Reading for October 12th

 Read 1 Corinthians 15.1-28. In 15.1-58: Instructions about resurrection. In verses 1-11: The tradition of Christ's resurrection. In verse 2: Being saved: Conversion has lasting effects. In verse 3: Handed on ... received: Paul uses language describing the transmission of sacred teaching (11.23). In verses 3-5: This is one of the earliest summaries of Christian preaching (Rom 1.1-4). Died, buried, raise, and appeared identify key moments of the passion story (Mk 14-16). In accordance with the Scriptures reflects Christian conviction that God was at work in these events (Is 53; Hos 6.2). In verses 5-11: Women figure more prominently in the gospel appearance stories (Mt 28.1-10; Mk 16.1-8; Lk 23.55-24.12; Jn 20.1-18). Appearances to more that five hundred and James are distinctive elements of this list. The twelve (v. 5) are distinguished from all the apostles (v. 7). Paul places himself within the same tradition, even though his experience of the risen Lord was exceptional (Gal 1.13-17). In verses 12-19: Some doubt the resurrection. In verse 12: The truth of Christ's resurrection is assumed throughout. No resurrection of the dead: Doubts could arise in different forms: No life at all after death; no resurrection of the body, only the soul; no future resurrection (it is already here). In verses 13-14: Denying resurrection in principle eliminates Christ's resurrection. In verse 15: Paul's credibility is at stake. In verses 17-18: The church's faith is also threatened. In verse 19: Christian preaching is about future hope or nothing at all (Rom 5.5; 8.24-25). In verses 20-28: Christ, Adam and future resurrection. In verse 20: The faith of 15.3 is reaffirmed . First fruits: Christ's resurrection is like the beginning of harvest because more of the same follows (1 Thess 4.14). In verses 21-22: Like Adam, Christs stands at the beginning of a new order of humanity. The crucial difference: Adam introduced death, Christ life (Rom 5.12-17). In verses 23-28: The sequence of events outlined here emphasizes how those who belong to Christ share the experience of Christ (1 Thess 4.13-18 reflects different concerns). The end ("telos") is better translation that the rest . It is the time when the risen Lord finally triumphant over every other power, especially death, yields the reign of God the Father. The language of v. 25 is drawn from Ps 110.1. V. 27 draws on Ps 8.6, which Paul explains in vv. 27-28. He understands his feet to mean Christ's feet. Christ's subjects everything (including death), Then yield s the power God to whom all, including Christ are subject. Comments or Questions..