And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Read it in contextThe Resurrection of Christ and Its Implications
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 15:1 (1 Corinthians 15:1 to 1 Corinthians 15:34).
The chapter begins with Paul declaring the gospel, which includes Christ's resurrection, and then proceeds to argue for its necessity against those who deny the resurrection of the dead.
15:1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
15:2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
15:3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
15:4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
15:5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
15:6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
15:7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
15:8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
15:9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
15:11Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
15:12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
15:13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
15:14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15:15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
15:16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
15:17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
15:18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
15:19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
15:20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
15:21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
15:22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
15:23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
15:24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
15:25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
15:26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
15:27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
15:28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
15:29Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
15:30And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
15:31I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our LORD, I die daily.
15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
15:34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 15:1–15:58): Paul addresses Corinthians among whom some deny resurrection, recalling witnesses to Jesus' resurrection and explaining its significance. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
What is the main theme of this passage? The absolute necessity of Christ's resurrection for the validity of Christian faith and the forgiveness of sins. stated in the text
What is God revealing through this passage? God is revealing that the resurrection of Christ is the foundational truth upon which the gospel rests, without which faith is futile and people remain unforgiven of their sins. stated in the text
What is the literary style of this passage? It is an argumentative and expository discourse, presenting a logical case for the resurrection and its implications. interpretation
When
When was the epistle of 1 Corinthians written? Approximately A.D. 55. book background
When do the events described in the passage take place? The resurrection of Christ occurred on the third day after His death. The writing of this epistle and the ministry of Paul occurred during his third missionary journey. stated in the text
Where
Where was the author located when he wrote this epistle? Ephesus. book background
Where did the resurrection of Christ take place? The resurrection of Christ occurred in the region of Judea, outside Jerusalem. traditionally held
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Resurrection of Christ and Its Implications (1 Corinthians 15:1 to 1 Corinthians 15:34).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 15:1. The chapter begins with Paul declaring the gospel, which includes Christ's resurrection, and then proceeds to argue for its necessity against those who deny the resurrection of the dead.
How
How does this passage fit the broader context of 1 Corinthians? This passage is central to Paul's defense of the resurrection, addressing doubts and false teachings within the Corinthian church regarding the resurrection of the dead. It establishes the resurrection of Christ as the cornerstone of the gospel he preached. stated in the text
How does this passage point to Christ? The passage emphatically states that if Christ was not raised, faith is vain, and people remain in their sins. This highlights Christ's resurrection as the essential act that validates His atoning death, secures the forgiveness of sins, and makes faith meaningful. stated in the text
How can believers apply this passage today? Believers today can find assurance and confidence in their faith, knowing that Christ's resurrection is a historical fact that guarantees the forgiveness of their sins and provides hope for their own future resurrection. It calls for steadfastness in the gospel. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 15
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the gospel the Corinthians received and the witnesses to Jesus' resurrection, establishing the basis of his argument.
Connection to the wholePaul exposes what denial of resurrection would do to the gospel and hope, then relates Christ's resurrection to the future of those who are His.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about the body through images of seed and differing glory, distinguishing present corruptibility from the resurrection life.
Connection to the wholeThe final transformation and victory over death lead directly to the call to remain steadfast in the Lord's work.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.