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

1 CORINTHIANS 15:5KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:5 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:5 says that Jesus was seen alive after his death by Cephas (another name for Peter), and then by the group known as "the twelve" apostles. This verse is part of a list of witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, emphasizing that his followers personally saw him alive again.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, reminding them of the core message he preached: that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. By naming Cephas (Peter) and "the twelve," Paul points to respected leaders and the main group of disciples as eyewitnesses, giving credibility to the resurrection claim. This is part of a longer passage where Paul lists several appearances of the risen Jesus to different people.

Where else these words appear

“Cephas” Greek G2786 · used in 6 verses

  • John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

“then” Greek G1534 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

“seen” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
  • Acts 13:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.