Prepared by A. Gibson 2016 http://whatswrongwiththeworld.net/empty_tomb1.jpg
Geographical context http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/corinth.gif Isthmus of Corinth, joins the Peloponnese (peninsula) to the mainland of Greece. Approx. 77 km west of Athens. 8 th Century BC to partial destruction by Romans 146 BC. Rebuilt, strategic location connecting two gulfs, saved travel time. City of commerce and pleasure. Pagan temples, 800,00 inhabitants @ time of Paul.
idea for canal across isthmus first considered by various Roman Emperors from Julius Caesar it was Nero who actually began the project in 67 A.D. However, emperor s death, project abandoned not to be resumed until 1881. Edited excerpt from http://www.ancient.eu/corinth/ http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/6/7/c/q/w/image.related.stufflandscapesixteenbynine.620x349.167668.png/1438916458127.jpg
Ruins of ancient pagan temple, in the area of Corinth. http://www.ancient.eu/uploads/images/533.jpg?v=1431035386 Julius Caesar, Roman colony 44 BC land into plots to Roman settlers. City flourishing 1st century, became important administrative and trade centre, decline by 3 rd century Edited excerpt from http://www.ancient.eu/corinth/
Main Text 1 Cor 15:42-58 1 Corinthians 15:42-58 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; (43) it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; (44) it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. (45) So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (46) However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. (47) The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. (48) As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. (49) Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. (51) Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, (52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (53) For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. (55) "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" (56) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; (57) but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
Approx. 52-53 A.D. Acts 18: During 2 nd trip Paul comes to Corinth via Athens, Aquila & Priscilla, tent makers & refugees from Rome. Biblical context Paul reasons in synagogue every sabbath day with Jews and Greeks; encouraged by Silas & Timothy, testifies that Jesus is Christ (Messiah). Jews oppose the truth, Paul says henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. Some do believe (Justus & Crispus) and many of the Corinthians believed & were baptized. Lord speaks to Paul, I have much people in this city. Continues 1 ½ years teaching the word of God. Jews accused Paul to Roman proconsul; Jews beat Sosthenes 1 Corinthians letter to the church 2-5 years later. http://www.lawofliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1corinthians.jpg Chapter 15 addressing false teaching, some say there is no resurrection, and questions such as how are the dead raised up. Let s turn to 1 Corinthians 15: 42 Defence & affirmation of the resurrection
The body is sown vs 42-43 Corruption decay, perishable Law of entropy Dishonour public shame, humiliation, disgrace Weakness infirmity, feebleness, sickness We all have real life examples of a body sown in weakness and corruptible. Balloon object lesson https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ef/f2/a7/eff2a714e05714f78a420ecdc1a91443.jpg http://blog.eternalvigilance.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/james-4-vs-14.jpg
In contrast, in the resurrection... vs 42-43 The body is raised in incorruption (unending quality existence) glory (magnificence, splendour) power (strength, ability) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:20
Sown a natural (Gr: psuchikos = breath, sensual nature) body (Gr: soma) Born image of the earthy (of the soil, dust) The days of our years are three your years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10 Raised a spiritual (Gr: pneumatikos = breath, spirit) body (Gr: soma) Shall bear image of the heavenly. Not a quick patch up and pump up of the old- but something new and different. To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:4 Object lesson tyre pump
Contrasting literal first Adam (Genesis) with the first of the resurrected glorified race (Yehoshua Ha-mashiach) vs 45-47 1 st man Adam (literal Genesis and creation) is of the earth Last Adam a quickening (life-giving, restoring) spirit the Lord from heaven. (Pre-incarnate existence) https://images8.alphacoders.com/467/467431.jpg NB: modern translations derived from other texts omit lord
Did Jesus have flesh and blood when he rose from the dead? Read Luke 24:39; Ephesians 5:30
Vs 51-52 Mystery (Gr: musterion = hidden, secret) All be changed (Gr: allasso = to exchange one thing for another, to transform). Assurance In a moment (Gr: atomos = indivisible, tiny amount of time) Twinkling (Gr: rhipe = a stroke, beat.) of an eye (Gr: opthalmos) Reminds me of the speed of light. The last (Gr: eschatos) trump (it s God s sovereign call). Trumpet call to assemble, call to battle Dead (Gr: nekros = breathed his last, destitute of force, lifeless) shall be raised (Gr: egeiro = to arouse, to cause to stir up, awaken).
Victory Vs 53-56 The perishable Must put on The mortal Must put on (Deathlessness, everlasting life). Read Romans 2:6-8; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16 Death swallowed up (literally engulf, gulped down, devoured) in victory (Gr: nikos = utterly vanquish. Derived from Gr: nike). Sting of death is sin Strength of sin is the law (Gr: nomos, from primary word nemo- regulations, laws, general and specific.) Aaron s rod swallowed magicians rods (Ex 7:12) Read Isaiah 25:8 http://10commandments.biz/biz/images/tencommandments12x12lightning.jpg http://media.cinewsnow.com/images/470*264/scorpion1.jpg
Read Hebrews 2:14 destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil.
gives us reaches out, supplies, of one s own accord, to supply
For our conversation (Gr: politeuma = commonwealth of citizens) is in heaven; from whence we also look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Messiah can do this lawfully, because he has paid the ransom, we re redeemed by his blood. 1 Peter 1:18 Who shall change (Gr: metaschematizo = to change the figure of to transform) our vile body, that it might be fashioned (Gr: summorphos = having the same form as another, conformed to) like unto his glorious (Gr: doxa = brightness, excellence, magnificent exalted state) body, according to the working (Gr: energia = superhuman power and efficiency) whereby he is able (Gr: dunamai = power by virtue of one s own ability/resources; capable) even to subdue all things unto himself. http://franthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/wpid-wp-1428232819979.jpeg Change is not only possible but necessary Philippians 3:20-21
How deep the Father s love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss - The Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory. Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders; Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life - I know that it is finished. I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart - His wounds have paid my ransom. Stuart Townend http://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/how-deep-the-fathers-love-for-us/#sthash.nkaoimja.dpuf