If I counted correctly, in the Common English Bible translation, there are 306 words in this week’s focal text. That means that there are about 306 ways we could study these verses. Wow! Paul had a lot to say to the Corinthians about the resurrection! Where to begin?
If I counted correctly, in my copy of a Greek New Testament, there are 257 words in this week’s study text. That means that there are about 257 Greek words we could examine as we explore what Paul said about the resurrection of the dead. Where to begin?
If I counted correctly...before I pull that Spanish New Testament off the shelf, let me admit what must be obvious: I am stalling before digging into these long and complex passages.
Paul has heard that there are folks in Corinth who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12). If Christ is not raised from the dead then all the Church says and does is useless (vv. 14-15). If Christ is not raised from the dead, then we are pathetic (v. 19).
But Christ has been raised and He was human (v. 22). It is evidence that Death does not have the last word for humans ((v. 23). Death has been brought under the control of Christ (vv. 26-27). In Christ, there is life available for all (v. 22).
This morning my car would not start. I figured the battery was dead, so I called AAA. About a half hour later, a huge wrecker truck pulled into my driveway, ready to help this hapless old man. To show the guy from the wrecker service the problem, I stepped into the car and pressed the start button. The engine laughed and offered full power. I thought it was dead, but it came with new life.
When I reflect on the death of loved ones and even when I ponder my own demise, I think things look pretty dead. But in Christ Jesus I see the hope and promise of resurrection into new life. Christ is just the first fruit of the harvest (v. 20). There is more to come!
Incidentally, I know you have been wondering. There were 334 words in the Spanish translation.
What Someone Else Has Said: Margaret Thrall (I and Ii Corinthians, Cambridge) wrote: “The preliminary defeat of Death took place when Jesus was raised from the dead, but complete victory will not be achieved until the general resurrection occurs.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Thank You, Risen Lord...”
