Paul Euphemism

Paul begins this first segment of verse fourteen with a short kerygmatic statement: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose.” Some Pauline scholars point out that this clause is meant to be understood as a series of events that factually occurred, even though it begins with the word “if.” The word “if,” according to some scholars, should be understood more accurately as “since.” This small faith statement is important because it is intended as an assurance that points forward toward a future event. Another point that Paul is trying to make with the use of this kerygmatic phrase is that Christ’s death and resurrection are real and not some sort of euphemism. Since his crucifixion and rising from the dead is authentic, it is, therefore,