1 Corinthians 15:6 – “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues listing the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. After appearing to Peter and the Twelve, Jesus appeared to more than five hundred people at the same time. This is a significant claim because it shows that Jesus’ resurrection was not just a private experience shared by a few individuals—it was a well-documented, public event.

Paul also points out that most of these witnesses were still alive at the time he was writing. This means that anyone who doubted his words could go and ask these people themselves. This was Paul’s way of reinforcing the truth of the resurrection—he wasn’t just making a claim, he was pointing to actual living people who could verify it.

The phrase “though some have fallen asleep” is a gentle way of saying that some of these eyewitnesses had died. In the New Testament, death is often described as “sleep” for believers because it is not the end—just as sleep is temporary, death is temporary for those who belong to Christ (John 11:11).

Historical Context

At the time Paul wrote this letter, some people in Corinth were denying the resurrection. Greek philosophy often viewed the physical body as something to be discarded, so the idea that people would be physically resurrected seemed ridiculous to them. Some believers may have started questioning whether the resurrection really happened.

Paul’s response was to list as many eyewitnesses as possible. In ancient times, legal testimony was a crucial way to establish truth. A claim backed up by multiple witnesses was considered reliable, and Paul is giving the Corinthians more than five hundred reasons to believe in the resurrection!

Since most of these witnesses were still alive, Paul’s argument carried even more weight. He was not just asking people to blindly accept his words—he was pointing to real, verifiable evidence.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths:

1. The resurrection is a historical fact – Jesus’ resurrection was not a private revelation or a symbolic idea. Hundreds of people saw Him alive after His death.
2. Eyewitness testimony is essential to the gospel – Christianity is based on real events, and those events were witnessed by real people.
3. Death is not the end for believers – Paul’s use of the word “sleep” reflects the Christian hope of resurrection.
4. Faith is based on truth, not wishful thinking – Christianity is not just a philosophy or a moral system; it is grounded in the reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is both factual and persuasive. By listing such a large number of witnesses, he is strengthening his argument that the resurrection is undeniable.

The phrase “at the same time” is significant. It eliminates the possibility that these appearances were hallucinations. Hallucinations are personal experiences, but Jesus appeared to over five hundred people at once—something that could not be explained away as an illusion.

Paul’s mention that “most are still living” also serves as an invitation. He is essentially saying, “If you don’t believe me, go ask them yourself.” This challenges skeptics to investigate the claims rather than dismiss them.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 1:3 – “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.” (Jesus intentionally provided clear evidence of His resurrection.)
• Matthew 28:9-10 – Jesus appeared to the women at the tomb and told them to tell His disciples.
• Luke 24:36-43 – Jesus appeared to His disciples, showed them His wounds, and even ate with them to prove He was physically alive.
• John 20:27-29 – Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds as proof of His resurrection.
• 2 Peter 1:16 – Peter confirms, “We did not follow cleverly devised stories… but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse is a powerful reminder that our faith is based on solid evidence. The resurrection is not just a religious teaching—it is a historical event witnessed by hundreds of people. Because of this, we can have confidence that Jesus truly conquered death.

This verse also challenges us to take our faith seriously. If the resurrection really happened (and it did), then Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be: the Son of God. That means His words are true, His promises are reliable, and His commands must be followed.

Finally, this verse gives us hope. Just as death was not the end for Jesus, it will not be the end for those who belong to Him. The phrase “fallen asleep” reminds us that physical death is temporary—one day, all believers will be raised to eternal life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God did not expect people to believe in Jesus’ resurrection without evidence. In His love, He provided many witnesses so that people could be sure of the truth. He did not hide the resurrection; He made it known to hundreds of people so that the message could spread to the world.

God also shows His love in how He reassures believers about life after death. Calling death “sleep” reflects His care for His children—it is not the end, but a moment of rest before the final resurrection. Through Jesus, God has made a way for eternal life, demonstrating His deep love for humanity.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus proving that He is alive. His resurrection:

• Confirms His identity as the Son of God – Romans 1:4 says Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead.”
• Proves His victory over sin and death – 1 Corinthians 15:55 asks, “Where, O death, is your victory?” because Jesus has conquered the grave.
• Assures us of our future resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:20 says Jesus is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” meaning that because He rose, we will rise too.
• Empowered the early church – Seeing Jesus alive gave the disciples the boldness to spread the gospel despite persecution.

Other key verses about Jesus’ resurrection:

• John 11:25 – Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
• Romans 4:25 – “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:14 – “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul emphasized the number of eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection?
2. How does knowing that over five hundred people saw Jesus alive strengthen your faith?
3. What does Paul’s mention of “falling asleep” tell us about the Christian view of death?
4. If Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact, what impact should that have on the way we live?
5. How can this verse help you share the truth of the gospel with others?