1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 15Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, Verse 2through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you-unless you have come to believe in vain. Verse 3For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, Verse 4and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, Verse 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Verse 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Verse 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Verse 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. Verse 9For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. Verse 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them-though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Verse 11Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
Devotion
Paul’s reminder that hundreds of people saw Christ following his resurrection affirms the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day as he promised. Having defeated death and the grave, he gave us the priceless gift of everlasting life by grace through faith. This profound message has shaped lives for centuries, continuing even today as we live into our calling to plant seeds of hope by sharing the good news and love of Christ with others.
Paul’s humble acknowledgment, “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain,” reminds us that we are not defined by our shortcomings. Rather, God’s grace works in and through us, shaping our lives so that we, too, can mirror the love and redemption that Christ demonstrated, living with purpose according to his word.
Prayer
Redeeming Lord, thank you for loving us enough to carry our sins to the cross and restoring our relationship with God. May your resurrection be the anchor of our faith, reminding us of your unending love and power, transforming our lives and empowering us to share the good news with others. Amen.
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