1 Corinthians 15:3

1 Corinthians 15:3

Verse 3 crystallizes the gospel message Paul “delivered unto you”—the core that he received and then proclaimed: Christ died for sins according to the Scriptures. This is the heart of the atonement and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Paul’s phrasing emphasizes two things: the content of the gospel and its scriptural basis. The mention of “the Scriptures” points to the Old Testament as the backdrop against which Jesus’ death is understood. In Corinth, where philosophical speculation and public demonstrations of power were common, Paul anchors the gospel in concrete, historical, and prophetic terms. The death of Christ for sins explains not just Jesus’ fate but God’s plan for reconciliation, justice, and mercy. This set-up builds toward the cruciform life and the resurrection as the ultimate vindication of God’s saving strategy.

Theologically, this verse asserts vicarious atonement—Christ dying for sinners—and the centrality of Scripture in revealing this truth. It highlights the gospel’s sufficiency: Christ died for sins, fulfilling divine justice and offering forgiveness. The combination of death and Scripture signals the unity of the gospel message across both testaments and affirms God’s faithfulness to promises.

Practically, believers can anchor their faith in Jesus’ atoning death “for sins” and the Scriptures that testify to it. This means relying on the cross for forgiveness, grace, and transformation, and reading the Bible as a coherent, God-centered narrative. In daily life, this leads to gratitude for grace, humility before God, and a mission posture to share this good news with others. For church life, emphasize pastoral preaching that explains sin, atonement, and the hope found in Christ, showing how Jesus’ death shapes ethical living and community.

Cross-References: Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13