THE RESURRECTION HOPE IS SURE!

Testimony From the Law and the Psalms

Paul's resurrection hope was in harmony with "things set forth in the Law."  God told the Israelites:  "You must . . .bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. And [on Nisan16] he must wave the sheaf to and from before Jehovah to gain approval for  you."  (Leviticus 23:9-14) Perhaps with this Law in mind, Paul wrote:  "Christ has been raised up from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in death."  As "the firstfruits,"  Jesus was  resurrected on Nisan 16, 33 C.E. Later, during his presence, there would be a resurrection of 'afterfruits' -his spirit-anointed followers. -1 Corinthians 15:20-23;  2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:20, 27.

The Psalms also furnish support of the resurrection.  On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter quoted from Psalm 16:8-11, saying:  "David says respecting [Christ], 'I had Jehovah constantly before my eyes; because he is at my right hand that I may never be shaken.  On this account my heart became cheerful and my tongue rejoiced greatly.  Moreover, even my flesh will reside in  hope; because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow you loyal one to see corruption.' "Peter added:  "[David] saw beforehand and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in Hades nor did his flesh see corruption.  This Jesus God resurrected." -Acts 2:25-32.

Some days later, Peter stood before the Sanhedrin and again quoted from the Psalms.  Asked how he cured a lame beggar, the apostle said:  "Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you impaled but whom God raised up from the dead, by this one does this man stand here sound in front of you.  This[Jesus] is 'the stone that was treated by you  builders as of not account that has become the head of the corner.' Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved." -Acts 4:10-12.

Peter here quoted from Psalm 118:22, applying what it said to Jesus' death and resurrection.  Goaded on by their religious leaders, the Jews rejected Jesus.  (John 19:14-18; Acts 13:14, 15) 'the builders' rejecting the stone' resulted in Christ's death, but 'the stone becoming the head of the corner' signified his being raised  to spirit glory in heaven.  As the psalmist foretold, 'this came to be from Jehovah himself.'  9Psalm 118:23)  Making "the stone" the Head of the corner involved exalting him as King-Designate. -Ephesians 1:19, 20.

Next time:Sustained by the Resurrection Hope

Watchtower, 2000