1 Corinthians 15:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:3
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, redemption, judgment. 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 15:3
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Analysis
For I delivered unto you first of all (παρέδωκα γὰρ ὑμῖν ἐν πρώτοις, paredōka gar hymin en prōtois)—Paul uses technical rabbinic terminology for transmitting authoritative tradition (paradidōmi, παραδίδωμι). The phrase that which I also received (ὃ καὶ παρέλαβον, ho kai parelabon) indicates this is not Paul's invention but apostolic tradition dating to the earliest Christian community, likely within months of the crucifixion (AD 30).
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν κατὰ τὰς γραφάς)—This is the earliest written creedal formula in Christianity. Hyper (ὑπέρ, "for, on behalf of") indicates substitutionary atonement. The phrase kata tas graphas ("according to the scriptures") grounds this in Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, etc.).
Historical Context
This creedal formula (vv. 3-7) predates Paul's letter by two decades, representing the church's earliest confession. Scholars date it to within 2-5 years of the crucifixion. Paul likely received it during his Damascus/Jerusalem visits (Galatians 1:18), making this the most ancient Christian document we possess.
Reflection
- What significance does the early date of this creed have for the reliability of resurrection testimony?
- How does 'according to the scriptures' demonstrate that Jesus's death was not an accident but divine plan?
- Why is substitutionary atonement ('for our sins') inseparable from resurrection in Christian faith?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- References Christ: Acts 3:18, Galatians 1:12, Ephesians 5:2
- Sin: Galatians 1:4, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2, Revelation 1:5
- Word: Zechariah 13:7
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 11:23, Romans 4:25