1 Corinthians 15:6

Above five hundred. The Gospels make no mention of the fact that Jesus appeared to such a large company, but a statement made by Matthew is doubtless a reference to this gathering (see ch. 28:10, 16; Additional Note on Matt. 28). The Eleven, in obedience to their risen Lord’s instruction (Matt. 28:9, 10), went into Galilee. It is hardly likely that they kept to themselves the news of this divine appointment, but doubtless informed the believers that Jesus planned to meet with them. Above 500 responded to the information, demonstrating that the Lord had many more disciples than is generally supposed.

Greater part remain. That is, most of the 500 were still alive when Paul wrote his epistle. Unitedly they could bear strong testimony to the certainty of Christ’s resurrection, for an event that could be attested by so many firsthand witnesses could not be easily overthrown.

Fallen asleep. Gr. koimao, “to sleep” (see on John 11:11). This expression is used in the Scriptures to signify death (see Matt 9:24; Acts 7:60; 1 Cor. 15:18; 1 Thess. 4:13-15; 2 Peter 3:4).