He appeared
The Greek word used here is "ὤφθη" (ōphthē), which means "was seen" or "appeared." This term is significant in the context of the resurrection, as it emphasizes the physical and visible nature of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. It underscores the reality of the resurrection, affirming that it was not a mere vision or spiritual experience but a tangible event witnessed by many. This appearance is foundational to the Christian faith, as it validates the truth of Jesus' victory over death and His divine nature.

to Cephas
"Cephas" is the Aramaic name for Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples. The use of "Cephas" highlights the personal relationship and leadership role Peter held among the apostles. Historically, Peter's encounter with the risen Christ is crucial, as it marks a turning point in his life, transforming him from a man who denied Jesus into a bold proclaimer of the Gospel. This appearance also signifies the restoration and forgiveness Peter received, symbolizing hope and redemption for all believers who have faltered in their faith.

and then to the Twelve
The phrase "the Twelve" refers to the group of Jesus' closest disciples, even though Judas Iscariot was no longer among them. This term is used to denote the collective group of apostles who were foundational in the establishment of the early Church. The appearance to the Twelve is significant as it provided a unified witness to the resurrection, strengthening their mission to spread the Gospel. Historically, this group was instrumental in the rapid growth of Christianity, and their testimony is a cornerstone of the Church's teaching on the resurrection. This appearance underscores the continuity and authority of the apostolic witness, which is essential for the Church's faith and practice.

(5) That he was seen of Cephas.--From the indications of sequence here given we may conclude that the appearances here grouped together are arranged in chronological order. We have these appearances:--(1) To Cephas (see Luke 24:34). (2) To the Twelve--the phrase "the Twelve" being used to indicate, not the number of those present, but the group to which they belonged, as Decemviri might be used, or Hebdomadal Council, not to express the exact number but the corporate body--(see Luke 24:36; John 20:19). This was probably the appearance to the ten Apostles, and is distinguished from a subsequent appearance to "all the Apostles." (3) To above five hundred brethren at once. This must have been in Galilee, for at a later date (see Acts 1:15) the Church at Jerusalem consisted of only one hundred and twenty disciples. (See Matthew 28:16-17, and Acts 1:15.) (4) To James. This appearance is recorded only here and in the Gospel of the Hebrews, which is quoted by St. Jerome, "But the Lord, when he had given the sindon" (the same word as that for the "linen garment," in Mark 14:51) "to the servant of the priest, had a table brought out, and bread on it, which He blessed and gave to James, saying, 'Eat thy bread now, brother, since the Son of Man has risen from the dead;' for James had sworn that he would not eat bread from the hour in which he had drunk the cup of the Lord until he should see Him rising from the dead." (5) To all the Apostles, Thomas being present (John 20:26). (6) St. Paul himself (Acts 9:5). To these facts St. Paul appeals. Most of those who saw Him were alive. Their enemies were alive to dispute it if they could. The witnesses had nothing to gain, everything to lose by telling the truth. The evidence was set forth some twenty-five or thirty years after the occurrence of the alleged facts. The Apostle here maintains the truth of an historical fact. He appeals solely to historical proof, and accumulates a mass of historical testimony, such as in any matter of history, if produced so shortly after the occurrence, would be deemed overwhelming. . . . Verse 5. - Was seen of Cephas (Luke 24:34). The appearances to the women (John 20:14, etc.) are omitted, as being evidential rather to the apostles than to the world. The twelve (John 20:19, 26). Some officious scribes have in some manuscripts altered the word into" the eleven." But "the twelve" is here the designation of an office, and great ancient writers are always indifferent to mere pragmatic accuracy in trifles which involve nothing. To witness to the Resurrection was a main function of "the twelve" (Acts 2:23; Acts 3:15; Acts 10:40, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

He appeared
ὤφθη (ōphthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

to Cephas
Κηφᾷ (Kēpha)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2786: Of Chaldee origin; the Rock; Cephas, a surname of Peter.

[and] then
εἶτα (eita)
Adverb
Strong's 1534: A particle of succession, then, moreover.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Twelve.
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 15:5 And that he appeared to Cephas then (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)