Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Cor. 15:7–8)
Expanded Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
You’re sitting in a courtroom listening to witnesses share what they saw in relation to a crime. Some of those sharing didn’t actually see what happened. Who will you believe? We are all more likely to believe someone’s first-hand account of what they have seen—even more so when we trust the person sharing.
Cultural and community backgrounds can crowd out our faith and cause us to rely too much on logic as Paul discovered in Corinth. Paul was responding to a group of people in Corinth that didn’t seem to be easily persuaded of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. As Paul shared all those who Jesus appeared to after his death, he shared that Jesus had also appeared to him. Paul was saying, “If you don’t believe the apostles, or Jesus’ half brother James, or the hundreds who are still alive, believe me—a man just like you!” Ultimately, Paul wanted the church and community of Corinth to know that we have hope because Jesus is alive!
Our faith is strengthened when we share what God is doing in our lives and when we listen to what God is doing in the lives of others. Paul knew how important it was for the body of Christ to hear. The same is true for us and our communities. God can use our firsthand experience to strengthen not only our own faith but the faith of others.
Be intentional to share what God is doing in your life.
Maggie Slusher serves student-athletes at Wayne State University (MI). She is passionate about doing life together as a community and walking towards Jesus every step of the way.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
