1 Corinthians 15:12

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (KJV)

Then: Many had problems with the idea of a resurrection. Paul's first point is that since resurrection is clearly possible, Christ rose from the dead, then no one can say that it just can't happen. After all more than 500 witnesses saw and talked to him. It can happen because it did happen. Paul as a Pharisee no longer has to look for arcane or obscure defenses for his former belief. The evidence exists in the risen Lord (Harn, p. 219).

Now: Believers know the story of the death, burial and resurrection. From the time they first believe, they have an internal resolution that the Holy Spirit has confirmed their knowledge of the "I am." God is, and through his son, they have salvation. Therefore, a belief in resurrection is not an issue. Sometimes, for purposes of comparison, the metaphorsis of caterpillars to butterflies or seeds to plants is presented, but isn't really necessary for those who pray and speak daily with the God of heaven. The Lord who made it possible for physical creations to change form has no difficulty in changing physical bodies into spiritual ones. His power and authority transcend and encompass both worlds.

Extra Source: The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sunday's Texts ed. by Roger E. Van Harn (Grand Rapids MI: Wm B. Eerdman's Pub. Co., 2005) http://books.google.com/books?id=afCD6cgnAN8C&pg=PR9&lpg=PR9&dq=1+corinthians+15+commentary&source=bl&ots=ZynkCVlguV&sig=XYIf7ZwUxR6y7P9zNz_YNUOnzhc&hl=en&ei=ljsES6acEdXVlAeendnuAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CCYQ6AEwCTge#v=onepage&q=&f=false

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.

1 Corinthians 15:1

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand (KJV)

Then: This final section had to have been the favorite part for the Corinthians. No longer chastising, Paul returns to teaching about Christ. First, as always, he talks about Jesus' crucified for their sins. Through Christ's sacrifice believers are able to stand before both God in heaven and day-by-day in serving the Savior.

Now: Believers today are just as interested in understanding what's ahead as were the Corinthians. Paul expected Christ's return soon. 2000 years later, we still expect Christ's return to be soon - God's time, not ours. So no one knows. Commentators refer to the topic with the word "eschatology," a study of ideas about the last days, resurrection of the dead, judgement and heaven or hell. They all get lumped together, but it starts with knowing who Christ is.