1 Corinthians 15:8 meaning

In the early church, questions surrounding the resurrection were critical, particularly in Corinth, where some believers doubted its reality. This skepticism stemmed largely from the cultural influence of Greek philosophy, which often dismissed the resurrection of the body as unworthy of belief. In addressing these concerns, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of the resurrection by pointing out its vital connection to the Christian faith. This critical discussion appears in his first letter to the Corinthians, where he declares the reality of Christ's resurrection and its implications for believers' faith and hope—without this belief, both preaching and faith are rendered useless.

In this verse, Paul identifies himself as one of the last witnesses of Christ's resurrection, feeling unworthy due to his past persecution of the church. This acknowledgment serves to highlight the transformative power of grace and calling, illustrating that the effectiveness of one's apostolic witness is not based on personal merit but on God's grace working through them. Understanding this concept is essential, as it forms the backbone of Paul’s assertion: belief in the resurrection must precede any hope in the gospel. Thus, "Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also," (1 Corinthians 15:8, NASB95) emphasizes not just the reality of the resurrection for Christ, but also for all who believe in Him.