1 Corinthians 15:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:5
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, worship, faith. 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 15:5
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
Analysis
And that he was seen of Cephas (καὶ ὅτι ὤφθη Κηφᾷ, kai hoti ōphthē Kēpha)—The verb ōphthē (ὤφθη, "he appeared, was seen") is divine passive—God caused the appearance. Paul uses Peter's Aramaic name Cephas (Κηφᾶς), connecting to the earliest Jerusalem church tradition. This appearance (Luke 24:34) restored Peter after his denial and commissioned him for apostolic ministry.
Then of the twelve (εἶτα τοῖς δώδεκα)—Paul uses "the twelve" as a technical designation even though Judas had died, indicating this was the recognized title for the apostolic college. This likely refers to the appearance in John 20:19-23. The sequential listing (eita, "then") indicates multiple, independent verification events, not a single mass hallucination.
Historical Context
Peter's special appearance established his leadership in the early church (Matthew 16:18, Galatians 1:18). The appearance to 'the twelve' as a group provides corporate testimony—the church's foundation witnessed the risen Christ collectively, not merely individually.
Reflection
- Why does Paul list Peter (Cephas) first among the witnesses—what does this indicate about restoration after failure?
- How does the sequential listing of appearances refute the hallucination theory?
- What is significant about Jesus appearing to the apostles as a group, not merely individually?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 1:12, Mark 16:14, John 1:42