1Cor 15:3, 6 | JFB | e4.org | 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

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.

‏ 1 Corinthians 15:6

6. five hundred—This appearance was probably on the mountain (Tabor, according to tradition), in Galilee, when His most solemn and public appearance, according to His special promise, was vouchsafed (Mt 26:32; 28:7, 10, 16). He "appointed" this place, as one remote from Jerusalem, so that believers might assemble there more freely and securely. ALFORD'S theory of Jerusalem being the scene, is improbable; as such a multitude of believers could not, with any safety, have met in one place in the metropolis, after His crucifixion there. The number of disciples (Ac 1:15) at Jerusalem shortly after, was one hundred and twenty, those in Galilee and elsewhere not being reckoned. Andronicus and JUNIUS were, perhaps, of the number (Ro 16:7): they are said to be "among the apostles" (who all were witnesses of the resurrection, Ac 1:22).

remain unto this present—and, therefore, may be sifted thoroughly to ascertain the trustworthiness of their testimony.

fallen asleep—in the sure hope of awaking at the resurrection (Ac 7:60).