Why does Paul make so much of the resurrection?
Paul emphasizes the resurrection because when Christ arose, He exhibited more power than the creation of the universe required. Resurrection also marked the completion of the cross work, making Christ the object of faith for the whole human race, not just Israel.
Les explains that the reason Paul was led of the Holy Spirit to make so much of resurrection is that when Christ arose from the dead, He exhibited more power than it took when He created the universe. Earlier, Jesus spoke of a seed dying and bringing forth much fruit, referring to His coming death, burial, and resurrection. During His earthly ministry, Christ was almost exclusively to Israel, but after His death, burial, and resurrection, the Gospel could go to the whole human race. Once He died, was buried, and was raised, He became the object of faith for the whole human race. In I Corinthians 15, Paul compares resurrection to planting seed: the body is sown in corruption and raised in power.