Tucked neatly between the pages of 1 Corinthians chapter 15 rests a small collection of verses many Scholars believe could predate the entire New Testament. To the casual reader, these verses may appear to be just another one of the apostle Paul’s poetic teachings. However, as is typical of scripture, the initial appearance of 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 is merely the tip of the iceberg.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 A New Testament Creed
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 is the most well-known example of an early Christen creed. Before the creation of the New Testament, Christians would recite statements of faith and theological teaching called creeds. Early Christians preserved and shared the apostles’ teachings by reciting these traditions in church and other gatherings. (According to Mr. Webster, a creed is “a brief authoritative formula of religious belief.” [1])
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
The 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Creed
Why is 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 A Creed?
The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 sometime between 40–65 CE. However, the passage itself did not originate with the apostle. We know this because Paul specifically says he received it from others. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.” The fact that Paul received verses 3-8 from someone else indicates that the passage predates the book of 1 Corinthians.
Many scholars believe Paul was taught the creed shortly after his conversion. Consequently, most scholars suggest the creed was in circulation within six months to two years after the crucifixion. Although there is some debate amongst scholars over the exact year, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 began circulating. In the book, The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus [2], Gary Habermas says most New Testament researchers agree it’s one of the oldest records of Church teaching.
“Even critical scholars usually agree that it has an exceptionally early origin.”
Gary Habermas
Why 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Is Important
Biblical artifacts like 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 are very important parts of Christian history. Not only do they support the validity of Biblical teaching, but they prove Christianity has legs to stand on. They are a great reminder that the core beliefs of Christianity, which we hold so dear, are also cherished by our earliest brothers and sisters in Christ.
In his book, In Defense of Miracles [3], Habermas says.
“In the pre-Pauline formula of I Corinthians 15:3ff. alone we have an extraordinarily early tradition, arising within a very short time after the events themselves, reported by an apostle, who could very well have received it from other apostles who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry.”
Gary Habermas
Much like an old black and white picture, 1 Corinthian 15:3-8 is a window into a time long-forgotten. Through it, we have a first-hand example of what the first Christians taught and believed. You could even say that 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 is like an old family heirloom. Unlike an old picture or story. This creed was physically touched and used by the people who came before us—giving it a unique connective quality that stretches across the endless void of time.
Thanks For Being Awesome!
Sources
- Webster’s Dictionary
- The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus, by Gary Habermas
- In Defense of Miracles, by Gary Habermas
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