1 Corinthians 15:1

KJV

¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover {G1161}, brethren {G80}, I declare {G1107} unto you {G5213} the gospel {G2098} which {G3739} I preached {G2097} unto you {G5213}, which {G3739} also {G2532} ye have received {G3880}, and {G2532} wherein {G1722}{G3739} ye stand {G2476};

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, brothers, I must remind you of the Good News which I proclaimed to you, and which you received, and on which you have taken your stand,

Berean Standard Bible

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm.

American Standard Version

Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul introduces his monumental defense of the resurrection by grounding the Corinthian believers in the essential, unchanging truth of the gospel. He reminds them that this "good news" was not merely heard but actively received and embraced by them, forming the very foundation upon which their faith and spiritual lives are firmly established, serving as the bedrock for the profound theological discussion that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians is Paul's most extensive and systematic treatment of the resurrection. Verse 1 serves as a crucial bridge, linking the preceding discussions on order in worship and spiritual gifts (chapters 11-14) to the central theme of resurrection. Paul doesn't immediately launch into a defense; instead, he strategically reminds his audience of the foundational gospel they already know and believe. This rhetorical move establishes common ground and underscores that belief in the resurrection is not an optional add-on but an intrinsic component of the gospel itself, which they had already accepted. The subsequent verses [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel") will then explicitly define the core content of this gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was a diverse community situated in a major Roman provincial capital, a bustling port city known for its wealth, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. Greek philosophical thought, particularly Platonism, often viewed the body as inferior and a prison for the soul, making the idea of a bodily resurrection seem absurd or undesirable to some. This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the skepticism regarding the resurrection among some Corinthian believers, as evidenced by Paul's direct address to those who denied it (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - If Christ be not risen")). Paul's mission to Corinth, as detailed in [Acts 18](/acts/18 "Acts 18 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth"), established this church, and his initial preaching would have included the resurrection as a core tenet, making his current reminder particularly poignant.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that permeate not only chapter 15 but the entire epistle. The **primacy of the gospel** is paramount; Paul consistently directs the Corinthians back to the core message of Christ crucified and resurrected as the solution to their various issues, from divisions ([1 Corinthians 1:17-18](/1_corinthians/1-17-18 "1 Corinthians 1:17-18 - The Message of the Cross")) to ethical dilemmas. The theme of **apostolic authority** is also evident, as Paul asserts his role as the faithful proclaimer of this gospel, which he received from Christ himself ([Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel Not of Man")). Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Christian stability and endurance**, as the believers are described as "standing" in this gospel, implying a firm foundation against the shifting tides of false teaching and cultural pressures, a concept Paul echoes in his exhortation to "stand firm in the faith" elsewhere ([1 Corinthians 16:13](/1_corinthians/16-13 "1 Corinthians 16:13 - Stand Firm in the Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declare (Greek, _gnōrízō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to know," signifies making something known or certifying a truth. Paul is not merely stating an opinion but authoritatively making known a foundational reality, emphasizing its certainty and his role as a reliable messenger of this divine knowledge.
* **Gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** Literally meaning "good message" or "glad tidings," this term encapsulates the core Christian message concerning the saving work of Jesus Christ. In the context of 1 Corinthians 15, it specifically refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life, which Paul will immediately elaborate upon.
* **Stand (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb conveys the idea of being firmly established, grounded, or holding a stable position. It implies not just intellectual assent but a secure, enduring spiritual state. For the Corinthians, it means their entire Christian existence and hope are rooted immovably in the gospel Paul preached and they received, providing a powerful counterpoint to any doubts about the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel":** Paul begins with a transitional particle ("Moreover," _dé_) indicating a continuation or emphasis, addressing the believers affectionately as "brethren" (_adelphós_). His authoritative declaration ("I declare," _gnōrízō_) signals his intention to make known a crucial truth, specifically "the gospel" (_euangélion_), which is the central subject of the entire chapter.
* **"which I preached unto you":** This clause highlights Paul's apostolic ministry and the initial proclamation of the gospel to the Corinthian church. The verb "preached" (_euangelízō_) underscores that he delivered this message as good news, emphasizing his role as the original, divinely appointed messenger who first brought them to faith.
* **"which also ye have received":** This signifies the Corinthians' active and personal appropriation of the gospel message. "Received" (_paralambánō_) implies that they took it to themselves, embracing it as truth and allowing it to transform their lives, indicating a genuine conversion experience.
* **"and wherein ye stand;":** This final clause describes the ongoing, present reality of the Corinthian believers. To "stand" (_hístēmi_) in the gospel means that their current spiritual position, their stability, their identity, and their hope are all firmly grounded in the truth of the gospel they received. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power and foundational nature of this message for their entire Christian walk.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in this concise opening verse. The use of **Repetition** is evident in the repeated phrase "unto you," emphasizing the direct, personal nature of Paul's ministry and the gospel's reception by the Corinthians. This also serves as a form of **Anaphora** if considering the repeated structure. The verse also functions as a powerful **Thesis Statement** for the entire chapter, clearly stating the subject (the gospel) and its foundational importance before delving into the specific content of the resurrection. Furthermore, the phrase "wherein ye stand" utilizes **Metaphor**, portraying the gospel not just as a message, but as a stable, unshakeable ground or foundation upon which their faith and lives are built, contrasting with the instability of doubt or false teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's opening statement in 1 Corinthians 15:1 is a theological anchor, reminding believers that the gospel is not a transient idea but the enduring, foundational truth upon which their entire faith rests. It underscores the gospel's objective reality as something "declared" and "preached," and its subjective reality as something "received" and "wherein ye stand." This establishes the gospel as both the content of faith and the power that sustains it, setting the stage for the crucial argument for the resurrection as an inseparable part of this saving message. The stability derived from standing in the gospel is a recurring theme throughout Paul's epistles, emphasizing the need for believers to remain steadfast against error.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")
* [Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - Another Gospel")
* [Colossians 1:23](/colossians/1-23 "Colossians 1:23 - Continue in the Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls believers today to a profound self-examination of their spiritual foundation. In a world saturated with shifting ideologies and fleeting trends, Paul's reminder to the Corinthians is timeless: our faith is not built on personal feelings, cultural currents, or human wisdom, but on the unshakeable, historical, and redemptive truth of the gospel. To "stand" in the gospel means to continually return to its core tenets—Christ's death, burial, and resurrection—as the source of our identity, hope, and strength. It challenges us to assess whether our lives truly reflect the transforming power of this good news, or if we have allowed doubts, distractions, or alternative narratives to erode our firm footing. Embracing and living out the gospel daily provides the stability needed to navigate life's challenges and remain steadfast in our confession.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me personally to "stand" in the gospel today?**
* **How consistently do I return to the core truths of the gospel as the foundation for my faith and daily living?**
* **In what ways might I be allowing external pressures or internal doubts to compromise my firm footing in the gospel message?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul start Chapter 15 by reminding them of the gospel they already know?**

Answer: Paul begins by reiterating the gospel because some in Corinth were questioning or denying the resurrection of the dead, which is an absolutely essential component of the gospel message. By reminding them of the gospel they "received" and "wherein ye stand," Paul re-establishes common ground and underscores that belief in the resurrection is not a new or optional doctrine, but an inherent truth foundational to their very salvation and Christian identity. It's a strategic rhetorical move to bring them back to the core truth before addressing their specific doubts about the resurrection, as he will elaborate in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel").

**What is the significance of the phrase "wherein ye stand"?**

Answer: The phrase "wherein ye stand" (Greek: _hístēmi_) signifies a firm, stable, and enduring position. It implies that the gospel is not just something they heard or believed in the past, but it is the current, active foundation of their spiritual lives. Their present spiritual stability, their identity as Christians, and their hope for the future are all securely rooted in this unchanging truth. It contrasts with being wavering or unstable in their faith, and it sets the stage for Paul's argument that denying the resurrection would undermine the very ground upon which they stand. This concept of standing firm is echoed in other Pauline epistles, such as [Ephesians 6:13-14](/ephesians/6-13-14 "Ephesians 6:13-14 - Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 15:1 directly speaks of the gospel as "preached," "received," and "wherein ye stand," its Christ-centered fulfillment is profoundly evident in the content of that very gospel. The "good news" Paul declares is inextricably linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The gospel is not merely a set of propositions, but the saving narrative of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose life, death, and resurrection constitute the very heart of this message. To "stand" in the gospel, therefore, is to stand in Christ—to be firmly rooted in His finished work on the cross, His triumph over death, and His ongoing reign as Lord. He is the substance of the gospel, the one who embodies the "good news" of salvation and reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). Our standing is not in our own merit or understanding, but in the perfect righteousness and redemptive power of Christ, who is our life ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ is Our Life")) and the very hope of glory ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). Thus, this verse implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate foundation and enduring reality of the believer's faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 1:6

¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Galatians 1:12

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 5:12

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.