1 Corinthians 15:11 – “Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul brings his discussion about the resurrection to a conclusion by emphasizing that the message he preaches is the same as that of the other apostles. Whether it was Paul himself or the other apostles who proclaimed the gospel, the message remained unchanged: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Paul is reinforcing that the resurrection is not just his personal teaching but the foundational truth of Christianity. The apostles were united in their message, and the Corinthians had already believed it. This verse serves as a reminder that the gospel does not change based on who is preaching it—it remains the same truth that was passed down from Jesus to His disciples.

Paul’s words also gently challenge the Corinthians: If they had already believed in this message, why were some of them now questioning the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12)? If they accepted the gospel at first, they should continue to stand firm in it.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, a city heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. Many Greeks viewed the physical body as something to be discarded, so the idea of a bodily resurrection was difficult for them to accept. Some in the Corinthian church were even beginning to question whether resurrection was real.

To address this, Paul systematically laid out the evidence for the resurrection:

• Jesus appeared to Peter, the Twelve, over 500 witnesses, James, and all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:5-7).
• Paul himself had encountered the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:8).
• All the apostles preached the same message, and the Corinthians had already accepted it (1 Corinthians 15:11).

By emphasizing the unity of the apostles in proclaiming the resurrection, Paul was reminding the Corinthians that this was not a new or questionable teaching—it was the core truth of their faith.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key truths about Christianity:

1. The gospel is unchanging – The message about Jesus’ death and resurrection has been consistent from the beginning.
2. The resurrection is central to Christian belief – The Corinthians believed it when they first heard it, and they should continue to believe it now.
3. Christian truth is not based on individual personalities – Whether Paul, Peter, or any other apostle preached it, the message remained the same.
4. Faith must remain grounded in the truth – If the Corinthians had truly believed the gospel, they should not waver in their confidence in the resurrection.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is simple yet powerful.

• The phrase “Whether, then, it is I or they” shows that the identity of the preacher is secondary to the truth of the message.
• “This is what we preach” reinforces the consistency of the gospel. There was no variation among the apostles—this was the same message they all shared.
• “This is what you believed” directly reminds the Corinthians of their own faith. Paul is calling them to remain firm in what they originally accepted.

This verse serves as a bridge in Paul’s argument. Having laid out the resurrection appearances, he now transitions into addressing why the resurrection matters for their faith.

Biblical Cross-References

• Galatians 1:8-9 – “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (The gospel does not change based on who preaches it.)
• Acts 2:32 – “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” (The apostles consistently preached the resurrection.)
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Faith is tied to the resurrection.)
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say.” (Unity in the gospel message was essential.)
• 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (The gospel must be passed down faithfully.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers today that Christianity is built on truth, not personalities. The gospel remains the same no matter who preaches it. Whether a well-known pastor or an ordinary believer shares the message, the power is in the truth itself, not in the messenger.

It also challenges modern Christians to remain firm in what they first believed. Many people today struggle with doubt, influenced by cultural shifts and new ideas. But Paul’s message is clear: If you have believed the gospel, hold fast to it. The truth does not change, even when society does.

This verse is also a call for unity in the church. Paul reminds us that all true Christian teachers preach the same gospel. In a world filled with different denominations and interpretations, believers must stay anchored in the unchanging truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is demonstrated in the way He has preserved the gospel message throughout history. He did not allow His truth to be lost or corrupted. From the apostles to the present day, the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection has remained unchanged, offering salvation to all who believe.

This verse also shows God’s love in how He makes the gospel simple and clear. Salvation is not based on following a complex religious system or on who delivers the message. The same truth is available to everyone, regardless of background, because God desires all people to come to Him (1 Timothy 2:4).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is ultimately about Jesus because it affirms the truth of His resurrection and the consistency of His message.

• Jesus’ resurrection is the foundation of the gospel – Every apostle preached that He rose from the dead.
• Jesus is the unchanging truth – Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
• Jesus is the reason for our faith – The Corinthians did not believe in a religious philosophy; they believed in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Other key connections to Jesus:

• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His followers to make disciples, ensuring His message is passed on.
• John 11:25 – Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
• Luke 24:46-48 – Jesus tells His disciples that they are witnesses of His resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul emphasized that all the apostles preached the same gospel?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that different teachers can preach different versions of Christianity?
3. Have you ever struggled with doubts about the resurrection? How does this verse encourage you to hold firm in your faith?
4. What are some ways we can stay grounded in the gospel despite the changing views of the world?
5. How can we ensure that we are passing down the true gospel to future generations?