1 Corinthians 15:30
And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
1 Corinthians 15:30
Paul asks, rhetorically, why he would endure danger for the gospel if there is no resurrection. “Why stand we in jeopardy every hour?” points to the concrete dangers Paul faced—persecution, shipwrecks, stonings—amid the hope of Christ’s resurrection. The argument is practical as well as doctrinal: if the dead do not rise, then martyrs and missionaries are wasting their lives. The Corinthians faced pressure to conform to skeptical or comfortable lifestyles; Paul’s boldness in the face of danger validates the authenticity of Christian faith. It also underscores the stakes of preaching and living out the gospel in a hostile world.
This verse underscores the transformative power of the resurrection for daily life. The cross and the resurrection are not abstract doctrines but the basis for courage, mission, and faithful endurance. The reality of future resurrection fuels present sacrifice and commitment, reframing hardship as participation in God’s redemptive plan.
In today’s world, believers are tempted by ease and safety. Paul’s words challenge us to re-evaluate our risk tolerance for the gospel. Consider times when you avoided speaking up about your faith due to fear of conflict or discomfort. Reflect on ways to engage your neighborhood, workplace, or campus with both truth and grace. Your “jeopardy” might look like standing for justice, supporting persecuted Christians, or sharing hope with someone wrestling with meaning. The resurrection isn’t a ticket to reckless risk, but a reason to persevere with steadfast love.
Cross-References: Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; Philippians 1:20-26; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29