4:13
The claim that Jesus rose from the dead is a most audacious claim, as is the claim that we too will be raised from the dead on the last day. As we are now two thousand years away from the events it is difficult for us to properly appreciate this, as we are so used to it being the central part of the Christian message. There are broadly speaking two reactions. Those of us who believe accept it as an inherent part of the gospel, but not really appreciating the enormity nor impact of the resurrection. Those who do not regard it as nonsense and just something that Christians believe, probably as wishful thinking. Here Paul is addressing understandable concerns. One can imagine there being all sorts of discussion about what resurrection meant, and Paul is speaking about what happens to those who have died in faith.
4:14
Paul then gives a clear and succinct statement of what we believe. First, we believe that Jesus died and rose again. “And so ...” The resurrection was not a one-off, those who believe in Him will also be raised by God. So when Jesus returns (note the implicit belief in the bodily return of Jesus), God will bring those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ. Death is not the end, hence the use of the term “fallen asleep”.
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