1 Corinthians 15 1

1 Corinthians 15:1 kjv

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1 Corinthians 15:1 nkjv

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,

1 Corinthians 15:1 niv

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.

1 Corinthians 15:1 esv

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,

1 Corinthians 15:1 nlt

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it.

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 1 meaning

Paul begins chapter 15 by solemnly reminding the Corinthian believers of the foundational truth of the Gospel, the "good news" of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which he previously preached to them. This is the very message they accepted as the basis of their faith, and upon which their spiritual standing firmly rests. The verse serves as a critical re-establishment of the primary tenets of Christianity, preparing the ground for Paul's defense of the resurrection of the dead.

1 Corinthians 15 1 Context

First Corinthians is a letter from Paul addressing various issues within the Corinthian church. These issues included divisions, moral misconduct, liturgical disorders, and doctrinal disputes. Chapter 15 is singularly focused on the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. It appears that some in Corinth were denying the resurrection, possibly due to Greek philosophical influences (like Platonism, which valued the immortal soul but denigrated the physical body). Paul begins this crucial chapter by firmly re-establishing the absolute core of the Christian faith: the Gospel itself, centered on the death and resurrection of Christ. This foundational truth serves as the premise for his extended argument that if Christ was raised, believers will also be raised. He is reminding them of the initial message that converted them, before elaborating on its necessary implication for their future hope.

1 Corinthians 15 1 Word analysis

• Moreover (Νῦν - Nyn): Often translated as "Now" or "But now," this adverb signals a fresh beginning or transition in Paul's argument. It directs immediate attention to the paramount importance of what is to follow, implying that this matter (the gospel of resurrection) is foundational and non-negotiable, distinct from previous disciplinary matters.
• brethren (ἀδελφοί - adelphoi): A term of familial affection and spiritual solidarity commonly used by Paul to address fellow believers. It highlights their shared spiritual bond in Christ and prepares them for an important, albeit challenging, discussion by softening the tone.
• I declare (γνωρίζω - gnōrizō): Meaning "to make known," "proclaim," or "remind." Paul isn't presenting new information but is forcefully bringing to memory a truth they already possess and presumably believe. It emphasizes the definitive nature of this foundational message.
• unto you: This refers directly to the Corinthian believers, emphasizing the personal nature of Paul's ministry among them.
• the gospel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον - to euangelion): Meaning "the good news." In a world saturated with "good news" from Roman emperors (e.g., birth of an heir, military victories), Paul redeploys this term for the infinitely greater good news of Christ's saving work. It is the core, redemptive message of Christianity.
• which I preached (ὃ εὐηγγελισάμην - ho euangelisamen): Signifies Paul's original proclamation and the authoritative nature of his ministry. He laid this foundation, and its truth isn't open to alteration. This stresses his role as the instrument through which God's saving message reached them.
• which also ye have received (ὃ καὶ παρελάβετε - ho kai parelabete): "Received" implies active, voluntary acceptance and assimilation of the Gospel message. It wasn't merely heard, but embraced as truth, indicating their conversion experience. It points to the transmission of established tradition (paradosis).
• and wherein ye stand (ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἑστήκατε - en hō kai hestēkate): This perfect tense verb denotes a settled, enduring state. It implies firm adherence and steadfastness, signifying that the Gospel is not only their past conversion but their current, ongoing basis for faith and spiritual life. They continue to maintain their position in it.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel: Paul, with an appeal to shared Christian identity, brings the foundational message back to the forefront. It is a declaration, a re-presentation of unchangeable truth, not a negotiation or an introduction of a new idea.
• which I preached unto you: This phrase emphasizes apostolic authority and consistency. The message is the same now as when Paul first evangelized in Corinth, linking the initial establishment of their faith directly to his authority as an apostle.
• which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand: This two-part phrase underscores the dynamic journey of faith: an initial act of acceptance ("received") and a continuing, unwavering adherence ("stand"). It signifies that their salvation and spiritual life are rooted in and sustained by this very Gospel, forming the unchanging ground of their present existence and future hope.

1 Corinthians 15 1 Bonus section

The structure of Paul's opening statement, moving from his act of "preaching" to their act of "receiving," and culminating in their current state of "standing," is deliberate. It highlights the divine initiative through apostolic ministry, the necessary human response of faith, and the ongoing perseverance in that faith. This triad (proclamation, reception, steadfastness) forms the complete cycle of the Christian's relationship with the Gospel. It serves as a reminder that Christian faith is not just an intellectual assent but a transformative journey that demands constant grounding in the initial good news. The careful phrasing anticipates and addresses the specific challenge within the Corinthian church concerning the resurrection by forcing them to confront whether their present stance aligns with the foundational gospel they first embraced.

1 Corinthians 15 1 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 15:1, Paul masterfully sets the stage for his crucial defense of the resurrection by immediately grounding the Corinthians in the unshakeable bedrock of their shared faith. He doesn't introduce a new concept but rather solemnizes and reiterates the central truth they already know and professed: the Gospel. This reminder serves a vital polemical function. Against the backdrop of possible internal skepticism or philosophical objections regarding the resurrection, Paul reasserts the fundamental identity of the Christian faith. The phrase "I declare unto you the gospel" is a weighty apostolic pronouncement, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of this truth. The subsequent clauses, "which I preached unto you," "which also ye have received," and "wherein ye stand," form a theological sequence of divine transmission, human reception, and enduring adherence. It highlights that the Gospel is not merely abstract doctrine but a life-transforming message that defines their past, undergirds their present, and holds implications for their future. Their continued standing as Christians depends entirely on remaining true to this primary, unchanging good news. This initial grounding prepares the reader for the detailed explanation of the resurrection that follows, ensuring that the argument is built upon an already-accepted premise.