1 Corinthians 5:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (KJV)

Then: Paul has a plan for talking about the resurrection. First talk about Christ's resurrection and his own knowledge about that. Second, talk about the resurrection of the dead, and third, the process of the dead being raised (Baker, p. 212). The Corinthians are eager to hear Paul tell the story again of Christ being alive. They'd heard it before, but Paul saw the risen Lord. Christ chose him, and evidenced by their spiritual gifts, Christ chose them. Believers take joy in hearing the story again and again.

Now: Sometimes we forget when we read the Bible, that we too are hearing words from one who actually saw Christ. The Bible is always taken seriously, but the "awe" can disappear with familiarity. Christ is our Lord. I talk to him everyday. He will return. Today? What am I doing to honor him? What Paul says is valuable information.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.