1 Corinthians 15:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:6
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, righteousness, hope. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it defends the resurrection as central to Christian faith. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 15:6
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Analysis
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once (ἔπειτα ὤφθη ἐπάνω πεντακοσίοις ἀδελφοῖς ἐφάπαξ)—The adverb ephapax (ἐφάπαξ, "at one time, simultaneously") demolishes the hallucination hypothesis—mass hallucinations of this scale are psychologically impossible. Paul provides 500+ eyewitnesses, many still living when he wrote (AD 55), inviting verification.
Of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (ἐξ ὧν οἱ πλείονες μένουσιν ἕως ἄρτι, τινὲς δὲ ἐκοιμήθησαν)—Paul's phrase fallen asleep (ekoimēthēsan, ἐκοιμήθησαν) is the Christian euphemism for death, implying resurrection awaits (1 Thessalonians 4:13). This appearance, unrecorded in the Gospels, may be Matthew 28:16 or another Galilean event. The appeal to living witnesses is unprecedented in ancient literature—Paul invites fact-checking.
Historical Context
When Paul wrote (AD 55), Christ's resurrection was 25 years past, yet 'most' of 500+ witnesses still lived. This is powerful apologetic evidence—Paul couldn't make this claim if easily falsifiable. The Jerusalem church knew these people; skeptics could interview them.
Reflection
- How does the invitation to verify with living eyewitnesses demonstrate Paul's confidence in resurrection's historicity?
- Why does the simultaneity of 500+ witnesses present an insurmountable problem for naturalistic explanations?
- What does the phrase 'fallen asleep' reveal about early Christian confidence in resurrection?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 28:10, Mark 16:7, Acts 13:36