1 Corinthians 15:15

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

Yea {G1161}, and {G2532} we are found {G2147} false witnesses {G5575} of God {G2316}; because {G3754} we have testified {G3140} of {G2596} God {G2316} that {G3754} he raised up {G1453} Christ {G5547}: whom {G3739} he raised {G1453} not {G3756} up {G1453}, if {G1512} so be {G686} that the dead {G3498} rise {G1453} not {G3756}.

furthermore, we are shown up as false witnesses for God in having testified that God raised up the Messiah, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.

In that case, we are also exposed as false witnesses about God. For we have testified about God that He raised Christ from the dead, but He did not raise Him if in fact the dead are not raised.

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised.

In 1 Corinthians 15:15, the Apostle Paul continues his robust defense of the resurrection, a foundational doctrine challenged by some within the Corinthian church. This verse underscores the severe implications if the resurrection of the dead, and by extension, Christ's resurrection, were not true.

Context

The entire fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is dedicated to addressing the denial of the resurrection of the dead by certain individuals in Corinth. Paul systematically builds his argument, starting with the historical fact of Christ's resurrection as witnessed by many, then logically demonstrating the catastrophic consequences for Christian faith and preaching if there is no resurrection. Verses 13 and 14 set the stage, declaring that if the dead rise not, then Christ is not risen, and their preaching is in vain.

Key Themes

  • The Integrity of Apostolic Witness: Paul asserts that if Christ was not raised, then he and the other apostles, who consistently testified that God raised Christ, would be "false witnesses of God." This is a grave accusation, implying that their entire mission and message were based on a lie.
  • The Centrality of Christ's Resurrection: This verse further emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus is not a peripheral doctrine but the very bedrock of Christian belief. Without it, the entire Gospel message collapses. Paul's argument here is absolute: the truthfulness of their testimony hinges entirely on the reality of Christ's resurrection.
  • Logical Consequence: Paul uses a powerful logical deduction. If the general resurrection of the dead is impossible, then the specific resurrection of Christ must also be impossible. This ties the hope of believers directly to the historical event of Christ's victory over death.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "false witnesses" (Greek: pseudomartyres) highlights the gravity of the situation. It implies not merely a mistake, but a deliberate misrepresentation of truth concerning God Himself. The apostles' claim was not just about an event, but about God's power and faithfulness in raising His Son. To be a "false witness of God" would be a profound blasphemy and a betrayal of their divine commission.

Related Scriptures

  • Paul's argument continues with the devastating implications for believers' faith in 1 Corinthians 15:17, stating that if Christ is not risen, their faith is vain and they are still in their sins.
  • The resurrection is a core component of the Gospel preached by the apostles, as seen in Romans 10:9, where belief in Christ's resurrection is essential for salvation.
  • The apostles were chosen specifically as witnesses of Christ's resurrection, a role that would be utterly invalidated if the event did not occur.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the non-negotiable truth of Christ's resurrection. Our faith is not built on myth or speculation, but on historical fact and the unwavering testimony of those who witnessed it. This verse reinforces that the Gospel stands or falls on the reality of a resurrected Christ. It encourages us to boldly proclaim this truth, knowing that our hope for eternal life and victory over death is secured by His triumph.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 2:24

    Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

  • Job 13:7

    Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?

  • Job 13:10

    He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:13

    But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

  • Exodus 23:3

    Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.

  • Romans 3:7

    For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

  • Romans 3:8

    And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
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