Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:7

What does 1 Corinthians 15:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:7 means

The risen Christ appeared to James—likely the Lord’s brother who later led the Jerusalem church—and then to all the apostles. James’s inclusion is striking, since he had not been one of the twelve during Jesus’ ministry. His encounter with the risen Lord transformed him into a pillar of the church. “All the apostles” suggests a broader circle of commissioned witnesses beyond the twelve, emphasizing the breadth of Christ’s self-disclosure. These appearances show that the resurrection created the apostolic community; it did not grow from it. Jesus sought out leaders and assembled them by showing Himself alive, thereby authorizing their message.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he was seen by James; then by all the Apostles.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

afterwards he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

After that, he was seen by James: then by all the apostles.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles;

Context

The witness list widens from leaders (Cephas, the twelve) to a multitude (v. 6), to James and all the apostles (v. 7). The next step is Paul’s own encounter (v. 8), which completes the catalog. This completion matters because Paul will insist that his preaching matches theirs (v. 11). The progression underscores that the resurrection is the common center of apostolic authority and unity. With witnesses established, Paul will confront the logical consequences of denying resurrection (vv. 12–19).

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

v.7This passage

v.8and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.

Cross references

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

  • 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:

  • Luke 24:50

    And he led them out untilthey were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

  • Acts 12:17

    But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.

  • Luke 24:36

    And as they spake these things, he himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

  • Luke 24:33

    And they rose up that very hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

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