1 Corinthians 15:3

KJV

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I delivered {G3860} unto you {G5213} first of all {G1722}{G4413} that which {G3739} I {G3880} also {G2532} received {G3880}, how {G3754} that Christ {G5547} died {G599} for {G5228} our {G2257} sins {G266} according {G2596} to the scriptures {G1124};

Complete Jewish Bible

For among the first things I passed on to you was what I also received, namely this: the Messiah died for our sins, in accordance with what the Tanakh says;

Berean Standard Bible

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

American Standard Version

For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 15:3 encapsulates the foundational truth of the Christian gospel, emphasizing its divine origin and essential content. Paul declares that the core message he imparted to the Corinthian believers, a truth he himself received, is that Christ died for humanity's sins in perfect accordance with the Old Testament scriptures. This verse serves as the bedrock for Paul's subsequent extensive argument for the resurrection, establishing the historical and theological necessity of Christ's atoning death as the prerequisite for resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the absolute theological bedrock of [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), often called the "Resurrection Chapter." Paul begins by reminding the Corinthian church of the gospel he preached, which they received and through which they stand ([1 Corinthians 15:1-2](/1_corinthians/15-1-2 "1 Corinthians 15:1-2 - The Gospel Received")). Verse 3 then immediately presents the irreducible core of that gospel message: Christ's atoning death. This foundational statement is crucial because the Corinthian church was struggling with significant theological errors, particularly some members denying the future bodily resurrection of believers ([1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - Denial of Resurrection")). By firmly establishing the historical and scriptural reality of Christ's death and subsequent resurrection, Paul lays the groundwork for refuting their false teachings and affirming the certainty of the believer's future resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, diverse metropolis, a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and various other cultures. Greek philosophical thought, particularly Platonism and Gnosticism, often held a disdain for the physical body and material world, viewing them as inferior or even evil. This philosophical backdrop likely contributed to the Corinthian believers' difficulty in accepting the concept of bodily resurrection, both Christ's and their own. Paul's emphasis on the physical death of Christ and the future physical resurrection directly confronts these prevailing cultural biases. Furthermore, Paul's assertion that he "delivered" what he "received" underscores the apostolic authority and the transmission of a sacred, non-negotiable tradition, distinguishing the gospel from mere human philosophy or opinion.
* **Key Themes:** The verse succinctly introduces several pivotal themes that permeate not only [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") but also the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it highlights the **centrality of the Gospel**, defining it not as a set of moral principles but as a historical event centered on Christ's death for sins. Secondly, it introduces the doctrine of **substitutionary atonement**, where Christ's death is presented as a vicarious act "for our sins," bearing the penalty we deserved. This theme is foundational to understanding salvation and forgiveness, as seen in passages like [Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Justification by Faith"). Thirdly, the phrase "according to the scriptures" introduces the theme of **divine fulfillment and biblical authority**, asserting that Christ's death was not a random tragedy but a predetermined act of God, meticulously foretold in the Old Testament ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Finally, the language of "delivered" and "received" underscores the theme of **apostolic tradition and the reliability of the gospel message**, emphasizing its continuity and divine origin, as Paul also notes in [1 Corinthians 11:23](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23 - Paul's Reception of the Lord's Supper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** G3860. This verb means "to surrender, yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it is a technical term for the handing down of authoritative tradition or teaching. Paul is not inventing new doctrine but faithfully transmitting a sacred trust, emphasizing the authenticity and reliability of the message. It implies a formal, intentional act of passing on a truth.
* **received (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** G3880. This verb means "to receive near, associate with oneself...to learn." It is the reciprocal of _paradídōmi_, signifying the acceptance or learning of an authoritative tradition. Paul emphasizes that he did not originate this message but received it, likely from the Lord Himself (as implied in [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Divine Revelation")) and/or from the other apostles ([1 Corinthians 15:11](/1_corinthians/15-11 "1 Corinthians 15:11 - Paul's Agreement with Other Apostles")). This reinforces the gospel's divine origin and apostolic consensus.
* **sins (Greek, _hamartía'_):** G266. This noun refers to "a sin (properly abstract)." It denotes a missing of the mark, a deviation from God's righteous standard, an act of transgression or rebellion against divine law. The plural form "sins" emphasizes the multitude and totality of human transgressions that Christ's death addresses. The phrase "for our sins" (Greek, _hypér tōn hamartiōn hēmōn_) signifies that Christ's death was "on behalf of" or "in place of" our sins, highlighting the substitutionary nature of His sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,"**: Paul begins by asserting the authoritative transmission of the gospel. The conjunction "For" (G1063, _gár_) indicates that this verse provides the reason or content for the preceding statement about the gospel they received and stood in. The phrase "first of all" (G1722, _en_ G4413, _prōtois_) translates to "of first importance" or "among the first things," indicating the foundational and non-negotiable nature of the truth that follows. Paul stresses that he is not inventing this message but faithfully passing on what he himself authoritatively "received," underscoring its divine origin and the continuity of apostolic teaching.
* **"how that Christ died for our sins"**: This is the core content of the gospel message. "Christ" (G5547, _Christós_) is the Greek equivalent of Messiah, identifying Jesus as the Anointed One, the promised deliverer. "Died" (G599, _apothnḗskō_) refers to a literal, physical death, crucial for the historical reality of the resurrection. The phrase "for our sins" (G5228, _hypér_ G2257, _hēmōn_ G266, _hamartía_) is profoundly significant, denoting a substitutionary or representative death. Christ's death was not accidental or merely exemplary, but a purposeful act "on behalf of" or "in place of" humanity's transgressions, providing atonement and reconciliation with God.
* **"according to the scriptures;"**: This crucial phrase (G2596, _katá_ G1124, _graphḗ_) provides divine validation and historical depth to Christ's death. It asserts that Jesus' death was not a random event but the fulfillment of God's ancient prophecies and redemptive plan revealed in the Old Testament. This demonstrates that God's saving work in Christ was not an afterthought but a meticulously planned and foretold event, giving the gospel an irrefutable foundation in the inspired Word of God. It points to passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") and [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - A Psalm of Suffering and Deliverance") as prophetic foreshadowings.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Chiasm** (or a chiastic structure in the broader context of delivery/reception), though more simply, there is a clear **Repetition** of the concept of transmission: "I delivered... that which I also received." This emphasizes the authoritative and traditional nature of the gospel message, highlighting that Paul is a faithful steward, not an innovator. The phrase "first of all" serves as a device of **Emphasis**, signaling the paramount importance and foundational nature of the truth about to be stated. The verse itself functions as an **Aphorism** or a concise, pithy statement of a universal truth, making the core gospel memorable and impactful. Finally, "according to the scriptures" is a direct **Allusion** to the Old Testament, grounding the historical event of Christ's death in the prophetic word of God and demonstrating its divine intentionality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 15:3 is a theological cornerstone, asserting the absolute necessity and efficacy of Christ's atoning death. It establishes that human sin required a divine remedy, and God, in His infinite love and justice, provided that remedy through the sacrificial death of His Son. This verse undergirds the doctrines of propitiation (satisfying God's wrath against sin), reconciliation (restoring relationship between God and humanity), and justification (being declared righteous before God). It underscores that salvation is not earned through human effort or adherence to law, but is a gift received through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. The "according to the scriptures" clause further connects the New Covenant fulfillment to the Old Testament promises, demonstrating God's consistent and unfolding plan of redemption throughout history.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")
* [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - The Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This foundational verse calls believers to a profound reflection on the magnitude of God's love and the depth of Christ's sacrifice. To truly grasp that "Christ died for our sins" is to confront the reality of our own sinfulness and the immense grace extended to us. This truth should cultivate a spirit of deep gratitude, humility, and unwavering assurance of salvation. It reminds us that our standing with God is not based on our performance but on Christ's perfect work, freeing us from the burden of earning favor and empowering us to live lives of joyful obedience. For those who have not yet embraced this truth, the verse presents the gospel in its most potent form, inviting them to acknowledge their sin and receive the forgiveness offered through Christ's death. Furthermore, the emphasis on "according to the scriptures" challenges us to delve into the Old Testament, discovering the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan woven throughout history, thereby strengthening our faith in the reliability of God's Word. Just as Paul faithfully transmitted what he received, we are called to cherish, understand, and clearly articulate this unchanging, life-transforming message to a world desperately in need of hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that Christ's death was "for our sins" deepen your appreciation for God's grace and mercy in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "according to the scriptures" strengthen your confidence in the divine origin and trustworthiness of the gospel message?**
* **Considering Paul's emphasis on "delivered" and "received," how can you more faithfully and clearly transmit the core truths of the gospel to those around you?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul emphasize that he "delivered" what he "received"?**

Answer: Paul's emphasis on both "delivering" (G3860, _paradídōmi_) and "receiving" (G3880, _paralambánō_) highlights the authoritative and traditional nature of the gospel message. In the ancient world, these terms were often used for the transmission of sacred or authoritative teachings. By stating he "received" it, Paul underscores that the gospel is not his own invention or a human philosophy, but a divine revelation, a sacred trust passed down. This bolsters its credibility and authority, especially crucial for a church like Corinth that was questioning fundamental doctrines. It also connects his teaching to the broader apostolic tradition, as he states in [1 Corinthians 15:11](/1_corinthians/15-11 "1 Corinthians 15:11 - Paul's Agreement with Other Apostles") that he and the other apostles preached the same message.

**What does "according to the scriptures" refer to in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "according to the scriptures" (G2596, _katá_ G1124, _graphḗ_) refers specifically to the Old Testament prophecies and types that foretold the suffering and death of the Messiah. Paul is asserting that Christ's death was not a random or unexpected event, but a pre-ordained act of God, meticulously planned and revealed centuries before its fulfillment. This would have pointed the Corinthian believers, and us, to passages such as [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), which vividly describes a suffering servant who bears the iniquities of others, and [Psalm 22](/psalms/22 "Psalm 22 - A Psalm of Suffering and Deliverance"), which prophetically details aspects of the crucifixion. This emphasis grounds the historical reality of Christ's death in the divine, unchanging word of God, demonstrating God's sovereign plan of redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:3 powerfully presents Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The declaration that "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures" is the very heart of the gospel, revealing Jesus as the promised Messiah whose sacrificial death was not an arbitrary event but the divinely ordained culmination of centuries of prophetic anticipation. He is the Lamb of God, foreshadowed in the Old Testament sacrificial system, who perfectly and finally atoned for humanity's sin, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His death on the cross fulfills the suffering servant passages of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), where the righteous one bears the iniquity of many. This verse points to Jesus as the one in whom all the Old Testament promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). His death was the necessary act to satisfy divine justice and open the way for reconciliation between God and humanity ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Thus, Christ is not merely a historical figure who died, but the very Son of God who, by His intentional and scripturally foretold death, accomplished salvation for all who believe, making Him the central figure of all redemptive history.

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

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Galatians 1:4

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Isaiah 53:1

¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Galatians 1:12

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

Daniel 9:24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.