stating that He and the apostles and other followers of Christ are liars if Christ did not resurrect from the dead to new life. If God raised up Christ from the dead, He will raise up those who follow Christ. Paul is stating this truth as an either-or situation—
• If Christ was resurrected to new life from the dead, then believers can look forward to the same.
• If Christ was not resurrected to new life from the dead, then believers have no hope of eternal life.
Now he applies his reasoning to those in the church at Corinth—If Christ did not rise to new life from the dead, your faith is useless and you are still in sin. Those believers who have already died are doomed for eternity.
Paul is obviously repeating himself, but he is driving home the point that the gospel message hinges on the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without it, our faith is pointless.
1Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Sobering truth in this verse. Reminder—it is addressed to those who declared their faith in God through Jesus Christ.
No matter how successful, prosperous, healthy, influential, or secure one’s life may be, if this is all there is, we are most miserable. Why? Because we are counting on so much more. We can enjoy life here and still understand that the eternal life to which we look forward will far surpass that experience. If we are among those who are not so fortunate here, there is no source of comfort to which we can turn for strength and encouragement. Our lives would be no different than all those who follow false gods/religions today. To those who like Paul and the apostles face persecution and ridicule for their faith, their existence will consist of much misery with no hope of eternal deliverance.
This is a summary statement emphasizing that whether Paul or one of the other apostles, they were all preaching the same gospel message—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was that gospel message that the Corinthian believers embraced in faith for salvation.
1Corinthians 15:12 “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?”
I had to read through this verse several times. It would seem that Paul is trying to understand how some in the Corinthian church could believe that Christ rose from the dead and yet deny the truth of resurrection for anyone else.
1Corinthians 15:13-14 “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
Paul seems to be saying that either the resurrection is true or it isn’t. If Christ rose from the dead, then there should be no reason to deny that He could raise others from the dead. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then the gospel message that Paul and the other apostles and followers of Christ were proclaiming was useless, and their faith was useless.
God’s word is either true or not. Jesus either rose from the dead or He did not. If your faith is based on a lie, you will be disappointed.
This is a hard truth for many to accept. I believe that many in this world give credence to false religions because of passionate teaching and/or testimony of the people who are sincere in their belief concerning these religions—but they are sincerely wrong. Truth is not relative no matter how the so-called intelligentsia try to present it as such. Truth can have only one foundation, and that foundation is found in God and His word. Man’s understanding of truth can change, but the truth itself never changes.
1Corinthians 15:15-18 “Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”
Paul is stating that He and the apostles and other followers of Christ are liars if Christ did not resurrect from the dead to new life. If God raised up Christ from the dead, He will raise up those who follow Christ. Paul is stating this truth as an either-or situation—
• If Christ was resurrected to new life from the dead, then believers can look forward to the same.
• If Christ was not resurrected to new life from the dead, then believers have no hope of eternal life.
Now he applies his reasoning to those in the church at Corinth—If Christ did not rise to new life from the dead, your faith is useless and you are still in sin. Those believers who have already died are doomed for eternity.
Paul is obviously repeating himself, but he is driving home the point that the gospel message hinges on the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without it, our faith is pointless.
1Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Sobering truth in this verse. Reminder—it is addressed to those who declared their faith in God through Jesus Christ.
No matter how successful, prosperous, healthy, influential, or secure one’s life may be, if this is all there is, we are most miserable. Why? Because we are counting on so much more. We can enjoy life here and still understand that the eternal life to which we look forward will far surpass that experience. If we are among those who are not so fortunate here, there is no source of comfort to which we can turn for strength and encouragement. Our lives would be no different than all those who follow false gods/religions today. To those who like Paul and the apostles face persecution and ridicule for their faith, their existence will consist of much misery with no hope of eternal deliverance.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
TESTIMONY OF THE RESURRECTED JESUS
1Corinthians 15:5-8 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
Paul is careful to document that there were many witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. First, he was seen by Cephas/Peter and then by the 12 disciples together (this would seem to include Matthias). After that, he was seen by over 500 at one time, most of whom were still alive at the time Paul wrote this letter. He was also seen by His brother James and all of the apostles; this would seem to indicate that all those named as apostles in the New Testament were part of that 500+ and probably part of the group of 120 followers who waited in the upper room for the baptism of the Holy Spirit as detailed in Acts 1. Paul was specific in positioning his vision of the resurrected Lord as distinct and separate from those who saw Him before He ascended.
Scripture is not the only historical record of the resurrection. Though disputed by some, the record of the Jewish historian Josephus in his “Jewish Antiquities” makes mention of the resurrection: “3. (63) Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. (64) And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross [2], those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day [3], as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named for him, are not extinct at this day.”
William Lane Craig, a leading apologist concerning the resurrection, quotes a prominent critic of the resurrection in defending it: “Even Gert Lüdemann, the leading German critic of the resurrection, himself admits, ‘It may be taken as historically certain that Peter and the disciples had experiences after Jesus’ death in which Jesus appeared to them as the risen Christ.’”
“born out of due time” – In looking for help on this phrase I found this quote from Jamieson, Fausset & Brown: Greek, “the one abortively born”: the abortion in the family of the apostles. As a child born before the due time is puny, and though born alive, yet not of the proper size, and scarcely worthy of the name of man, so “I am the least of the apostles,” scarcely “meet to be called an apostle….”
1Corinthians 15:9-10 “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
I believe Paul was filled with remorse for his persecution of those who followed Jesus, “the church of God,” and was extremely grateful for the privilege of serving as an apostle. Although we know through his teaching that he clearly understood that he was a new creation in Christ, he still had to deal with the flesh—as do we all until we shed these mortal bodies of flesh for immortal ones. He felt his past clearly established him as unworthy and as the least (less worthy of honor) among the apostles.
Paul knows that it is only by the grace of God that he is privileged to serve as an apostle. Frankly, it is only by the grace of God that any of us are privileged to serve the Lord in any capacity. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. I’ve always heard it defined as being given what we don’t deserve. We are all born sinners deserving of death, yet He has chosen to gift us eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son if only we will accept that gift. The only way to earn eternal life is to live a perfect life, and we have all fallen short; we have all sinned. It is only through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ that is ours through God’s gift of salvation that we can look forward to eternal life.
Paul could also matter-of-factly state that God’s grace was not bestowed upon him in vain. In other words, Paul gave great evidence of possessing saving faith through his selfless ministry in spite of great persecution. No one could accuse him of having dead faith. He unapologetically states that he has worked harder than any of the rest of the apostles in his service to the Lord. (And we know this to be true since he is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.) I love the Greek for the word grace, “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life,” which we know is the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul was also acutely aware that he could do nothing in and of himself and that it was the work of the Holy Spirit in and through Him that deserved all the credit. Paul was just the willing yielded vessel.
These are very instructive words from Paul. He was humble yet aware and confident in his ministry. He knew how he measured up among the other apostles, but he didn’t demean their service. He was just making the point that he was more motivated because of his past persecution of these very believers. I am reminded of these verses in Luke.
Luke 7:42-43 “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.”
Paul knew His weakness, and he knew in Whom his strength lay. He didn’t presume to try to minister in the flesh. He was grateful and honored to serve the Lord.
Paul is careful to document that there were many witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. First, he was seen by Cephas/Peter and then by the 12 disciples together (this would seem to include Matthias). After that, he was seen by over 500 at one time, most of whom were still alive at the time Paul wrote this letter. He was also seen by His brother James and all of the apostles; this would seem to indicate that all those named as apostles in the New Testament were part of that 500+ and probably part of the group of 120 followers who waited in the upper room for the baptism of the Holy Spirit as detailed in Acts 1. Paul was specific in positioning his vision of the resurrected Lord as distinct and separate from those who saw Him before He ascended.
Scripture is not the only historical record of the resurrection. Though disputed by some, the record of the Jewish historian Josephus in his “Jewish Antiquities” makes mention of the resurrection: “3. (63) Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. (64) And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross [2], those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day [3], as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named for him, are not extinct at this day.”
William Lane Craig, a leading apologist concerning the resurrection, quotes a prominent critic of the resurrection in defending it: “Even Gert Lüdemann, the leading German critic of the resurrection, himself admits, ‘It may be taken as historically certain that Peter and the disciples had experiences after Jesus’ death in which Jesus appeared to them as the risen Christ.’”
“born out of due time” – In looking for help on this phrase I found this quote from Jamieson, Fausset & Brown: Greek, “the one abortively born”: the abortion in the family of the apostles. As a child born before the due time is puny, and though born alive, yet not of the proper size, and scarcely worthy of the name of man, so “I am the least of the apostles,” scarcely “meet to be called an apostle….”
1Corinthians 15:9-10 “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
I believe Paul was filled with remorse for his persecution of those who followed Jesus, “the church of God,” and was extremely grateful for the privilege of serving as an apostle. Although we know through his teaching that he clearly understood that he was a new creation in Christ, he still had to deal with the flesh—as do we all until we shed these mortal bodies of flesh for immortal ones. He felt his past clearly established him as unworthy and as the least (less worthy of honor) among the apostles.
Paul knows that it is only by the grace of God that he is privileged to serve as an apostle. Frankly, it is only by the grace of God that any of us are privileged to serve the Lord in any capacity. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. I’ve always heard it defined as being given what we don’t deserve. We are all born sinners deserving of death, yet He has chosen to gift us eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son if only we will accept that gift. The only way to earn eternal life is to live a perfect life, and we have all fallen short; we have all sinned. It is only through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ that is ours through God’s gift of salvation that we can look forward to eternal life.
Paul could also matter-of-factly state that God’s grace was not bestowed upon him in vain. In other words, Paul gave great evidence of possessing saving faith through his selfless ministry in spite of great persecution. No one could accuse him of having dead faith. He unapologetically states that he has worked harder than any of the rest of the apostles in his service to the Lord. (And we know this to be true since he is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.) I love the Greek for the word grace, “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life,” which we know is the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul was also acutely aware that he could do nothing in and of himself and that it was the work of the Holy Spirit in and through Him that deserved all the credit. Paul was just the willing yielded vessel.
These are very instructive words from Paul. He was humble yet aware and confident in his ministry. He knew how he measured up among the other apostles, but he didn’t demean their service. He was just making the point that he was more motivated because of his past persecution of these very believers. I am reminded of these verses in Luke.
Luke 7:42-43 “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.”
Paul knew His weakness, and he knew in Whom his strength lay. He didn’t presume to try to minister in the flesh. He was grateful and honored to serve the Lord.
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