1Cor 15:3-4 | RWP | e4.org | First of all ( εν πρωτοις ). Among first things. In primis . Not to time, but to importance. Which I also received ( ο κα παρελαβον ). Direct revelation claimed as about the institution of the Lord's Supper ( ) and same verbs used ( παρεδωκα, παρελαβον ). Four items given by Paul in explaining "the gospel" which Paul preached. Stanley calls it (verses ) the creed of the early disciples, but "rather a sample of the exact form of the apostle's early teaching, than a profession of faith on the part of converts" (Vincent). The four items are presented by four verbs (died, απεθανεν , was buried, εταφη , hath been raised, εγηγερτα , appeared, ωφθη ). Christ died ( Χριστος απεθανεν ). Historical fact and crucial event. For our sins ( υπερ των αμαρτιων ημων ). Hυπερ means literally over, in behalf, even instead of ( ), where used of persons. But here much in the sense of περ ( ) as is common in Koine . In we have περ αμαρτιων, υπερ αδικων . According to the Scriptures ( κατα τας γραφας ). As Jesus showed ( ; ) and as Peter pointed out ( ; ) and as Paul had done ( .; ). Cf. .

‏ 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

First of all ( εν πρωτοις ). Among first things. In primis. Not to time, but to importance.

Which I also received ( ο κα παρελαβον ). Direct revelation claimed as about the institution of the Lord's Supper (11:23) and same verbs used ( παρεδωκα, παρελαβον ). Four items given by Paul in explaining "the gospel" which Paul preached. Stanley calls it (verses 1-11) the creed of the early disciples, but "rather a sample of the exact form of the apostle's early teaching, than a profession of faith on the part of converts" (Vincent). The four items are presented by four verbs (died, απεθανεν, was buried, εταφη, hath been raised, εγηγερτα, appeared, ωφθη ).

Christ died ( Χριστος απεθανεν ). Historical fact and crucial event.

For our sins ( υπερ των αμαρτιων ημων ). Hυπερ means literally over, in behalf, even instead of (Ga 3:13), where used of persons. But here much in the sense of περ (Ga 1:14) as is common in Koine. In 1Pe 3:18 we have περ αμαρτιων, υπερ αδικων.

According to the Scriptures ( κατα τας γραφας ). As Jesus showed (Lu 22:37; 24:25) and as Peter pointed out (Ac 2:25-27; 3:35) and as Paul had done (Ac 13:24f.; 17:3). Cf. Ro 1:2ff.

And that he was buried ( κα οτ εταφη ). Note οτ repeated before each of the four verbs as a separate item. Second aorist passive indicative of θαπτω, old verb, to bury. This item is an important detail as the Gospels show.

And that he hath been raised ( κα οτ εγηγερτα ). Perfect passive indicative, not ηγερθη like

rose of the King James' Version. There is reason for this sudden change of tense. Paul wishes to emphasize the permanence of the resurrection of Jesus. He is still risen.

On the third day ( τη ημερα τη τριτη ). Locative case of time. Whether Paul had seen either of the Gospels we do not know, but this item is closely identified with the fact of Christ's resurrection. We have it in Peter's speech (Ac 10:40) and Jesus points it out as part of prophecy (Lu 24:46). The other expression occasionally found "after three days" (Mr 10:34) is merely free vernacular for the same idea and not even Mt 12:40 disturbs it. See on Lu 24:1 for record of the empty tomb on the first day of the week (the third day).