1 Corinthians 15-16

The first four verses of chapter 15 provide a simple declaration of the gospel - namely, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Christ’s resurrection from the dead is an essential component of our faith, as Paul tells us that we have no hope if He wasn’t raised from the dead, since our eternal future is in Him alone.  All people exist as eternal spirits, and what happens in the next life pivots on every person’s belief in Jesus (or not).

In the final chapter Paul writes about his upcoming travel plans, with the possibility that he will visit the Corinthians before winter sets in, and potentially stay with them, or go on to Ephesus.  He tells them that any money they collect for the saints in Jerusalem will be taken when he returns there, or by someone they mutually agree on as faithful to take it.