Easter · The Resurrection of Our Lord (Easter Sunrise)
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
The Resurrection of Christ
April 5, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Christ died for our sins… he was buried… he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Chapter 15 functions both as a crescendo of this letter and as the high-water mark of Paul’s theological exposition. It provides the theological key that reveals Paul’s mind to his audience and explains the structure of his ethics. For Paul, everything he has said in this letter hinges on the historical reality of Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead. Christ’s resurrection stands as the climactic point, without which his suffering and death have no significance, and because of which God’s restorative grace toward his creation is now revealed. Because of Christ’s resurrection, Christ’s followers have hope for eternal life in God’s presence—a life that has already begun and has proved its power in Christ’s community. Believers who have become parts of Christ’s body and recipients of his Spirit have assurance that they will be raised from the dead with Christ.
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Commentary
1 Corinthians 15 Commentary: The Resurrection of Jesus Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik works through Paul's earliest creed of the resurrection and its list of witnesses.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary noting how Paul's threefold talk of grace anchors the gospel he received.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - Working Preacher Working Preacher
The exact passage is the RCL Easter Day second reading, so this Luther Seminary commentary applies directly.
1 Corinthians 15 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
A verse-by-verse study hub with word notes and cross references on Paul's resurrection chapter.
1 Corinthians 15:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators compared side by side on Paul's opening restatement of the gospel.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the gospel Paul delivers in 1 Corinthians 15?
Paul sets down the earliest creed, that Christ died, was buried, and rose, appearing to Cephas, the Twelve, and to Paul himself, the last of all.
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