1 Corinthians 15:5

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1 Corinthians 15:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

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

Free Bible Version FBV

He appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And that he was seene of Cephas, then of the twelue.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

After that, Christ was seen by {appeared to} Peter. Then he appeared to eleven of the original twelve apostles.

Plain English Version PEV

After that, Jesus showed himself to Peter. Then later he showed himself to all of his 12 special workers.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 15:5

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Word Study

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1 Corinthians 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και οτι ωφθη κηφα ειτα τοις δωδεκα

και kai G2532 and Conj

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

ωφθη horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-API-3S

κηφα Kēphas G2786 Cephas Noun-DSM

ειτα eita G1534 then Adv

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPM

δωδεκα dōdeka G1427 twelve Adj-NUI

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 15:5

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

ωφθη horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-API-3S

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

κηφα Kēphas G2786 "Cephas" Noun-DSM

Cephas is the surname of Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, meaning the Rock. It is used in John 1:43 and 1 Corinthians 1:12 to refer to Peter, emphasizing his role as a foundation of the church.

Definition: Κηφᾶς, -ᾶ (see Bl., § 10, 3), ὁ (Aram. כֵּיפָא), Cephas, i.e. Peter: Jhn.1:43, 1Co.1:12 3:22 9:5 15:5, Gal.1:18 2:9, 11 2:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: Cephas See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 15:5; John 1:42.

ειτα eita G1534 "then" Adv

The Greek word for 'then' shows sequence or time, like in Mark 8:25 and 1 Timothy 3:10. It can also mean 'moreover' or 'next' in a list. This word helps us understand when and how events happen in the Bible.

Definition: εἶτα adv., denoting sequence; __1. of time; then, next: Mrk.8:25, Luk.8:12, Jhn.13:5 19:27 20:27, 1Ti.3:10, Jas.1:15; before genitive abs., Mrk.4:17; in enumerations, 1Co.15:5 15:7 15:24, 1Ti.2:13. __2. In argument; __(a) therefore, then, __(b) furthermore: Heb.12:9 (cf. εἶτεν).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: after that(-ward), furthermore, then See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; James 1:15; Hebrews 12:9.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δωδεκα dōdeka G1427 "twelve" Adj-NUI

This word means the number twelve, like the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:1. It is used to describe a dozen of something in the Bible.

Definition: δώδεκα, οἱ, αἱ, τά indecl. numeral, twelve: Mat.9:20 10:1, al.; οἱ δ., the apostles, Mat.10:5, Mrk.4:10, al.; in Act.19:7 24:11, for Rec. δεκαδύο. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: twelve See also: 1 Corinthians 15:5; Mark 8:19; James 1:1.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 15:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 15:5

Context — The Resurrection of Christ

3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

5and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve.

6After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 16:14	Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
2	1 Corinthians 1:12	What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
3	John 1:42	Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).
4	John 20:19–26	It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them. After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
5	Acts 1:2–14	until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ” So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
6	Luke 24:34–49	and saying, “The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two told what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit. “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet. While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He took it and ate it in front of them. Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
7	1 Corinthians 3:22	whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you,
8	1 Corinthians 9:5	Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
9	Acts 10:41	not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:5 Summary

This verse tells us that after Jesus came back to life, He appeared to two important groups of people: Cephas (also known as Peter) and the Twelve apostles. This shows that Jesus wanted to spend time with His closest friends and followers after His resurrection, and to prove to them that He was really alive (as seen in John 20:19-23). Just like Jesus appeared to His disciples, He is always with us and wants to have a relationship with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20. By believing in Jesus' resurrection, we can have hope and confidence in our own eternal life with Him, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus appeared to Cephas first?

This appearance to Cephas, also known as Peter, is significant because it shows Jesus' desire to restore and reaffirm Peter after his denial, as seen in John 21:15-17. This also highlights Peter's importance as a leader in the early church.

Who are the Twelve referred to in this verse?

The Twelve referred to in this verse are the twelve apostles that Jesus chose during His ministry, as listed in Matthew 10:2-4 and Luke 6:13-16. These apostles were the foundation of the early church and played a crucial role in spreading the gospel.

What is the significance of Jesus' appearances to His disciples after His resurrection?

Jesus' appearances to His disciples after His resurrection, as recorded in this verse and others such as John 20:19-23, served as proof of His resurrection and helped to establish their faith, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:17. This also fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 16:10, which foretold of Jesus' resurrection.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the gospel message?

This verse is part of the core of the gospel message, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, which states that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. Jesus' appearances to His disciples after His resurrection provide proof of His power over death and sin, and demonstrate His love and desire to be with His people, as seen in Romans 5:8.

Reflection Questions

What does Jesus' appearance to Cephas reveal about His character and love for His disciples?
How does this verse encourage me to trust in Jesus' power and love for me, even in difficult times?
What role do I play in sharing the gospel message with others, just as the Twelve did after Jesus' resurrection?
How can I, like the apostles, be a faithful witness to the resurrection of Jesus and its impact on my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 15:5

And that he was seen of Cephas,.... Or Simon Peter; for Cephas was a name given him by Christ, John 1:42.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:5

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: Seen of Cephas - Peter (Luke 24:34). The twelve - the round number for "the eleven" (Luke 24:33; Luke 24:36). "The twelve" was their ordinary appellation.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5

We read not in the history of the gospel of Christ’ s appearing unto Peter, unless he were one of those to whom Christ appeared, as they were going to Emmaus; for which there is this probability, because when they came to Jerusalem, they told the rest, that the Lord was risen, and had appeared unto Simon, (if Simon Peter be there meant). His appearance to the whole number of the disciples we have recorded, : they are called twelve, ( though Judas was now dead, and Thomas at that time was not there), because twelve was the number that God had appointed the college of apostles to consist of; so, , the children of Jacob said they were twelve brethren, though they thought at that time that Joseph (who made the twelfth) was dead. This is much more probably the sense, than the fancy of some, that Barnabas, who was afterward chosen to supply the room of Judas, being at that time a disciple, might at that time be with them; for admit he were, yet Thomas, we are sure, was at that time absent.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5

5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: Ver. 5. Seen of Cephas] Adam died, and we hear no more of him. But Christ showed himself after death in six several apparitions for our confirmation. Then of the twelve] So they are called for the rotundity of the number, utcunque unus vel alter vel deesset eel abesset. Judas had made one long letter of himself, Longam literam fecit.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5

(5) That he was seen of Cephas.—From the indications of sequence here given we may conclude that the appearances here grouped together are arranged in chronological order. We have these appearances:—(1) To Cephas (see Luke 24:34). (2) To the Twelve—the phrase “the Twelve” being used to indicate, not the number of those present, but the group to which they belonged, as Decemviri might be used, or Hebdomadal Council, not to express the exact number but the corporate body—(see Luke 24:36; John 20:19). This was probably the appearance to the ten Apostles, and is distinguished from a subsequent appearance to “all the Apostles.” (3) To above five hundred brethren at once. This must have been in Galilee, for at a later date (see Acts 1:15) the Church at Jerusalem consisted of only one hundred and twenty disciples. (See Matthew 28:16-17, and Acts 1:15.) (4) To James. This appearance is recorded only here and in the Gospel of the Hebrews, which is quoted by St. Jerome, “But the Lord, when he had given the sindôn” (the same word as that for the “linen garment,” in Mark 14:51) “to the servant of the priest, had a table brought out, and bread on it, which He blessed and gave to James, saying, ‘Eat thy bread now, brother, since the Son of Man has risen from the dead;’ for James had sworn that he would not eat bread from the hour in which he had drunk the cup of the Lord until he should see Him rising from the dead.” (5) To all the Apostles, Thomas being present (John 20:26). (6) St. Paul himself (Acts 9:5). To these facts St. Paul appeals. Most of those who saw Him were alive. Their enemies were alive to dispute it if they could. The witnesses had nothing to gain, everything to lose by telling the truth. The evidence was set forth some twenty-five or thirty years after the occurrence of the alleged facts. The Apostle here maintains the truth of an historical fact. He appeals solely to historical proof, and accumulates a mass of historical testimony, such as in any matter of history, if produced so shortly after the occurrence, would be deemed overwhelming.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5

Verse 5. That he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve] This refers to the journey to Emmaus, Luke 24:13, Luke 24:34; and to what is related Mr 16:14. Then of the twelve] Instead of δωδεκα, twelve, ενδεκα, eleven, is the reading of D*EFG, Syriac in the margin, some of the Slavonic, Armenian, Vulgate, Itala, and several of the fathers; and this reading is supported by Mr 16:14. Perhaps the term twelve is used here merely to point out the society of the apostles, who, though at this time they were only eleven, were still called the twelve, because this was their original number, and a number which was afterward filled up. See John 20:24.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 15:5

5. of Cephas] See Luke 24:34. St Paul and St John alone use the Aramaic form of the Apostle’s surname, the former only in this Epistle and once in the Epistle to the Galatians. This, coupled with the fact that St John only uses the Aramaic form in the narrative in ch. John 1:42, is one of those minute touches which speak strongly for the genuineness of his gospel.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 15:5

And that he was seen of Cephas - Peter; See the note at John 1:42. The resurrection of Christ was A fact to be proved, like all other facts, by competent and credible witnesses.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:5

5. The twelve—Though Judas was dead and Thomas absent, so that they were but eleven, Paul calls the apostolic college by its habitual numerical title, the twelve. See our vol. ii, p. 81.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 15:5

	Sermon	Description
	The Apostles by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes that God is a God of works, who sends His servants, particularly the apostles, to fulfill His divine purpose. He explains that Jesus Christ is the first Apo
	Jehoshaphat's Reform by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield preaches on the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:1-11, highlighting the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin, and the fruits of righteousness that
	Simon Peter by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks explores the life of Simon Peter, emphasizing his relatable human flaws and his significant role among the disciples. He highlights Peter's impulsiveness and super
	The Resurrection Proved by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches on the undeniable resurrection of Christ, emphasizing the multitude of witnesses who saw Him after His resurrection, including Cephas, the twelve apostles, over
	Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and deep radical changes in the church and its leadership. They suggest that the current emphasis in the church is pr
	Das Neue Wesen (German) by Richard Wurmbrand	The sermon transcript discusses the conditions and demands that the world places on believers in order for them to have faith. It suggests that modernizing theology, incorporating
	Unbelief by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in God. He criticizes the dangerous teaching that focuses on material wealth and encourages believers to