A Study of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Have you seen “The Jungle Book (1967)” movie?
The song “The Bare Necessities” from that film popped into my mind as I was studying for this post.
I remember the scene of Baloo the bear singing this song to encourage Mowgli to take life easy.
Now the song “The Bare Necessities” is not about Christian faith by any means.
I just want to clear things up front.
But the principle of focusing on the basics captured my mind.
Why?
Because Paul, the author of 1 Corinthians, reminds the believers in Corinth of the basics of the gospel message in this passage.
Reminding Us of the Gospel
A Study of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. [1]
What is Paul concerned about?
Why is Paul concerned? (See 1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,[2]
List the three items Paul describes “as of first importance”.
Keep this in mind: at the time Paul was writing, there was no New Testament collection of scriptures yet. What then does Paul mean by the phrase “in accordance with the Scriptures”? (See Isaiah 53 and Psalm 16)
5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.[3]
What is the significance of Christ appearing to these different people?
8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.[4]
Why does Paul consider himself the least of the apostles?
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. [5]
Why is God’s grace on Paul not in vain?
Is Paul being arrogant here? Why or why not?
Why is Paul reminding the Corinthians that they had already claimed to believe the basics of the Gospel he listed in verses 3-4? (See 1 Corinthians 15:12-19)
Reminding Us of the Gospel
A Study of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 | Application
Write out Isaiah 53:6.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures[6]
How do Isaiah 53:6 and Paul’s summary of Christ’s crucifixion apply to you today?
Write a prayer of thanks to God for this gift of grace.
Consider the following from the Gospel of Matthew:
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.[7]
And Paul’s statement from our passage today:
4 that he was buried
What impact do Matthew and Paul’s statements about Christ’s burial have on you?
Write a prayer of thanks to God for his attention to ensuring there was no confusion over whose body was in the tomb.
Consider Jesus’ own prediction of his death and resurrection found in Luke:
31 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”[8]
And Paul’s statement from our passage today:
that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures[9]
How does Jesus’ statement about himself and Paul’s summary encourage you today?
Write a prayer of thanks for the incredible love God and Christ have for you.
How does Paul’s reminding us of the gospel message inspire you to live differently?
Heavenly Father, most Holy and Gracious God, thank you for sending Christ to us to accomplish what we could not. Jesus frequently told his disciples and the crowds who followed him that the kingdom was near while he walked the earth. He also said that after he had accomplished his mission and ascended to heaven again, you would send the Holy Spirit to live inside all who accept your amazing grace and believe in your son.
Thank you for being a creator God who cares this deeply. You are not far off but close at hand, providing for each of us daily. More significantly, you have forgiven us for our failings against you and each other. May we share this grace of forgiveness that we have received from you with those around us.
Lead us to walk faithfully, Lord. Encourage us with good friends who also walk faithfully with you. Keep us far from temptation.
May we claim the words of Psalm 16:8-11:
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. [10]
Amen.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
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[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:1–2.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:3–4.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:5–7.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:8–9.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:10–11.
[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:3.
[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mt 27:57–60.
[8] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Lk 18:31–33.
[9] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Co 15:4.
[10] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:8–11.