witnesses to the resurrection (1 cor15:4-8)

1 corinthians 15:4b-8

...he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve, then he appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Jesus resurrection transformed people's lives.

• Cephas (Peter) was transformed from someone who was denying that he even knew Jesus into someone boldly proclaiming the gospel, despite the threats of the authorities.
• the Twelve were transformed from a fearful, uncertain and confused group into fearless witness  willing to die for the gospel.
• we don't know the individual stories of the 500 brothers Paul mentions, but he is pointing out to his readers that most of these people are still alive - ask them their story. Every one of them has been transformed.
• James, the brother of Jesus has been transformed from thinking his brother was insane to worshipping him as God!
• Paul was transformed from someone who was persecuting the church and seeking to arrest and murder Christians into the man who God used to take the gospel to the gentile world.

Jesus' life, death and resurrection changes everything!