1 Corinthians 15:1-11

About the Text

(2) What did Paul mean by "otherwise, you have believed in vain"? The English translation is a bit awkward, but the in the original Greek the meaning is clear: If you believe the gospel, you will be saved; if you don't believe ("believe in vain"), you will not be saved ("[it will be] otherwise"). In the Greek, verses 1 and 2 form one, long sentence. By these words, the Bible indicates that salvation is not through good works but by belief (faith) in the story of Jesus Christ.

(3) What does it mean that "Christ died for our sins"? It means that Jesus Christ died on a cross not by accident, but on purpose - to take away our problem of sin and make us right with God. He did this by taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserved for our sins, which was death. Then, having lived a perfect life free from all sin, he transfered that perfection onto us who believe, so that we stand clean and forgiven before God, no matter how much we've actually sinned. Even though we Christians still commit sins, they are not held against us, because Jesus Christ earned God's complete forgiveness for us. No longer do you need to feel guilty, even though you've committed an awful sin, because Jesus Christ makes you clean.

(5) Who is the "Twelve"? The twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

(6) What does the Bible mean by "fallen asleep"? They died.

(7) Who is James? Jesus' half brother, the son of Mary and Joseph. Remember, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not Joseph. Therefore, James and Jesus share only one parent - Mary.

(7) Who are the "apostles" mentioned in this verse? This term refers to all those who were eyewitness of Jesus, who were also specially commissioned by Him to tell the world about Jesus, and who started churches. The term also includes the Twelve Apostles, who were personal disciples of Jesus.

(8) Why does Paul call Himself "abnormally born"? The original Greek word behind this phrase was to denote something "freakish," monstrous, and ugly. Paul felt that way about himself for several possible reasons. First, he used to persecute Christians before he became a believer. Second, he was probably short ("Paul" means "little guy"). Third, he did not meet Jesus in the "normal" way like the others (cf. Acts 9:1-19). Fourth, he wasn't a polished speaker (cf. 2 Cor. 10:10). Fifth, his tortures and imprisonment may have disfigured him to ugliness (2 Cor. 11).

(9) Why does Paul seem so down on himself? It was to magnify the grace of God. In other words, Paul showed how undeserving and unlikely he was to become a servant of God. Yet God was so kind (that's "grace") that completely changed Paul so that He would use him to reach the world for Jesus Christ. God often uses the least likely candidates to do His work. He used the stuttering and stammering Moses to lead the nation of Israel. He used a young boy, David, to become the king of Israel. He used a poor carpenter, Jesus, to save the world. And He used a beat-up, short, former hit-man, to reach the world for Christ. Today, God still works like this. Never underestimate the kindness and power of God. Although you may feel like nothing, believe in what God can do through you. Through your weakness, suffering, pain, torment, lack of education, or lack of talent, God may use you powerfully to do His work in spreading the love of Christ to this world. When God works this way, He shines all the more brighter, just as a surgeon is applauded all the more if he were forced to use the crudest of tools.

Insights


The Bottom Line

Do not underestimate the grace of God. Jesus Christ's death on the cross will cleanse you more than you think. God forgives more than you think. God changes people more dramatically than you think. God strengthens the weak more than you think. God provides more than you think. God proved His kindness to us by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die in our place. So consider God's call now. Could He be calling you to a work that you have never imagined yourself doing before?