1 Corinthians 15:12-15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just pointing out a contradiction; he's highlighting the absurdity of denying the resurrection when it's the very foundation of their proclamation. He's essentially saying, "You're preaching this good news, but then you're denying the core event that makes it good news!"
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: some believers were denying the resurrection of the dead, which completely undermined the core message of Christianity. This denial wasn't just a theoretical debate; it directly challenged the very foundation of their faith and Paul's apostolic authority, as he's about to powerfully argue for the resurrection's necessity.
Paul is laying down the law here, calling out a serious error. Some in Corinth were questioning a foundational truth of Christianity. What makes this truth so crucial?
Paul doesn't just bring up the resurrection as an interesting theological point; he presents it as the absolute bedrock of Christian belief and practice. He argues that if Jesus didn't truly rise from the dead, then everything else collapses.
The Domino Effect of Denial
Paul's point is clear: denying the resurrection isn't a minor disagreement; it dismantles the entire Christian faith.
Ask a follow-up
Why would anyone in the early church question something as central as the resurrection? What might have been going on in Corinth?
The exact reasons for the doubts in Corinth aren't explicitly stated, but we can infer some possibilities based on the cultural and philosophical currents of the time.
Possible Influences:
Paul's response is not to dismiss their questions but to forcefully show the logical and theological consequences of such doubt. He confronts their faulty reasoning with the undeniable reality of Christ's resurrection.
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The promised Messiah of the Old Testament and the Anointed Son of God, who accomplished salvation through His life, death, and resurrection.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The historical and bodily act of being brought back to life from the grave, which is the foundational hope of the Christian faith.
kenos · Greek Adjective
Empty, void of power, or without effect; it describes that which lacks the necessary truth or divine substance to produce genuine spiritual results.
pistis · Greek Noun
The settled conviction, trust, and reliance upon the truth of God; it is the response of the human heart to the revelation and promise of God.
pseudomartyres · Greek Noun/Adjective
To give false testimony or provide a deceptive account regarding someone’s character or actions; in this context, it refers to speaking falsely about God’s works.
emartyrēsamen · Greek Verb
To bear witness or provide public evidence regarding a truth or an event one has personally perceived; it is a primary duty of the apostles.
The Corinthian church was a melting pot of cultures and ideas, and some members were influenced by philosophies that found the idea of a physical resurrection absurd, creating tension with the core Christian message.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and, according to the Gospels, is raised from the dead on the third day, appearing to many followers.
c. AD 30-40s
Spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early followers of Jesus begin to preach the resurrection message throughout Judea and beyond, establishing small communities.
c. AD 47-58
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, founding churches in cities like Corinth and Ephesus, facing various cultural and philosophical challenges.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
While in Ephesus, Paul addresses serious issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal disputes, likely responding to a letter from them.
c. 2nd Century AD
Rise of Gnostic ideas
Philosophical and religious movements, some of which downplayed or denied the importance of the physical body and resurrection, gain traction in the Roman world.
This passage immediately preceding lays the foundation for Paul's argument, reminding the Corinthians of the gospel he preached, including Christ's resurrection, which he's referencing here.
Acts 17:32This shows how some Athenians mocked Paul when he spoke of the resurrection, highlighting that disbelief in the resurrection wasn't unique to Corinth and was a common point of contention.
1 Corinthians 15:13-19Paul directly addresses the logical implications of denying the resurrection, showing how it undermines the entire Christian faith and the reality of believers' future hope.
John 11:25-26Jesus Himself declared, 'I am the resurrection and the life,' offering a direct divine testimony to the reality of resurrection that Paul is defending.
Paul isn't just pointing out a contradiction; he's highlighting the absurdity of denying the resurrection when it's the very foundation of their proclamation. He's essentially saying, "You're preaching this good news, but then you're denying the core event that makes it good news!"
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: some believers were denying the resurrection of the dead, which completely undermined the core message of Christianity. This denial wasn't just a theoretical debate; it directly challenged the very foundation of their faith and Paul's apostolic authority, as he's about to powerfully argue for the resurrection's necessity.
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: some believers were denying the resurrection of the dead, which completely undermined the core message of Christianity. This denial wasn't just a theoretical debate; it directly challenged the very foundation of their faith and Paul's apostolic authority, as he's about to powerfully argue for the resurrection's necessity.
"Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, t…" — Paul isn't just pointing out a contradiction; he's highlighting the absurdity of denying the resurrection when it's the very foundation of their proclamation. He's essentially saying, "You're preac…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
