1 Corinthians 15:4 – “That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s summary of the gospel, which he is reminding the Corinthians to hold on to. After stating that Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3), Paul now highlights two more essential truths: Jesus was buried, and He was raised on the third day.

The fact that Jesus was buried confirms that He truly died. Some false teachings have suggested that Jesus only appeared to be dead or that His body was stolen. But the burial shows that His death was real and final—His body was placed in a tomb, just like any other dead person.

Then Paul states that Jesus was raised on the third day, emphasizing the resurrection as a historical event. The resurrection was not just a spiritual idea or metaphor; it was a literal event where Jesus came back to life in a glorified body. This was not a resuscitation but a complete victory over death.

Paul also repeats the phrase “according to the Scriptures”, just as he did in verse 3. This means that Jesus’ resurrection was not random—it was part of God’s plan, foretold in the Old Testament. His resurrection fulfilled prophecy and proved that He was who He claimed to be: the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church because some believers were questioning the idea of resurrection. In Greek thought, the physical body was often seen as weak or unimportant, and many found it hard to believe that someone who had died could actually rise again. Some even believed in a purely “spiritual” afterlife rather than a bodily resurrection.

By emphasizing Christ’s burial and resurrection, Paul was correcting these misunderstandings. The gospel was not about escaping the body but about God redeeming both body and soul. Jesus’ resurrection was the foundation of the Christian faith, and Paul wanted to make sure they understood its importance.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several foundational truths:

1. Jesus’ resurrection is central to the gospel – If Jesus was not raised, then His death would have been meaningless, and there would be no salvation (1 Corinthians 15:17).
2. The resurrection was a real, physical event – Jesus didn’t just “live on” in His followers’ memories. He was truly and bodily raised.
3. The resurrection fulfills Scripture – This event was part of God’s eternal plan, showing His sovereignty over history.
4. Jesus’ resurrection proves victory over sin and death – If Christ conquered death, then those who trust in Him will also be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is simple and structured, emphasizing the key facts: Jesus died, was buried, and was raised. This clear, straightforward way of stating the gospel reflects an early Christian creed—possibly one of the first statements of faith passed down in the church.

The repetition of “that” before each statement (“that he was buried, that he was raised”) shows that these are separate but equally important truths. The phrase “on the third day” is also important, as it echoes Jesus’ own predictions about His resurrection (Matthew 12:40, Matthew 16:21).

Paul also repeats “according to the Scriptures”, reinforcing that the gospel is not a human invention but the fulfillment of God’s Word.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 16:10 – “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” (A prophecy about the resurrection.)
• Isaiah 53:10-11 – The suffering servant would die but later see the “light of life.”
• Matthew 12:40 – Jesus said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
• Acts 2:31 – Peter, preaching at Pentecost, declares that David foresaw the resurrection of the Messiah.
• Romans 6:9 – “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that Christianity is built on real, historical events. The gospel is not just a philosophy or a set of moral teachings—it is based on what actually happened in history: Jesus died, was buried, and rose again.

For Christians today, the resurrection gives hope. No matter what we face—sin, suffering, or even death itself—Jesus has already won the victory. His resurrection proves that God has power over death, and because He lives, we have the promise of eternal life.

It also challenges us to live with confidence. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then everything He said is true. That means we can trust His promises, follow His commands, and share His message with boldness.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s deep love for humanity. Jesus’ resurrection is not just about His own victory—it is about what He accomplished for us. God did not leave us in sin and death; He provided a way out. Jesus’ death paid the price for our sins, and His resurrection guarantees that those who trust in Him will have eternal life.

God’s love is seen in how He planned this from the beginning. The resurrection was not an afterthought—it was foretold in the Scriptures. God always had a plan to redeem His people, proving that His love is eternal and unstoppable.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is entirely about Jesus. It confirms:

• His identity – Only the Son of God could defeat death.
• His mission – He came to die and rise again for our salvation.
• His victory – The resurrection is proof that His work was successful.

Other verses that reinforce this:

• John 11:25 – Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
• Romans 4:25 – “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
• 1 Peter 1:3 – “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

The resurrection is not just an event; it is a person—Jesus Himself. Believing in Him means believing in the power of the resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul includes Jesus’ burial in his explanation of the gospel?
2. How does Jesus’ resurrection give you hope in your own life?
3. What does “according to the Scriptures” tell us about God’s plan for salvation?
4. Some people today claim that Jesus did not actually rise from the dead. How would you respond to that based on this verse?
5. If the resurrection is at the heart of the Christian faith, how should that impact the way we live and share our beliefs?