1 Corinthians 15:4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:4
Verse 4 adds the second element of the core gospel formula: Christ was buried and raised on the third day, “according to the Scriptures.” The burial confirms the reality of Jesus’ death and his humanity, while the resurrection testifies to victory over sin and death. The “third day” pattern echoes Jesus’ own predictions and the prophetic expectations. Paul reiterates the scriptural basis to demonstrate that these events are not legends but fulfillments of God’s plan as foretold in Scripture. In Corinth, with competing theories about life after death, this verse anchors hope in observable, historical acts: Jesus’ burial and resurrection. This pieces together the mystery of salvation with the empirical claim that the tomb was empty and Jesus rose, thereby defeating the powers of sin and death. The declaration is both theological and pastoral—comforting believers and challenging skeptics to reckon with the reality of the risen Christ.
Theologically, this verse completes the gospel core and links death and resurrection as two inseparable facets of salvation. It emphasizes the historicity of the resurrection and its necessity for Christian faith. The interplay with Scripture underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive plan across the entire biblical narrative.
Today, this invites believers to trust in the risen Christ as the source of new life. Practically, this means living in the reality of resurrection power—over sin, fear, and despair. Churches can preach and celebrate Easter not as an annual event but as the ongoing reality that shapes daily decisions: how we treat others, how we serve, and how we respond to suffering. Personal steps include reflecting on Christ’s burial and resurrection in prayer, journaling, and sharing stories of redemption with others. The resurrection provides motivation for bold living and hopeful witness in a world still wrestling with death and brokenness.
Cross-References: Luke 24:6-7; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Romans 6:4-11; Acts 2:24-32; Psalm 16:10