1 Corinthians 15:1-4

The context

Paul opens the resurrection chapter by reminding the Corinthians of what he first preached to them and what they received. He uses the language of tradition handed over, and he ranks the content as of first importance. The summary he gives is short and formulaic.

What it establishes

It establishes that the core message was already fixed and recited before this letter was written, and that it centred on the death, burial, and raising of Christ as fulfillment of scripture. The form is credal, not improvised.

What it does not establish

It does not identify the scriptures cited. Which texts were understood to speak of a suffering Messiah is not stated, and the church's reading of them must be reconstructed elsewhere. Whether the third day counts from the death or the burial is also disputed.

Short note, first pass, October 2026. Corrections welcome.

Cited in these answers

• What is Salvation?

Part of Scripture, Opened — the exegetical layer behind every citation on this site. Scripture quotations are from the ESV.