S) "3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve."
1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (NASB)
O) This entire chapter is very good. It is full of verses and passages I could highlight, and in that sense, it was a little hard to choose one. On the other hand, Paul started this section talking about the gospel he preached and the importance that we remember it (see vv.1-2) and then goes right into the verses above (I refrain from saying he started this chapter.... because he didn't differentiate chapters and verses). So, while this chapter has many great things to say, relating to the topic of resurrection (of Jesus, of our own, of the final, etc.), it was fairly obvious which of these verses was the most important. When we break down what he says in these verses, there are a few elements that must be drawn. The first element is the direct truth that the death, burial, resurrection, and revelation of Jesus Christ is the gospel, and it is the most important thing we can ever share with others. The second element to draw from this passage, is the phrase, "according to the Scriptures," which Paul uses twice. Drawing on context, we must remember that there was no collected New Testament when he wrote these words. When he refers to the Scriptures, he means the Old Testament (which was fully collected at this point). This is significant, because it reminds us that the gospel was predicted. God had a redemptive plan for humanity since the fall in the garden of Eden. Throughout the Old Testament, prophecies were given that pointed forward to Christ, and revealed the redemption that was coming, both for Israel and the rest of the world. As with all prophecy, one of the most crucial reasons for this (in its fulfillment) is to build our faith. Both in the topic (the gospel itself) and in the one who authored it (God) we have more faith knowing that it was not random, it was not coincidence, it was not God being opportunistic. This was all according to His plan.
A) For myself, along with the emphasis of sharing the gospel, there is importance in acknowledging all four parts of the gospel (death, burial, resurrection, and revelation). Without a doubt, the part I neglect most often is the revelation. Yet, Paul included the revelation of Jesus to Cephas and the twelve (and more than five hundred at once, mentioned in v.6) as of "first importance" along with the other parts of the gospel. Carefully considering why that final part is important will help me remember to include it when I share the gospel. I need to remember that in the revelation of Jesus, there were hundreds of first-hand witnesses to the truth of the gospel. These eyewitnesses all had the same shared experience. There is some weight given to one eyewitness. There is more than double given to two witnesses, and on the testimony of three witnesses things are received as true. That was given in Deuteronomy 19:15, and even Jesus affirmed it in Matthew 18:16. Even in our culture today, in a court of law where truth is sought, having two witnesses give the same account of an event is taken as solid proof. Having a dozen witnesses would be seen as overkill. Having five hundred witnesses attest to the same even happening would probably be inadmissible because of the redundancy. So, the point is that the witnesses who saw Jesus resurrected confirm it as true and historically proven. This is actually often challenged by the world because of a base misunderstanding about the formation of the Bible and how the gospel was recorded. If more people understood the widespread nature of the witnesses to this event, I'm sure more people would give serious consideration to the validity of the gospel. So, as important as it is that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected, I must also put an emphasis on the fact that He was revealed alive to a multitude firsthand.
P) Father, Your authorship of the gospel is Your grace at its most full. I am humbled to remember that Jesus died for me. I am not forgiven simply because You have chosen not to punish sin. My sins were punished, and the wrath they incur was indeed poured out. But, it was upon Jesus, that the punishment was meted. The wages of sin is death, and Jesus received my lethal wages. But, it didn't end there. He was buried, laid among sinners, His death fully realized. He took the lowest position a human could take, moving as far from His position of deity as was possible. But, it didn't end there. He was resurrected! He conquered death, and with it conquered the power of sin. He paved the way to eternal life as the first to overcome the grave. His resurrection confirmed that His payment for our sins was sure. His propitiation was received. But, it didn't end there. His glory was restored and revealed. Once again in grace, You gave Your Son to us as the manifestation of Your glory. You revealed Him to the disciples, then to the world. This is the fullness of the gospel. This is the gospel I want to preach. Remind me, God, that when I share the gospel, there are four crucial elements for me to convey. Help me to not neglect any of them, since they each play an integral part in the whole. Give me the boldness, wisdom, articulation, and opportunity to share the gospel. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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