1 Corinthians 15:12 meaning

In the discourse on resurrection found in the epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul confronts a troubling doctrine embraced by some members of the church: the denial of the resurrection of the dead. This attitude likely stemmed from the prevailing Greek belief that ideal spiritual existence is separate from bodily existence, making the resurrection concept—where the physical body is restored—seem implausible. Paul therefore argues compellingly that if there is no resurrection, then Christ also could not have risen, leading to the catastrophic conclusion that the Christian faith itself collapses, rendering preaching and belief utterly meaningless. We find this argument expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:12.

This commentary underscores the integral link between Christ's resurrection and the resurrection hope for all believers. In essence, rejecting bodily resurrection undermines the entirety of the Christian gospel; if believers deny resurrection, they are left without the hope of eternal life or forgiveness of sins. Thus, Paul emphasizes that the resurrection is foundational not just for individual salvation but for the credibility of the faith itself.