Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 15:7–8
God had Paul list a few more eyewitnesses, as we read in 1 Corinthians 15:7–8, “then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.” We know that James was Jesus’ brother. James was regarded as a prominent leader in the church, as God led Luke to record in Acts 15:13–21. We must also remember that according to the Gospels, Jesus’ brothers were hostile toward Him and His mission, for this is recorded in John 7:3–5. Yet in Acts 1:14, we read this, “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” So, Jesus’ brothers were among the followers of Jesus. James did not surrender to Christ as Lord until after Christ’s resurrection. No doubt that he and his brothers struggled with understanding that their earthly brother was their heavenly Lord. God made sure to have Paul mention James because He knew the believers in Corinth would have been familiar with James. Then, God allowed Paul to mention himself, for Paul had his encounter with Jesus as recorded in Acts 9. The believers in Corinth were aware of Paul’s past, and for him to mention that he had been blessed to see the risen Christ would have meant a great deal to the Christians in Corinth. God loves us so much and has done all of this so that anyone can come to know Christ as Lord.
Challenge & Application
What has God taught you through this devotion today?
How can you use this to help doubters see the love of God that is found through Christ Jesus our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!