1 Corinthians 15:4
that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to focus on the burial and resurrection, but notice the phrase "in accordance with the Scriptures." This wasn't a random event; Paul is emphasizing that Jesus' death and resurrection were predicted all along, proving they were divinely ordained and not just a tragic accident. It grounds the entire Christian hope in God's consistent, unfolding plan from the very beginning.
Paul is making his case for the resurrection of believers by first detailing the core facts of Jesus' own resurrection, which he's already established as essential to Christian faith. He’s just reminded them that if Christ wasn't raised, their faith is useless, so now he's showing how Jesus was raised—buried and then resurrected on the third day, all as the prophets foretold. This setup powerfully emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection weren't random events, but the fulfillment of God's ancient plan.
The cross is not the end of Jesus' story. His burial is a critical, often overlooked, part of the Gospel narrative.
Jesus' burial wasn't just a pause; it was a profound statement.
A Real Death
His burial confirms His death was real. This wasn't a swoon or a staged event. The physical reality of His death, sealed by burial, makes His subsequent resurrection all the more astonishing and meaningful. It grounds the hope of the resurrection in a tangible, historical event.
Descent into the Depths
In biblical thought, the grave represented the ultimate separation from God and life. Jesus' burial signifies that He went to the furthest reaches of humanity's fallen state, experiencing even death's sting. This deep descent makes His subsequent ascent – His resurrection – a triumph over the very worst of what sin can do.
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Jesus' resurrection wasn't a surprise event; it was the fulfillment of God's ancient plan, woven into the very fabric of the Old Testament.
The phrase 'in accordance with the Scriptures' is a powerful anchor for the Christian faith. It means Jesus' death and resurrection were not random occurrences but the divinely ordained culmination of God's redemptive plan announced long before.
Prophecy Fulfilled
Paul consistently points to the Old Testament as evidence for Jesus being the Messiah. The resurrection, specifically, was foretold. While the Scriptures don't lay out a single, explicit prophecy detailing 'raised on the third day,' they contain numerous allusions and predictions that point to a Messiah who would suffer, die, and overcome death.
God's Unfolding Plan
This connection to Scripture assures us that God is in control and that His promises are reliable. Jesus Himself appealed to the Old Testament to explain His suffering and resurrection (Luke 24:44-46). This understanding solidifies that Jesus’ resurrection is the pivotal event of history, fulfilling God's unwavering purpose for humanity's salvation.
Understand the original words
egeirō · Greek Verb
The act of being raised from the dead. It signifies the defeat of death, the vindication of Christ’s divinity, and the promise of the believer’s future resurrection.
The historical reality of Jesus' burial and resurrection, witnessed by many, formed the bedrock of the early Christian message, directly countering skeptical doubts that Paul addressed in his letter to Corinth.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth was arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem. His death was a public and humiliating execution.
c. 30-33 AD
Burial of Jesus
Following his crucifixion, Jesus' body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, a practice common for those crucified.
c. 30-33 AD
Resurrection of Jesus
According to the Gospels and early Christian testimony, Jesus' body was found missing from the tomb on the third day, and he appeared alive to many followers.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Christian Preaching
The resurrection of Jesus became the central message of the apostles, who proclaimed his victory over death and offered salvation through him.
c. 50-52 AD
Founding of Corinthian Church
The Apostle Paul established a church in the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Corinth during his missionary journeys.
c. 55 AD
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul wrote this letter to address various issues and theological misunderstandings within the Corinthian church, including doubts about the resurrection.
This Old Testament prophecy speaks of God reviving us after two days and raising us up on the third day, directly foreshadowing Jesus' resurrection.
Matthew 12:40Jesus Himself references His burial and resurrection using the image of Jonah being in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights.
Acts 2:24Peter powerfully declares God's raising of Jesus, breaking the pangs of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.
Romans 1:4This passage confirms Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead, fulfilling the Scriptures.
It's easy to focus on the burial and resurrection, but notice the phrase "in accordance with the Scriptures." This wasn't a random event; Paul is emphasizing that Jesus' death and resurrection were predicted all along, proving they were divinely ordained and not just a tragic accident. It grounds the entire Christian hope in God's consistent, unfolding plan from the very beginning.
Paul is making his case for the resurrection of believers by first detailing the core facts of Jesus' own resurrection, which he's already established as essential to Christian faith. He’s just reminded them that if Christ wasn't raised, their faith is useless, so now he's showing how Jesus was raised—buried and then resurrected on the third day, all as the prophets foretold. This setup powerfully emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection weren't random events, but the fulfillment of God's ancient plan.
Paul is making his case for the resurrection of believers by first detailing the core facts of Jesus' own resurrection, which he's already established as essential to Christian faith. He’s just reminded them that if Christ wasn't raised, their faith is useless, so now he's showing how Jesus was raised—buried and then resurrected on the third day, all as the prophets foretold. This setup powerfully emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection weren't random events, but the fulfillment of God's ancient plan.
"that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures," — It's easy to focus on the burial and resurrection, but notice the phrase "in accordance with the Scriptures." This wasn't a random event; Paul is emphasizing that Jesus' death and resurrection were *…
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