What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:1? Now, brothers “Now, brothers” is Paul’s warm family address to fellow believers. • He isn’t talking down from an ivory tower; he’s gathering the church around the family table (see Hebrews 2:11; Matthew 12:50). • By calling them “brothers,” Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—that salvation brings us into God’s household (Ephesians 2:19). • This family identity undergirds everything else in the chapter: resurrection hope belongs to the family of God. I want to remind you Paul knows people forget, so he acts like a caring instructor: “I want to remind you.” • Reminder is a repeated New Testament strategy (2 Peter 1:12; 3:1; Jude 5; Romans 15:15). • Truth hasn’t changed, but believers need fresh recall so faith stays sharp (Proverbs 4:5). • The Spirit-inspired reminder protects against drifting (Hebrews 2:1). Of the gospel I preached to you Paul points to “the gospel I preached to you.” • This gospel is not a human invention; Paul received it by revelation (Galatians 1:11-12). • He already summarized it to the same church: “Christ died for our sins… was buried… was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • The message he preached then is still authoritative now—unchanged and utterly sufficient (Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). • Fidelity to this gospel is non-negotiable (Galatians 1:8-9). Which you received The Corinthians “received” the gospel. • Reception is more than hearing; it is welcoming the Word embraced by faith (John 1:12; Acts 2:41). • Paul elsewhere urges, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). • Receiving settles the heart on an unshakeable foundation (Isaiah 28:16). And in which you stand firm They not only received the gospel; they “stand firm” in it. • Gospel footing keeps believers steady in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:13-14). • Paul repeats the call: “Stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 16:13). • Grace enables perseverance: “By faith you stand” (2 Corinthians 1:24). • Remaining immovable in gospel truth guards against false teaching and moral compromise (2 Timothy 1:13-14). summary 1 Corinthians 15:1 reminds the church family that the unchanging, apostolic gospel—received by faith—remains the ground on which believers stand. Paul’s affectionate address, urgent reminder, clear focus on Christ’s saving work, call to wholehearted reception, and insistence on steadfastness all combine to anchor us in the living hope of the resurrection. |
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