For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised. ] This is a repetition of the argument in ( 1 Corinthians 15:13 ) made partly to show the importance of it, and partly to observe other absurdities, following upon the conclusion of it.
14
And if Christ rose not, our preaching is vain, our faith is vain.
15
[Forsooth] And we be found false witnesses of God, for we have said witnessing against God, that he raised Christ, whom he raised not, if dead men rise not again.
16
For why if dead men rise not again, neither Christ rose again;
17
and if Christ rose not again, our faith is vain; and yet ye be in your sins.
18
And then they that have died in Christ, have perished. [Therefore and they that slept, or died, in Christ, have perished.]