1 Corinthians 15:5

KJV

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} that {G3754} he was seen {G3700} of Cephas {G2786}, then {G1534} of the twelve {G1427}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and he was seen by Kefa, then by the Twelve;

Berean Standard Bible

and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve.

American Standard Version

and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:5 is a foundational verse within Paul's robust defense of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, serving as a critical piece of historical evidence. It introduces the first two specific post-resurrection appearances: one to Cephas (Peter) and then to the core group of apostles, "the twelve." By meticulously listing these eyewitness accounts, Paul establishes the verifiable reality of Christ's resurrection, asserting it not as a spiritualized concept but as a tangible event attested by credible witnesses, thereby underpinning the entire gospel message and the hope of Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very heart of [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), a chapter entirely dedicated to the resurrection. Paul begins by reminding the Corinthian believers of the gospel he preached to them, emphasizing Christ's death for sins, burial, and resurrection "according to the Scriptures" ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel's Core")). Verse 5 then initiates a crucial list of eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ, which continues through [1 Corinthians 15:8](/1_corinthians/15-8 "1 Corinthians 15:8 - Paul's Own Witness"). This detailed enumeration serves as irrefutable proof against those in Corinth who denied the resurrection of the dead, a denial that logically extended to Christ's own resurrection, rendering the Christian faith futile ([1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - If Christ has not been raised")). The entire chapter builds upon the historical fact of Christ's resurrection to affirm the future resurrection of believers and the ultimate triumph over death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, eyewitness testimony was paramount in establishing the veracity of any claim, whether in a legal setting or historical recounting. Paul, a former Pharisee well-versed in Jewish legal traditions, understood the weight of multiple, credible witnesses (cf. [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Two or Three Witnesses")). The individuals named—Cephas (Peter) and "the twelve"—were not obscure figures but prominent leaders and foundational pillars of the early church. Their public testimony carried immense authority. Furthermore, the concept of resurrection was largely alien to Greek thought, which often viewed the body as a prison and sought liberation for the soul. Jewish thought, while having a concept of resurrection, often envisioned it as a general event at the end of time, not an individual, historical event like Jesus's. Paul's argument, therefore, directly confronts these prevailing worldviews by presenting a verifiable, historical event rooted in specific appearances to known individuals.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Christ's Resurrection Appearances") contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. Foremost is the **Historical Veracity of the Resurrection**, underscoring that the Christian faith is founded not on myth but on a concrete, attested event. This verse also highlights the theme of **Eyewitness Testimony**, providing concrete evidence that Jesus appeared alive after His crucifixion, which was crucial for ancient audiences. The specific mention of "Cephas" and "the twelve" reinforces the **Apostolic Authority and Credibility** as primary heralds of the resurrection, vital for the early church's mission and doctrine. Finally, the resurrection of Christ, attested by these witnesses, serves as the **Firstfruits of Resurrection Hope** for all believers ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), providing the ultimate assurance of victory over death and the promise of future bodily resurrection for those in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Greek, _optánomai'_):** This verb (G3700) signifies a deliberate, objective manifestation, implying that Jesus "was made visible" or "appeared." It denotes a vision with "wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable," distinguishing it from mere casual observation or subjective hallucination. Paul's choice of this term emphasizes the tangible and verifiable nature of Christ's post-resurrection appearances, asserting that these were not internal experiences but external realities.
* **Cephas (Chaldee, _Kēphâs'_):** This is the Aramaic name (G2786) for Simon Peter, meaning "the Rock." Jesus Himself gave Peter this name ([John 1:42](/john/1-42 "John 1:42 - Jesus Names Peter")). The specific mention of Cephas first is highly significant, given Peter's earlier denial of Christ ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial")). This appearance likely served as a powerful moment of restoration and recommissioning for the apostle who would become a prominent leader in the early church.
* **twelve (Greek, _dṓdeka'_):** Derived from "two and ten" (G1427), this term refers to the core group of apostles, the recognized designation for the apostolic body. While Judas Iscariot was no longer among them (reducing the actual number to eleven at this point, prior to Matthias's selection in [Acts 1](/acts/1 "Acts 1 - Matthias Chosen")), Paul uses "the twelve" as a collective, authoritative designation, emphasizing the unified and official witness of the apostolic leadership to the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that he was seen of Cephas,"**: This clause immediately follows Paul's declaration that Christ was raised on the third day. The conjunction "And" (G2532, _kaí_) connects this eyewitness account directly to the historical fact of the resurrection. The assertion that Jesus "was seen" (G3700, _optánomai_) of Cephas, or Peter, highlights the personal and profound nature of this initial appearance. It underscores the restoration of Peter, who had denied Jesus, and his subsequent reaffirmation as a leader, preparing him for his pivotal role in the early church. This appearance is also mentioned elsewhere, notably in [Luke 24:34](/luke/24-34 "Luke 24:34 - The Lord Has Risen Indeed!").
* **"then of the twelve:"**: Following the individual appearance to Peter, Paul lists a collective appearance to "the twelve" (G1427, _dṓdeka_). The particle "then" (G1534, _eîta_) indicates a chronological succession, suggesting that this appearance to the larger apostolic group occurred after Peter's personal encounter. This collective witness is crucial, as it provides a broader, unified testimony from the very foundation of the church. Even though Judas Iscariot was absent, "the twelve" remained the recognized designation for the apostolic office, emphasizing the corporate, official validation of the resurrection by those specifically chosen by Christ to be His witnesses. This appearance is recounted in various forms in the Gospels, such as [Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36-43 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples") and [John 20:19-23](/john/20-19-23 "John 20:19-23 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples").

#### Literary Devices
In [1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Christ's Resurrection Appearances"), Paul employs several effective literary and rhetorical devices. The most prominent is the use of **Eyewitness Testimony**, which is a powerful rhetorical strategy to establish credibility and historical fact. By explicitly naming "Cephas" and "the twelve," Paul moves beyond general assertion to specific, verifiable accounts, lending immense weight to his argument for the resurrection's reality. This serves as a form of **Apostolic Validation**, where the authority and known character of the apostles are leveraged to confirm the truth of the gospel. The structure of the verse itself, moving from an individual witness ("Cephas") to a collective body ("the twelve"), demonstrates a logical progression and a broadening of the scope of testimony, reinforcing the widespread and undeniable nature of the appearances. This **Conciseness** in listing the witnesses also adds to the forcefulness of Paul's argument, presenting the facts directly and without embellishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Christ's Resurrection Appearances") serves as a cornerstone for the entire Christian faith, establishing the historical reality of Jesus's resurrection as the bedrock upon which all other doctrines are built. Theologically, it affirms God's power over death and sin, demonstrating that Christ's atoning work was fully accepted and validated by the Father. The appearances to specific individuals like Cephas and then to the collective "twelve" underscore the personal and corporate nature of God's redemptive plan, highlighting both individual restoration and the foundation of the church through apostolic witness. This historical fact is not merely an ancient event but a living truth that empowers the gospel message, providing the basis for the believer's own hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.

* [Luke 24:34](/luke/24-34 "Luke 24:34 - The Lord Has Risen Indeed!")
* [John 20:19-20](/john/20-19-20 "John 20:19-20 - Jesus Appears to Disciples")
* [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Acts 1:21-22 - Qualifications for an Apostle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical reliability of Jesus's resurrection, powerfully attested in [1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Christ's Resurrection Appearances"), provides an unshakeable foundation for our faith and a profound source of hope. In a world often skeptical of supernatural claims, Paul's emphasis on verifiable eyewitness accounts reminds us that Christianity is not based on blind faith or abstract philosophy, but on a real event in history. This truth should embolden believers to confidently proclaim the gospel, knowing that our message is rooted in fact. Furthermore, the appearance to Peter, who had denied Jesus, offers immense comfort and assurance of God's grace and restorative power. It reminds us that even in our failures, Christ seeks us out, forgives, and recommissions us for His service. The collective witness of the apostles also calls us to unity in our testimony, recognizing that the church's strength lies in its shared commitment to the risen Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical evidence for Jesus's resurrection, as presented in this verse, strengthen your personal faith?**
* **Considering Peter's earlier denial, what does Jesus's first appearance to him reveal about God's grace and restoration?**
* **In what ways can the collective witness of the apostles encourage and unify believers in sharing the gospel today?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Jesus appeared to Cephas (Peter) first?**

Answer: The significance of Jesus appearing to Cephas (Peter) first is multifaceted. The Gospels record Peter's profound denial of Jesus three times before the crucifixion ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter's Denial")). This personal appearance of the resurrected Christ to Peter, even before the larger group of apostles, demonstrates Jesus's profound grace, forgiveness, and restorative power. It was a deeply personal encounter that undoubtedly healed Peter's brokenness and recommissioned him for his future leadership role in the early church, as seen in his bold preaching on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")). It underscores that Jesus seeks out and restores those who have failed, preparing them for renewed service.

**Who are "the twelve" if Judas Iscariot was no longer with them?**

Answer: The phrase "the twelve" ([1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Christ's Resurrection Appearances")) refers to the core group of apostles, the recognized and authoritative designation for that office, even though Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus and died ([Matthew 27:3-5](/matthew/27-3-5 "Matthew 27:3-5 - Judas's Death")). At the time of this appearance, the actual number of apostles present would have been eleven. However, "the twelve" functioned as a fixed, symbolic, and official title for the apostolic college, representing the foundational leadership of the nascent church. This designation continued to be used until Matthias was chosen to replace Judas, restoring the number to twelve ([Acts 1:21-26](/acts/1-21-26 "Acts 1:21-26 - Matthias Chosen")). Paul uses this term to emphasize the collective, authoritative, and unified witness of the original apostles to the resurrection of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:5](/1_corinthians/15-5 "1 Corinthians 15:5 - Christ's Resurrection Appearances") is profoundly Christ-centered, as it directly attests to the historical reality of Jesus's bodily resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the ultimate demonstration of His triumph over sin and death. The appearances to Cephas and "the twelve" reveal Jesus not as a mere historical figure, but as the living Lord, the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). His resurrection validates His divine claims and prophetic fulfillments, proving Him to be the promised Messiah and the Son of God with power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God with Power")). These appearances were not just proofs of life, but commissioning events, empowering His disciples to bear witness to His saving work to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")). Thus, the verse points to Christ as the source of new life, the conqueror of the grave, and the guarantor of our own future resurrection and eternal hope in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 16:14

¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

John 20:19

¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

John 20:26

¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you.

Acts 1:2

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Acts 1:14

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

John 1:42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.