The letter moves toward its conclusion with a long, crucial defense of the truth of the resurrection of the dead and its intrinsic importance for all of Christian faith and living. The length and complexity of this reflection, coupled with its subject matter, make this portion of the letter important for understanding early Christian belief and practice, the foundational nature of resurrection faith for all of Christian theology, and the reconstruction of Paul’s overall understanding of God’s work in and through Jesus Christ. Interpreters have given this material extensive attention, making much of this discussion of resurrection faith because of its position, length, and subject matter. An unbelievable number of interpretations has been the result.

Paul has held this discussion until the…