Corpus-Paul

[Matthew Williams <kopio AT comcast.net>]

Greetings Corpus-Paul Listers,

I am in the process of writing a paper on 1 Cor 15.  I have a few  
questions I would like to receive some feedback from the list about.   
First, I would like to know if there are any commentaries or journal  
articles that you have found helpful in Paul's understanding of the  
resurrection.  I have the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, and  
have found the article in it on the resurrection very helpful.

I find Paul's reasoning in 1 Cor 15:13-16 rather confusing.  He  
repeats twice that if there is no resurrection from the dead then not  
even Christ has been raised.  Isn't this a bit redundant?  Or, is  
Paul doing something here that I am not aware of?

Another issue that is interesting is the baptism of the dead.  Is  
there any sort of consensus view on this verse (29)?  I have read a  
fairly recent article (JBL 116/3 1997) by Joel White on this verse in  
context, but I don't find his arguments persuasive (either that, or I  
am missing the nuance of his argument, which is entirely possible).   
I am currently fairly "agnostic" concerning this verse.  I think Paul  
is obviously using it as part of his argueent, and it appears as if  
it is something that he knows of and quite possibly even approves  
of.  Other than that I am without a clue!

As I look at verses 42-50, I am left with the impression that we  
will, in our resurrection bodies be transformed into something far  
different from what we now are.  Are we to understand our  
resurrection bodies in light of the Gospel's accounts of Jesus in His  
resurrection body?  Will we be able to appear and disappear as Jesus  
is portrayed as doing?  And what of verse 50, flesh and blood cannot  
inherit the kingdom of God...does this simply mean we will not be  
able to partake in Kingdom Activity apart from a resurrected,  
imperishable body?

I appreciate any input, suggestions or rabbit trails you are willing  
to throw at me.  Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

Matthew T. Williams
Sr. Multnomah Bible College
Portland, Or