1 Corinthians 15:4-21

AUV(i) 4 He was buried; He was raised [from the dead] on the third day, according to the Scriptures; 5 and He appeared to Cephas [i.e., Peter. See Luke 24:34], and then to the twelve apostles. [See Luke 24:33]. 6 After that He appeared to over five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, but some have died. 7 Then He appeared to James [Note: This was probably Jesus’ half-brother. See Acts 12:17; Gal. 1:19], and then to all of the apostles. [See John 20:26]. 8 Then last of all, He appeared to me also, as someone born abnormally. [Note: This probably refers to Paul being converted later than the rest of the apostles]. 9 For I am the least [significant] of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But I am whatever I am because of God’s unearned favor, and the favor He showed me was not for nothing [i.e., Paul made the most of his conversion by being extra diligent in his service to God]. But I worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I, but God’s favor on me [that accomplished it]. 11 So, whether it was I, or the other apostles [who did the work], this is [the message] that we have preached, and that you people have received. 12 Now if it is preached that Christ was raised from the dead, how can some people among you say that people will not be raised from the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection from the dead, [then] Christ has not been raised up either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised up, then our preaching is for nothing, and your faith is for nothing too. 15 And also, we are found to be false witnesses about God because we testified that God raised up Christ [from the dead], when [in reality] He did not raise Him up if, in fact, the dead are not raised up. 16 For if dead people are not raised up, [then] neither has Christ been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised up, [then] your faith is for nothing; you are still condemned by your sins. 18 Then [also], those who have died in [fellowship with] Christ are lost. 19 If we have placed our hope in Christ while in this life only, we are to be pitied more than all [other] people. 20 But now Christ has been raised up from the dead; [He is] the firstfruits of those who have died. [Note: By “firstfruits” is meant the first installment of the crop which promises the entire harvest eventually]. 21 For since death happened to a man [i.e., Adam], the resurrection from the dead also happened to a man [i.e., Christ].