The Gospel I Preached

Read aloud

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached, which they received, took their stand on, and are being saved by if they hold firmly to the message. The gospel is not a passing slogan. It is the foundation in which they stand and the truth that continues to carry them.

Paul delivered what he had received as of first importance: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and appeared. The burial confirms that Jesus truly died; the resurrection announces that death did not keep Him.

Paul lists witnesses: Cephas, the Twelve, more than five hundred brothers at one time, James, all the apostles, and finally Paul himself. Most of the five hundred were still alive when Paul wrote. He names people and groups who saw Jesus alive, placing His resurrection in the lives of witnesses rather than describing only an inward experience.

Paul calls himself the least of the apostles because he persecuted the church of God. He says he is not worthy to be called an apostle, but by God's grace he is what he is. The risen Lord showed grace to a man who had attacked His people and entrusted him with preaching the gospel.

Paul worked harder than the others, yet he refuses to claim the credit. He says it was not he but God's grace working through him. The gospel he preached and the Corinthians received is the same whether it came through Paul or the other apostles.