Epistle – 1 Corinthians 15-16

We have nearly come to the end of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. I hope that all of us can benefit from Apostle Paul’s encouragements, admonitions, and even his reprimands to the Corinthian Church. As we have understood that there is nothing new under the sun, therefore we must not be complacent in our faith especially in these perilous times where temptations lurk like a shadow following us, lest we commit the same wrongs that the believers in Corinth had committed.

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Paul, in 1Cor. 10: 11, said that the history of the exodus of the Israelite in the wilderness were written for their admonition, likewise, the letter to the Corinthians also serves as a recorded history to warn and admonish us today of the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ in the Church of God and in our Christian lives. So, let us all constantly reflect and examine our faith through the Word of God, for the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

From the beginning of this letter, Paul had been using rather strong words to “wake up” the Corinthian believers from their spiritual slumber. But from his tones, I believe we can sense the heart of Paul, a heart of a father towards his beloved children, reprimanding and admonishing in tears. In this chapter 15, Paul had to deal with another heart breaking issue. He had to remind them of the very foundation of the Christian faith, i.e. Jesus’ death and resurrection. For some of the believers had even started to doubt the resurrection which actually took place during their era while many eye-witnesses were still alive then. Jesus’ death and resurrection proved that He was the Son of God, the Almighty Himself! It also proved that their faith in Jesus was not futile. So the Corinthian believers actually had no excuse at all to doubt and deny the death and resurrection of the Lord! But why did some of the believers there have doubts about this fact? The answer is in 15: 33, they were being deceived! For us today, are we not very blessed to have the complete scriptures with us? Bibles are so readily available in Singapore and they are inexpensive to purchase. So we must treasure this blessing to read of God’s love letters, a miracle and a lamp to our path. With the word of God, we will not be deceived if we diligently study and meditate on it daily.

This first letter to the Corinthians was written approximately in AD 56, and the four gospels were written around the time frame from AD 50 to AD 90, (Matthew – AD 50, Luke – AD 60, Mark – AD 68 & John – AD 85 – 90), and this fact can validate the Bible that we read today are not a collection of fables, mere stories or hearsays, but eye-witness accounts of the life, death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This fact was the strength that pushed Paul to fight with beasts, “If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”(v. 32). The truth and purpose of the death and resurrection of Jesus was too hard to deny, because it pertained the salvation of the souls.

I have read articles that there were some mythical religions, either earlier then the birth of Jesus, or during the time when Jesus was still preaching, which recorded of resurrections of their founders after they died or were being slain. But Jesus’ death and resurrection stood out from all these so called resurrections, because Jesus’ death and resurrection was according to the Scriptures! The Holy Scriptures had already prophesied from ancient times about the death and resurrection of the coming Messiah! (15: 3 – 4).

The following music video is a touching song about the scene when Jesus was crucified, the singer sings from the perspective of an eye-witness.

The last verse (58) in this chapter, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” is a very strengthening assurance for all who love God and are working for Him, be steadfast and immovable, for though the works are difficult, we need to endure, fixing our focus on Jesus Who is alive in us; and He knows and keeps our every drop of sweat and tear in His bosom.

The final portion of Paul’s letter, chapter 16, is Paul’s hearty greetings to the brethren. It also included and instruction about the collection for the saints. Indeed the fold of God is One, no matter where in the world we may be, as long as we were baptized in the Name of Jesus, we have this responsibility to care for one another’s welfare, both spiritually and physically. We are asked to contribute to the world evangelism and other church building in monetary terms, and I thank God that many of our believers have contributed a substantial amount in these areas, but can we put in as much in the spiritual sense? As in do we always put these matters of evangelism and setting up places of worship in our daily prayers?

In verse 9, Paul said, “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” This reminds me of many preachers’ testimonies about their divine works in many places in the world. These workers, like Paul, knowing that there would be adversaries, but still went on courageously to preach the Word of God, giving no place for doubts and fear to hinder the great commission of God.

Verses 13 & 14, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” Indeed we must keep watch always, like standing on our spiritual toes to lead our lives as Children of the True God. For the devil is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, we are living in a foreign and dangerous world. But we have our Heavenly Father by our sides, as long as we stay in His grace, putting on the whole armor of God, then we shall be brave and strong soldiers, always victorious in the spiritual realm.

God is love, and we are His children, therefore it is only fitting that we do all things with love. And since God is love, He showers His unconditional love upon us constantly, it is no wonder why Paul ended his letter with, “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed, O Lord, come!” These words may sound harsh, but it is true and necessary, for the love of God is truly abundant towards us, so if anyone does not love such a loving God, isn’t it better off to be accursed?

May we all continue to walk in His Light, imitate His love, and shine forth His glory. Amen.