I Corinthians 15:3
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For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I delivered unto you--A short creed, or summary of articles of faith, was probably even then existing; and a profession in accordance with it was required of candidates for baptism (Act 8:37). first of all--literally, "among the foremost points" (Heb 6:2). The atonement is, in Paul's view, of primary importance. which I . . . received--from Christ Himself by special revelation (compare Co1 11:23). died for our sins--that is, to atone FOR them; for taking away our sins (Jo1 3:5; compare Gal 1:4): "gave Himself for our sins" (Isa 53:5; Co2 5:15; Tit 2:14). The "for" here does not, as in some passages, imply vicarious substitution, but "in behalf of" (Heb 5:3; Pe1 2:24). It does not, however, mean merely "on account of," which is expressed by a different Greek word (Rom 4:25), (though in English Version translated similarly, "for"). according to the scriptures--which "cannot be broken." Paul puts the testimony of Scripture above that of those who saw the Lord after His resurrection [BENGEL]. So our Lord quotes Isa 53:12, in Luk 22:37; compare Psa 22:15, &c.; Dan 9:26.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle treats of that great article of Christianity - the resurrection of the dead. I. He establishes the certainty of our Saviour's resurrection (Co1 15:1-11). II. He, from this truth, sets himself to refute those who said, There is no resurrection of the dead (Co1 15:12-19). III. From our Saviour's resurrection he establishes the resurrection of the dead and confirms the Corinthians in the belief of it by some other considerations (Co1 15:20-34). IV. He answers an objection against this truth, and takes occasion thence to show what a vast change will be made in the bodies of believers at the resurrection (v. 35-50). V. He informs us what a change will be made in those who shall be living at the sound of the last trumpet, and the complete conquest the just shall then obtain over death and the grave (Co1 15:51-57). And, VI. He sums up the argument with a very serious exhortation to Christians, to be resolved and diligent in their Lord's service, because they know they shall be so gloriously rewarded by him (Co1 15:58).
Open source ↗15:3 The heart of the Good News is that Christ died for our sins (see Rom 3:24-25; 5:8-10; Gal 1:4; 1 Thes 5:9-10).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”
who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,
He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.
and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!