1Cor 15:3-4 | JFB | STEP | 3. I delivered unto you —A short creed, or summary of articles of faith, was probably even then existing; and a profession in accordance with it was required of candidates for baptism ( ). first of all —literally, "among the foremost points" ( ). The atonement is, in Paul's view, of primary importance. which I . . . received —from Christ Himself by special revelation (compare ). died for our sins —that is, to atone FOR them; for taking away our sins ( ; compare ): "gave Himself for our sins" ( ). The "for" here does not, as in some passages, imply vicarious substitution, but "in behalf of" ( ). It does not, however, mean merely "on account of," which is expressed by a different Greek word ( ), (though in English Version translated similarly, "for"). according to the scriptures —which "cannot be broken." Paul puts the testimony of Scripture above that of those who saw the Lord after His resurrection [BENGEL ]. So our Lord quotes , in ; compare .

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

3. I delivered unto you—A short creed, or summary of articles of faith, was probably even then existing; and a profession in accordance with it was required of candidates for baptism (Ac 8:37).

first of all—literally, "among the foremost points" (Heb 6:2). The atonement is, in Paul's view, of primary importance.

which I . . . received—from Christ Himself by special revelation (compare 1Co 11:23).

died for our sins—that is, to atone FOR them; for taking away our sins (1Jo 3:5; compare Ga 1:4): "gave Himself for our sins" (Isa 53:5; 2Co 5:15; Tit 2:14). The "for" here does not, as in some passages, imply vicarious substitution, but "in behalf of" (Heb 5:3; 1Pe 2:24). It does not, however, mean merely "on account of," which is expressed by a different Greek word (Ro 4:25), (though in English Version translated similarly, "for").

according to the scriptures—which "cannot be broken." Paul puts the testimony of Scripture above that of those who saw the Lord after His resurrection [BENGEL]. So our Lord quotes Isa 53:12, in Lu 22:37; compare Ps 22:15, &c.; Da 9:26.

4. buried . . . rose again—His burial is more closely connected with His resurrection than His death. At the moment of His death, the power of His inextinguishable life exerted itself (Mt 27:52). The grave was to Him not the destined receptacle of corruption, but an apartment fitted for entering into life (Ac 2:26-28) [BENGEL].

rose again—Greek, "hath risen": the state thus begun, and its consequences, still continue.