Sixth Sunday after Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20            

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

My first seminary class began when Dr. Moore lifted before us  a mock-up of the Jerusalem Post with the headline: “Physical Remains Of Jesus Of Nazareth Discovered.” It looked real. The whole page was set just as the JP usually is. It took a couple looks to realize it wasn’t the real thing. Then came the question, “If this were actually true, how many of you would remain Christians?” After a difficult silence, nearly half the class raised their hands. Dr. Moore followed with, “Those who raised their hands are fools.” Paul says it this way, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:19). If Christ Jesus has not been physically raised from the dead there is nothing more to be said. 

In our epistle reading today Paul makes that clear. He hammers it home again and again. I almost see this as a transcribed pulpit moment as much as a written message. I can almost hear Paul.  But either delivery format works.

The summary could be written thus: “If Jesus Christ is physically risen from the dead, nothing else matters. And if Jesus Christ is not physically risen from the dead, nothing else matters.” Get the point?