1 Corinthians 15:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:1
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, creation, discipleship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it defends the resurrection as central to Christian faith. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 15:1
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
Analysis
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, to euangelion)—Paul begins his resurrection apologetic by anchoring it in the gospel he originally preached. The verb gnōrizō (γνωρίζω, "I make known") suggests formal proclamation of authoritative truth. The phrase wherein ye stand (en hō hestēkate, ἐν ᾧ ἑστήκατε) uses the perfect tense, indicating the Corinthians' established, ongoing position in gospel truth.
This verse introduces the most extensive New Testament treatment of resurrection doctrine (vv. 1-58). The Corinthian church was infected with Greek philosophical dualism that denigrated physical matter and denied bodily resurrection (v. 12). Paul responds by demonstrating that resurrection is not peripheral but central to Christian faith—the gospel itself stands or falls on this doctrine.
Historical Context
Written circa AD 55 from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey. The Corinthian congregation, steeped in Greek philosophy (especially Platonic dualism), struggled to reconcile bodily resurrection with prevailing views that saw the body as a prison for the soul. Greek thinkers like Plato taught immortality of the soul, not resurrection of the body.
Reflection
- How does your understanding of the gospel depend on the physical resurrection of Christ?
- In what ways might contemporary views of spirituality minimize the importance of bodily resurrection?
- What does it mean that you 'stand' in the gospel—how does resurrection truth provide stability for Christian faith?
Word Studies
- Gospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion) G2098 - Good news, gospel
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: John 12:48, Acts 11:1, Romans 2:16, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:13