1 Corinthians 15:11
Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 10
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐκεῖνοι
they
G1565
ἐκεῖνοι
they
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 10
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
κηρύσσομεν
we preach
G2784
κηρύσσομεν
we preach
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
7 of 10
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The unity of apostolic testimony, despite diverse backgrounds and occasional personal conflicts (Galatians 2:11-14), demonstrates the resurrection's reality. Conspirators don't maintain consistent stories across decades under persecution. The apostles' unified message, sealed with their martyrdoms, validates their claims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does apostolic unity on resurrection demonstrate the gospel's objectivity?
- What is the relationship between apostolic preaching and personal faith—why does Paul emphasize both?
- How should the church today maintain unity on essential gospel truths while allowing diversity in secondary matters?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach (εἴτε οὖν ἐγὼ εἴτε ἐκεῖνοι, οὕτως κηρύσσομεν)—Paul unifies the apostolic witness. The verb kēryssomen (κηρύσσομεν, "we herald, proclaim") indicates authoritative public proclamation, not private opinion. Despite differences in background (Paul the former persecutor, Peter the denier, James the former skeptic), the apostolic message is unified: Christ crucified and risen.
And so ye believed (καὶ οὕτως ἐπιστεύσατε)—The aorist tense points to their initial conversion. The Corinthians' faith rests on apostolic testimony to historical events—the creedal formula of vv. 3-7. This is not subjective mysticism but objective historical claims subject to verification. The gospel is not "Jesus rose in my heart" but "Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, seen by 500+ witnesses."