1 Corinthians 15-16; 2 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 15

• Paul reminds Corinthians of the gospel:
  • Christ died for sins
  • was buried
  • rose on the third day
• Jesus appeared to:
  • Cephas
  • the twelve
  • more than 500 believers
  • James the Just
  • Paul himself

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.

If Christ Has Not Been Raised

• Some Corinthians questioned resurrection
• Paul argues if there is no resurrection, Christ was not raised
• If Christ is not raised:
  • preaching is useless
  • faith is futile
  • believers remain in sin
• Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection!!

 Christ the Firstfruits

• Christ truly has been raised
• His resurrection guarantees future resurrection for believers (He was the firstfruit)
• Adam brought death and Christ brings life
• Christ will ultimately defeat death and all enemies

Live Consistently with Resurrection Hope

• Paul argues resurrection affects daily living
• Why suffer or risk death if resurrection is false?
• “Bad company ruins good morals.”
  • From Menander’s play Thais
• Calls them to wake up spiritually

The Resurrection Body

• Paul explains differences between earthly and resurrected bodies
• Uses seed imagery as what is sown differs from what rises
• Earthly body:
  • perishable
  • weak
• Resurrection body:
  • imperishable
  • glorious
• Contrast:
  • Adam as earthly man
  • Christ as heavenly man

Victory Over Death

• Flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s kingdom 
• At Christ’s return believers will be transformed
• Death is swallowed up in victory
  • “O death, where is your victory?” 
  • Hosea 13:14
• Final encouragement:
  • remain steadfast
  • abor for the Lord is not in vain

1 Corinthians 16

Paul instructs regular giving

• Money is being collected for struggling believers in Jerusalem
• Giving should be planned and orderly

Paul’s Travel Plans

• Paul hopes to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia
• Plans depend on the Lord’s will
• Mentions Timothy and Apollos
• A “wide door” for ministry has opened despite enemies

Final Encouragements

Short commands:

• be watchful
• stand firm in faith
• act courageously
• be strong
• do everything in love

Paul commends the household of Stephanas

• Encourages respect for faithful servants in the church

Final Greetings

• Greetings from churches in Asia
• Mentions Aquila and Priscilla
• Paul closes with love and a warning for those who reject the Lord

If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come

2 Corinthians 1

 Background

• Written by Paul 
• Likely written around AD 55–56
• Probably written from Macedonia after receiving news from Titus about the church in Corinth.

2 Corinthians is much more personal and emotional than 1 Corinthians. After 1 Corinthians:

• conflict continued in the church
• some people challenged Paul’s authority
• Paul made a painful visit to Corinth

Paul and Timothy greet the church

• Grace and peace are emphasized

Paul praises God as “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort”

• God comforts believers in suffering so they can comfort others
• Paul describes intense affliction in Asia:
  • burdened beyond strength
  • felt near death
• This taught dependence on God rather than self

 Paul Defends His Integrity

• Some Corinthians accused Paul of being unreliable because his travel plans changed
  • He boasts in his integrity
• Paul explains that his decisions were not careless
• His message about Christ is not “Yes and No”
  • God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ
• Paul delayed visiting partly to spare them further pain and harsh confrontation

Application

The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives believers real hope over sin and death. Without the resurrection, the church is nothing. As the church we can boast in Christ, and focus on generosity, courage and love as commanded in chapter 16.