Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 15 - Verse 5
Meaning
The verse "And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:" refers to Jesus appearing to Peter, also known as Cephas, after his resurrection. This moment is significant as it demonstrates Jesus' compassion and forgiveness towards Peter, who had previously denied knowing him three times. Despite Peter's betrayal, Jesus chose to reveal himself to Peter first, showing that he still loved and accepted him. This appearance to Peter and the twelve disciples was a pivotal moment that strengthened their faith and solidified their belief in Jesus' resurrection. It also symbolizes Jesus' mission to reconcile with his followers and continue spreading his message of love and salvation. By appearing to Peter and the twelve, Jesus reaffirmed their importance in his ministry and empowered them to carry on his teachings to the world.
Theological Overview
The verse "And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:" from 1 Corinthians 15:5 has been the subject of theological interpretations concerning the resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ. The mention of Cephas (Peter) being the first to see Jesus after his resurrection holds significance in the context of Peter's role as a prominent disciple and leader within the early Christian community. This encounter with Peter is seen as a demonstration of Jesus' forgiveness and restoration of Peter after his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion. The subsequent appearance to the twelve disciples highlights the importance of Jesus' resurrection in confirming his identity as the risen Lord and establishing the foundation of the Christian faith. The theological significance of this verse lies in its affirmation of the physical resurrection of Jesus and the transformational impact this event had on the disciples' understanding of his divine nature.