What does 1 Corinthians 15:5 mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

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.

1 Corinthians 15:5 (KJV)