What does 1 Corinthians 15:3 mean?
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15:3
Explanation
1 Corinthians 15:3 is a significant part of the apostle Paul’s writing, wherein he summarizes the core of the Christian gospel that he had received and, in turn, passed on to the Corinthians. The phrase “first of all” indicates the primacy of this message in his preaching. Paul emphasizes that the death of Christ was not a random event but took place “according to the scriptures,” meaning it fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. The reference to Christ dying “for our sins” speaks of the substitutionary nature of Jesus’s death, suggesting that his death was sacrificial and redemptive, meant to address the issue of human sinfulness.
Historical Context
The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth, a cosmopolitan city in Greece. This letter is generally dated to around 53-54 A.D. The church was facing various issues, including divisions, moral dilemmas, and misunderstandings about doctrine. In this passage, Paul is addressing questions and doubts about the resurrection of the dead, re-establishing the importance of the gospel he had previously shared with the Corinthians.
Theological Insights
The passage provides profound theological insights into the person and work of Christ. From the perspective of substitutionary atonement theology, it suggests that Christ’s death was necessary to reconcile humankind to God by atoning for sin. In contrast, other viewpoints like Christus Victor propose that Christ’s death was a victory over the powers of sin and death. Moreover, the phrase “according to the scriptures” indicates that the events of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection were the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan as foretold in the Old Testament.
Practical Applications
The verse encourages believers to anchor their faith in the foundational truths of the gospel. It calls for the importance of passing on these central teachings to others. In everyday life, it can serve as a reminder to prioritize the core message of Christianity – the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – in both personal belief and when sharing one’s faith with others.
Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:5-6: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
- Psalm 22:16-18: “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.”
- Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Language Study
The key terms in the original Greek text of 1 Corinthians 15:3 include:
- “παρέδωκα” (paredoka): meaning “I delivered,” indicating the transmission of tradition or teaching.
- “παρέλαβον” (parelabon): meaning “I received,” referring to the act of receiving a tradition or teaching.
- “Χριστος” (Christos): meaning “Christ,” the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Messiah” or “Anointed One.”
- “ἁμαρτίας” (hamartias): meaning “sins,” which denotes missing the mark or a transgression against divine law.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In comparison to other cultures and religions, the concept of a divine figure dying for the sins of humanity is relatively unique to Christianity. Ancient myths may speak of gods or heroes undergoing suffering or death, but not typically for the explicit purpose of atoning for human sin. The closest parallels may be found in certain ‘mystery religions,’ which had initiatory rites thought to bring about spiritual renewal for the participant.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, the verse does not offer empirical statements but speaks to spiritual and theological beliefs. The concept of Christ dying “for our sins” is not something that can be evaluated by scientific methods, as it pertains to doctrinal claims about the spiritual effects of a historical event.
Commentaries
Many biblical scholars and theologians have examined 1 Corinthians 15:3. Commentaries highlight the verse as part of the earliest Christian creeds and confessions. F.F. Bruce, for instance, regards this as one of the most important summaries of the gospel message found in the New Testament. N.T. Wright emphasizes the historical and theological significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus in accordance with Jewish scriptures. Other commentators, like Gordon D. Fee, elaborate on the importance of understanding this passage as an essential part of Paul’s apostolic preaching and its implications for the Christian faith.
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