Paul reaffirms the core gospel message: Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. The resurrection is presented as a historical reality witnessed by many people.
He explains that without Christ’s resurrection, Christian faith would be empty and humanity would remain in sin. But because Christ truly rose, believers have certain hope beyond death.
Jesus is called the “firstfruits” of the resurrection, meaning His victory guarantees the future resurrection of those who belong to Him.
Paul describes the future resurrection body as transformed, imperishable, and glorious. Death itself will ultimately be defeated.
The chapter ends with encouragement for believers to remain steadfast, knowing their labor for the Lord is never in vain.
Major themes:
The gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection
Historical reality of the resurrection
Victory over death
Future resurrection of believers
Endurance rooted in eternal hope
1 Corinthians 15
(Verse 1)
Now I remind you of the gospel
I preached to you —
The message you received,
The message in which you stand.
That Christ died for our sins
According to the Scriptures.
That He was buried.
That He was raised on the third day
According to the Scriptures.
(Verse 2)
He appeared to Cephas,
Then to the Twelve.
Then to more than five hundred at once —
Most still living.
Then to James.
Then to all the apostles.
Last of all — to me.
(Chorus)
If Christ is not raised,
Our preaching is empty.
Your faith is in vain.
But Christ has been raised —
The firstfruits of those who sleep.
Death is not the end.
(Verse 3)
If there is no resurrection,
Then Christ is not raised.
If Christ is not raised,
You are still in your sins.
Those who died in Him are lost.
We are most to be pitied.
(Verse 4)
But Christ has been raised from the dead —
The firstfruits.
For as in Adam all die,
So in Christ shall all be made alive.
Each in his order:
Christ the firstfruits,
Then at His coming,
Those who belong to Him.
(Bridge)
Then comes the end —
When He delivers the kingdom
To God the Father.
Every enemy destroyed.
The last enemy — death.
For He must reign
Until all is under His feet.
(Verse 5)
Someone will ask, “How are the dead raised?”
What you sow is not made alive
Unless it dies.
What is sown perishable
Is raised imperishable.
What is sown in weakness
Is raised in power.
What is sown a natural body
Is raised a spiritual body.
(Ending)
As we bore the image of the man of dust,
We shall bear the image of the Man of heaven.
The trumpet will sound.
The dead will be raised imperishable.
Death is swallowed up in victory.
“O death, where is your sting?”
Thanks be to God,
Who gives us the victory
Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore — be steadfast.
Immovable.
Always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Your labor is not in vain.
