Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1 CORINTHIANS 15:1KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:1 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:1 means that Paul is reminding the Christians in Corinth about the message of good news (the gospel) that he had already preached to them, which they had accepted and now rely on as the foundation of their faith. Paul is setting the stage to talk more about the core truths of this message.

Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, calls them "brethren" to show their shared faith. He uses this moment to re-emphasize the importance of the gospel he first brought to them, making clear that this is not a new teaching but the same one they received and continue to stand on. This introduction prepares the readers for a detailed explanation of the gospel, especially about Jesus’ resurrection, which follows in the chapter.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:1

  • "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion, G2098) means "gospel" or "good news." Paul uses this word to refer to the central message about Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of Christian belief.
  • "παρέλαβετε" (parelabete, G3880) means "received." This word highlights that the Corinthians did not just hear the gospel—they accepted it and made it their own.
  • "ἑστήκατε" (hestēkate, G2476) means "stand." In this context, it suggests that the Corinthians’ faith and spiritual life are grounded in this gospel, not just something they once heard but something they continue to rely on.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:1 matters

  • This verse reminds readers that the gospel is not just information but something to be received and stood upon, showing its ongoing importance in a believer’s life.
  • Paul’s emphasis on having already preached and the Corinthians having already received the gospel helps clear up any idea that he is introducing new teachings or changing the message.
  • The verse sets up the rest of 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul will explain the resurrection and its importance, showing that everything he is about to say is rooted in the original gospel message.

Where else these words appear

“declare” Greek G1107 · used in 23 verses

  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
  • Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

“received” Greek G3880 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
  • Acts 15:39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

“preached” Greek G2097 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:(he is Lord of all:)
  • 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;