Thursday, August 23

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.  After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.  Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born." (1 Corinthians 15:4-8)

In this passage, Paul recites the key truths of the Gospel and backs it with clear evidence.  Even as the Corinthians had received teaching directly from Paul, it seems that they had some lingering suspicions about the Resurrection, leading to Paul's writing of this most important chapter.  He notes that, without the fact of the Resurrection, our faith in Christ doesn't have effect beyond this life, and, in that case, we would be pitiable indeed.  Yet, the Resurrection has solid historical grounding:  from multiple sources and from the testimony of changed lives of those willing to die for Christ.

The second half of the passage above mentions Jesus's post-Resurrection appearances to the Twelve, to more than 500 hundred "at the same time," to James, and to Paul.  By highlighting these witnesses, Paul invites his readers to verify the truth with this quite large group.  Had the events not actually occurred, critics could easily have torn down the Gospel message and rendered Paul's ministry as null and void.

Yet, critics were not successful, as the Gospel spread throughout the Mediterranean world.  These witnesses, so convinced of Christ's rising from the dead, were willing to suffer grave persecution and ultimately surrender their lives to the sword.  Why would they have chosen such a path for something they knew to be a myth?  Alternatively, skeptics question:  Perhaps this whole lot had become deluded by some farce?  Again, this criticism holds little water because of the sheer numbers of individuals involved.

These meditations above fall under the heading of apologetics, the rational defense of the Christian faith.  Combined with the great work that God has done in our lives, we have the clear testimony of history and logic that stands for the Gospel.  We may rejoice that we have a wonderful Lord and Savior—and the testimony of the Scriptures is absolutely true!

Lord God, thank You for orchestrating history as You have.  Thank You for Your sovereign control over all history, the present, and the future.  We look at the testimony of Paul today and are reminded of its truth and power.  Bring forth power in Your Church today, so that we may live in devotion to You and Your call for us.  Give us opportunities to share this truth with those who are hungry to know You.  In Jesus's Name, amen.