8
Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
9
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11
Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
12
Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13
But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.
14
And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.
15
Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise.
16
For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.
17
And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
18
Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.