1 Corinthians 15:7
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
Original Language Analysis
ὤφθη
he was seen
G3700
ὤφθη
he was seen
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
2 of 7
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
εἶτα
then
G1534
εἶτα
then
Strong's:
G1534
Word #:
4 of 7
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 24:50And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.Luke 24:33And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,Luke 24:36And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Historical Context
James's conversion is one of history's most powerful evidences for resurrection. He went from mocking his brother to leading the Jerusalem church and dying as a martyr (Josephus, Antiquities 20.200). Only resurrection explains this radical transformation. Early church father Jerome preserved James's vow: 'I will not eat bread until I see the Lord risen from the dead.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does James's conversion from skeptical family member to martyred church leader validate resurrection claims?
- Why would Paul emphasize an appearance to Jesus's brother who initially disbelieved?
- What does the distinction between 'the twelve' and 'all the apostles' indicate about early church structure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After that, he was seen of James (ἔπειτα ὤφθη Ἰακώβῳ)—This is James the Just, Jesus's half-brother (Galatians 1:19), who did not believe during Jesus's earthly ministry (John 7:5) but became a pillar of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15, Galatians 2:9). This appearance, unrecorded in canonical Gospels but detailed in the Gospel of the Hebrews, converted James from skeptic to martyr. His transformation demands explanation—family members are hardest to deceive.
Then of all the apostles (εἶτα τοῖς ἀποστόλοις πᾶσιν)—Paul distinguishes hoi apostoloi pantes ("all the apostles") from "the twelve" (v. 5), indicating a wider circle including James, Barnabas, and others commissioned by the risen Christ (Acts 1:21-22). This may refer to the ascension appearance (Acts 1:4-9) or another commissioning event.