The True Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15

The first main part of the gospel that Paul proclaims in 1 Corinthians 15 is about Christ’s death. 

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures

Paul is passing on what he received either from direct revelation or by testimony of other apostles to those of the Corinthian church. This is of utmost importance what he has preached to them and that is the gospel. He starts with reference to the narrative of Jesus dying on a cross. Jesus died on a cross for our sins or because of our sins. We know that the death of Jesus brings about forgiveness of sins. This is a wonderful gift. What we also notice is that Jesus died to bring about forgiveness “according to the Scriptures”. This death was foretold through the prophets through generations leading up to Jesus (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53). This wasn’t something that was done all of a sudden. This was God’s plan from the beginning. 

  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

Jesus not only died but he was also buried in a tomb and he was raised to life. The resurrection was God’s victory over death and every believer shares in that victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Jesus was also raised on the third day showing that he had truly died. He also resurrected according to the Scriptures which means his resurrection was prophesied also. Psalm 16:10 is a famous example of his resurrection foretold. 

and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

The description of eyewitnesses is vital. Jesus appeared to many people who testified and were witnesses of Jesus’ resurrected body. This was proof that it was not a grave robbery or a made up thriller story. Jesus really did resurrect from the dead and his body appeared to many people who testified that they saw him including Paul, the one writing this. 

But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

After his appearances, Jesus ascended into heaven. We know from the Acts narrative that Jesus would come back a second time. According to Paul’s message, those that died as believers would also resurrect when Jesus comes back. When he returns, the end will come. What this means is that the powers of this world will be no more and God will reign over his creation once again. We see that the last enemy to be destroyed is death itself. Jesus defeated death when he resurrected and that story will be completed when believers will rise with his coming and we live with him in the new creation. 

For Paul, the gospel is not just about personal salvation and going to heaven. The gospel is a story about the entire creation and its renewal through Jesus. The process of healing and restoration started with Adam and Eve’s sin and continued through the prophets until Jesus came. Jesus died and resurrected and ascended into heaven. He will return again to bring eternal life to believers so they may share in his victory over death. This is the gospel of Jesus, the best news ever told.