고린도전서 Chapter 15

Translation: ESV

1

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

Key Message

The resurrection gospel has been proclaimed from the beginning, and the saints stand upon this gospel. Resurrection is the heart of the gospel.

▸Chapter 15 is the most systematic treatment of resurrection in the New Testament.

Chapter 15 is the most systematic treatment of resurrection in the New Testament. Paul begins by reminding them of the core of the gospel he preached. The gospel is 'proclaimed, received, and stood upon.' Resurrection is the essential content of the gospel.

Related Verses

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
3

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

Key Message

Christ's atoning death is the fulfillment of the Scriptures' prophecy and the core of the received gospel.

▸Verses 3–5 are among the earliest creedal formulas in the New Testament.

4

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Key Message

The resurrection is historical fact. Christ actually died and actually rose on the third day.

▸The historicity of the resurrection is central.

17

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.

Key Message

Resurrection is the foundational pillar of Christian faith. Without resurrection, faith loses all meaning.

▸This is the argument that if there is no resurrection, the entire faith collapses.

20

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Key Message

Christ's resurrection is the firstfruits that guarantees the resurrection of all believers. Christ's resurrection is not an isolated event but a beginning.

▸'But in fact (nyni de)' is the turning point.

42

So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

Key Message

The resurrection body is a transformation of the present body. The perishable becomes imperishable; the weak becomes powerful.

▸Verses 42–44 present four contrasting pairs between the present body and the resurrection body: perishable/imperishable, dishonor/glory, weakness/power, natural/spiritual.

51

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Key Message

At the Second Coming, both the dead and the living will be instantaneously changed. Death is not the final defeat.

▸Paul discloses a 'mystery (mystērion).

54

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'

Key Message

Resurrection is the complete victory over death. It is the final conquest in which Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled.

▸Isaiah 25:8 is quoted here.

55

"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

Key Message

The conviction of resurrection gives boldness before death. The sting of death has already been removed in Christ.

▸This is a declaration of victory quoting Hosea 13:14.

58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Key Message

The certainty of resurrection gives meaning to present life. Because of resurrection, today's labor is not in vain.

▸The theological conclusion of chapter 15 flows into a practical exhortation.