1 Corinthians 15:1

Moreover. Gr. de, “but,” or “now,” here marking a change in the line of thought, and the introduction of a new subject, the resurrection.

This chapter contains what may be called the crowning glory of the epistle, an exposition of the truth of the resurrection. The discussion may be divided into four sections: (1) proof that there is a resurrection (vs. 1-34); (2) the nature of the bodies of those who are raised (vs. 35-50); (3) a statement concerning what will happen to those who are alive at Christ’s second advent (vs. 51-54); (4) the practical consequences of this doctrine (vs. 55-58). The testimony of the resurrection of Jesus given in vs. 3-8 refers to some incidents not recorded in the Gospels (see vs. 6, 7). The chapter declares that the death and resurrection of Christ were subjects of ancient prophecy, and were events supported by the testimony of living witnesses (vs. 5, 6). It is one of the earliest written testimonies to the resurrection, having been written within 25 years of the event (see pp. 102, 103). It shows that the evidence for the resurrection as a literal, historical fact was sufficient to convince the powerful intellect of a hostile contemporary in the person of Paul himself.

Among the errors that had crept into the church at Corinth as a result of the lowering of the moral standard by some of the believers, was the rejection of belief in the resurrection (see chs. 3:3; 5:1, 2; AA 319). Paul’s detailed discussion of this doctrine emphasizes its vital importance (cf. John 5:28, 29; 11:25; Acts 23:6; 24:14, 15; Rom. 1:3, 4; Phil. 3:10, 11; Rev. 20:6). Satan is ever ready to snatch away vital truth and replace it with specious error; therefore Christians would do well frequently to review the principal gospel truths, filling their minds with them, that there may be no place for mistaken ideas (see on 2 Tim. 2:15).

Declare. Gr. gnorizo, “to make known.” “to cause to know,” but since Paul is repeating what he has already told the Corinthians, the word may be used in the sense of “to reiterate,” “to remind.” The apostle feels it necessary to repeat the substance of his preaching, and, in so doing, places special emphasis on the doctrine of the resurrection.

Gospel. See on Mark 1:1. The contents of the gospel, or “good news,” that Paul preached to the Corinthians may be gathered from chs. 1:7—9, 17-24; 2:2; etc., from which it will be seen that the cross of Christ stands in the forefront of the message. Of necessity there is associated with this central subject the doctrine of the Saviour’s atoning death (ch. 15:3). Everything connected with the life of Christ on earth is of interest and importance to the believer, but Paul here reveals that the glorious news of salvation from sin reaches its climax in the resurrection.

Received. Paul had faithfully preached the gospel, and now reminds the church members that they had received and accepted its message.

Stand. The Greek form of the verb suggests that they had stood and were continuing to stand in the faith Paul had delivered to them. He had founded the church at Corinth (see Acts 18). It was therefore appropriate for him to remind them of the great truths upon which the church had been established, but from which their attention had been diverted by other things that had been introduced among them, such as matters of strife and contention. It is good for Christians to be reminded often of the gospel by which the Holy Spirit effected their conversion; such repetition will help to keep them humble, and save them from depending on their own philosophical achievements (cf. Col. 2:8).