First Epistle to the Corinthians Chapter 15:1-34

This is the first part of chapter 15. In this episode we review verses 1-34. Having dealt with problems of divisions and immorality in the community and having answered the questions asked of him, St. Paul turns to a heresy among the Corinthians. Some were saying that there was no final resurrection of the dead. They were not denying that Christ had been raised—only that we would also be raised. Here St. Paul reminds them of the Gospel Tradition that they have received, which includes the promise of their own resurrection. While he is concerned that they understand this theologically, he is also concerned how their mistaken idea negatively impacts their daily lives. He wants them to have the correct view of the Resurrection and to awaken from the idea that what they do now does not matter because there is no resurrection of the dead. He presents to us the resurrection of the Lord Christ as a confirmation and a firstborn of our own resurrection from the dead, the firstfruit of the harvest among the dead. In this chapter, as well, he answers four important questions:Is there a resurrection from the dead? (verses 1 to 34) With what body shall we be raised up? (verses 35 to 51) What will be the position of those who will be living when the Lord comes? (verses 51 to 54)What is our practical role through our hope in the resurrection? (verses 55 to 58)This episode looks at the first question, “Is there a resurrection from the dead?” In the next episode, we will finish this chapter and go through the remaining questions.