Some smart people who are New Testament experts think that 1 Corinthians 15 is the apostles Paul’s most dazzling display or rhetoric, logic and persuasion. Romans 1-11 or Ephesians 1 might have something to say about that, but there’s no question that this is one of those “Ka-Bam” sections of Paul’s writing, certainly of this letter.
There’s also no question that this section is absolutely crucial and Paul goes overboard to say, the news is GOOD. This is obvious the first couple of sentences in Greek. Here’s how it looks.
1Cor. 15:1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel [Good News/ Announcement] which I “good newsed” to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved / rescued, if you hold on tight to the word [or “The Word”?] which I “good newsed” to you, unless you believed in vain.
Umm… I think he’s saying it’s “Good News”. If we let it the “good news” (a.k.a. Gospel) will infuse us with the hope that life tends to beat out of us.
We closed by seeing how Paul says that if this Good News is true (and it transparently is) then EVERYTHING MATTERS. Which is how it must be if we are who God says we are.
As the great and brilliant saint Dallas Willard (who went into the fullness of God’s presence this past week) used to say.
“You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God´s great universe.”
Goose Bumps! HOPE!!!
