1 corinthians 15:3 - For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

Generated Verse: 1 corinthians 15:3

What does "1 corinthians 15:3" mean?


This verse, 1 Corinthians 15:3, is a cornerstone of Christian belief and encapsulates the central message of the gospel. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:

"For I delivered to you first of all...": Paul, the author of 1 Corinthians, is emphasizing the importance of what he's about to share. "First of all" suggests it's of primary significance, a foundational truth. He delivered it to the Corinthian church when he initially preached the gospel to them.

"...that which I also received...": Paul didn't invent this message. He received it. This likely refers to the teachings passed down from Jesus's apostles, other early Christians, and potentially a direct revelation from God. It highlights the authenticity and trustworthiness of the message, emphasizing that it's not his own opinion but a divinely sourced truth.

"...that Christ died for our sins...": This is the core of the verse.
"Christ": Refers to Jesus, the Messiah, the promised savior of humanity.
"Died": A literal death on the cross, a historical event.
"For our sins": This is crucial. Jesus's death wasn't a random act of violence; it was a sacrifice offered to atone for the sins of humanity. The "our" is inclusive, referring to all people. The idea is that sin creates a separation between humans and God, and Jesus's death bridges that gap, offering forgiveness and reconciliation.

"...according to the Scriptures": This points back to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Paul is saying that Jesus's death was not an unexpected event but was foreshadowed and predicted in the prophecies and writings of the Old Testament. This gives further weight to the belief that Jesus was the Messiah, fulfilling God's plan of salvation. It connects Jesus's death to the larger narrative of God's relationship with humanity.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 15:3 is stating:

Paul is reminding the Corinthian church that the most important message he initially shared with them, which he also received from others, is that Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sins, and this was in accordance with what was already foretold in the Hebrew scriptures.

Why this is important:

Central to Christian belief: It articulates the heart of the Christian gospel: Jesus's sacrifice for humanity's sins.
Historical basis: It anchors the message in historical events (Jesus's death) and texts (the Old Testament).
Authenticity of the message: It emphasizes that the message is not new or invented by Paul but is a received tradition from the early church.
Foundation for salvation: It highlights the means by which Christians believe they can receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God (through faith in Jesus's sacrifice).

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