Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 15 - Verse 7

After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to James and then to all the apostles. This moment is significant as it demonstrates the fulfillment of prophecy and the power of Jesus' resurrection. The appearance to James is particularly noteworthy because James was not originally a believer in Jesus as the Messiah. However, after witnessing the risen Christ, James became a devoted follower and eventually played a key role in the early Christian church. The subsequent appearance to all the apostles solidified Jesus' resurrection as a reality, providing them with the assurance and conviction they needed to boldly proclaim the gospel message. This verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of encountering the living Christ and the importance of bearing witness to his resurrection.

One theological interpretation of the verse 'After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles' focuses on the significance of Jesus appearing to James before meeting with all the apostles. Some scholars suggest that this appearance to James, who was likely the brother of Jesus, was to personally reassure him of his resurrection and to establish James' authority as a leader in the early Christian community. This encounter with James underscores the importance of familial relationships in spreading the message of Christianity and highlights the individual attention Jesus gives to each of his followers. In addition, the sequence of appearances, first to James and then to all the apostles, may symbolize the interconnectedness of the early Christian community, with each member playing a unique role in the proclamation of the gospel.