What is the context?
Paul draws on Psalm 116:10 to explain why faith leads him to speak. The psalm itself describes distress, an appeal for rescue and thanksgiving to the Lord. Paul stands within that pattern of trusting God in trouble rather than waiting for all difficulty to disappear.
He identifies the assurance behind his continuing proclamation: the God who raised the Lord Jesus will raise them with Jesus and bring them with the Corinthians into His presence. The hope belongs to both the workers and the people they serve.
The work is for the Corinthians’ benefit, and its reach extends further as grace spreads to more people. The result is increasing thanksgiving to God. Paul’s focus moves from the workers’ perseverance to the shared future and praise that make the cost worthwhile.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand Paul’s speaking as sustained by faith in God’s resurrection promise, with the ministry benefiting others and bringing thanksgiving to God. Wesley’s notes on verses 13–15 and the USCCB notes on verses 12–15 both draw out that movement beyond the worker to the congregation and ultimately to God.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
1 Corinthians 15:20–23 identifies the risen Christ as the firstfruits: His resurrection is the beginning of the harvest that will include those who belong to Him at His coming.
That explicit promise explains why Paul can look forward to being raised with the people he serves. The gospel forms a people with a shared future in Christ, not simply a collection of isolated experiences. As grace reaches more people, the circle of thanksgiving grows.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.