1 Corinthians 15:12-19

In 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Paul is addressing the false teaching that had spread among the Corinthians that there is no resurrection of the dead. He’s saying to them: “If you go around claiming that there is no resurrection of the dead, then you also have to reject the resurrection of Jesus himself because he was a man who died.” Therefore, if the Corinthians continue to insist on taking the position that there isn’t a resurrection, he wants to show them the terrible consequences. Paul’s goal is to motivate them to reject the false assumptions of their worldview by demonstrating the devastating consequences for Christians if Christ was never raised from the dead. If that were true, then our faith is left with two fatal consequences.

• If there is no resurrection we’re left with an empty faith. (14-16)
• If there is no resurrection we’re left with a useless faith. (17-19)