Paul writes this: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to the apostles.” Paul knew that the death and resurrection of Christ was something of first importance. He also considered it crucial that his readers understand the proof of the resurrection—the many witnesses and the Scriptures themselves. The resurrection is a fact, and it has earth-shattering consequences. In fact, Paul goes on to write, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.” Nothing could be more important for Christians. But since Christ is risen Paul writes confidently: “And He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”
JLM