Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:5

What does 1 Corinthians 15:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:5 means

The risen Christ showed Himself first to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve. Naming Cephas underlines God’s grace to a once-fallen disciple and highlights a leader whose testimony mattered in the early church. Mentioning “the twelve” points to the core apostolic band as corporate witnesses, not mere individuals who might be deceived. The appearances are the bridge from event to proclamation: the same Jesus who died and was buried personally met His followers, turning despair into bold witness. Christianity rests not on private mysticism but on public encounters with the resurrected Lord attested by recognized leaders.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he was seen by Cephas; then by the twelve;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And that he was seen by Cephas, and after that by the eleven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

Context

After asserting resurrection as fact (v. 4), Paul begins listing eyewitnesses (vv. 5–8). Cephas and the twelve form the foundational apostolic circle whose preaching the Corinthians already trusted (cf. v. 11). This prepares the ground to expose the inconsistency of believing the gospel while denying resurrection (vv. 12–19). The sequence of appearances escalates in breadth and authority: key leaders, a multitude, family, all apostles, and finally Paul himself. The context shows Paul arguing from widely known testimony, not private revelation.

v.4and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures;

v.5This passage

v.6then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • John 1:42

    He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter).

  • Luke 24:34

    saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

  • Acts 1:2

    until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

  • John 20:19

    When therefore it was evening, on that day, the firstdayof the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:5

    Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

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