1 Corinthians 15:1
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1 Corinthians 15:1
This verse begins a pivotal section where Paul recaps and reaffirms the gospel that he preached, the very gospel upon which the Corinthians’ standing in Christ rests. The language signals proclamation and reception: Paul declares the gospel he preached, which they have received and now stand in. This moment anchors the entire argument of 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul defends the historicity of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as central to Christian faith. The cultural context includes oral culture and the importance of reliable teaching. Paul’s formula—what he preached, what they received, and what they stand in—emphasizes the continuity of the gospel from apostolic testimony to contemporary faith, and the transformation that comes with receiving it.
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the gospel’s experiential and historical dimensions: proclamation, reception, and perseverance. It anchors the believer’s identity in the gospel and frames the chapter’s later arguments about resurrection as foundational to Christian hope. It also shows the continuity of God’s plan—what was preached by the apostles continues to hold authority for the church.
For today, this verse invites believers to reflect on what they have received: the core message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and how it shapes daily living. Personal practice: recount the gospel in daily rhythms (prayer, confession, gratitude) and share it with others. Churches can renew emphasis on gospel proclamation in preaching, teaching, and outreach, ensuring that all catechesis ties back to the central message of Christ’s saving work and the believer’s ongoing dependence on it for endurance and hope.
Cross-References: Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:11-12; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; Colossians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 1:5