Bible Study_Now That’s Good News

1 Corinthians 15:1–8 KJV 1900

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Lesson Abstract

This study of 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 reminds believers that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly Good News — a message so powerful it must be shared, so substantial it can be trusted, and so certain it transforms our lives. Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that the resurrection is the bedrock of Christian faith, offering assurance of salvation and the promise of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). This Good News has real substance, anchored in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Furthermore, the resurrection is a historically verified event, witnessed by many, giving believers a firm and unwavering hope (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). Through this lesson, believers are challenged to boldly share, fully trust, and joyfully live the Good News, that Jesus died for sins, was buried and three days later God raised Jesus from the dead, and by faith in that alone we can be saved. (Cross-references: Romans 1:16; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Timothy 2:8; 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV))

Introduction: Cultural and Historical Context of 1 Corinthians 15

The church at Corinth was a lively, yet deeply troubled congregation. Corinth was a bustling cosmopolitan city — full of trade, diverse cultures, and rampant immorality. Influenced by Greek philosophy, many in the church struggled with the idea of bodily resurrection. Greek thought often saw the physical body as a prison from which the soul needed to escape, not something to be redeemed. As a result, some Corinthians doubted the literal resurrection of believers, and even questioned whether Christ Himself truly rose from the dead.

Paul, writing around A.D. 55, confronts this confusion with clarity and boldness. He emphasizes that the resurrection is not an optional doctrine, but the very heart of the Gospel. Without the resurrection, preaching is vain, faith is futile, and hope is lost (1 Corinthians 15:14-19). Paul reminds them that the Gospel he preached — and that they received — is rooted in the historical reality of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

Thus, in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Paul presents a concise and powerful summary of the Gospel message. He grounds the Corinthians' faith not in feelings, philosophies, or new trends, but in the historical fact of the resurrection, witnessed by many credible sources. Today, this message remains critical: believers must know, share, and stand firm in the Good News of Jesus Christ; that Jesus died for sins, was buried and three days later God raised Jesus from the dead, and by faith in that alone we can be saved. (Cross-references: Romans 1:16; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Timothy 2:8; 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV).

Good News Should Be Shared (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

Paul begins his argument by reminding the Corinthian believers of the Gospel he preached, the Gospel they received, and the Gospel by which they stand (1 Corinthians 15:1). The Good News is not a private truth for an elite few — it is a public declaration meant to be proclaimed loudly and lovingly. From the moment believers receive the Gospel, they become stewards of it, called to pass it on to others. This responsibility to share is not optional but essential to living out the resurrection life.

Furthermore, Paul notes that by holding fast to the Gospel, believers are saved (1 Corinthians 15:2). The Gospel is not just a one-time confession — it is a continual reality that believers must cling to. Sharing the Good News strengthens our own faith and invites others into the joy of salvation. It is not enough to believe privately; the Gospel demands public proclamation, fueled by personal conviction.

Sharing the Good News also protects the church from drifting into error. By continuously declaring and affirming the Gospel, the church anchors itself in the truth.

Synopsis: Good News Should Be Shared

The Good News of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection is a message meant to be shared boldly and joyfully. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their salvation depends on clinging to and declaring this truth (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). As believers, we are entrusted with this life-changing message, called to share it with others in love, truth, and urgency. In a world filled with spiritual counterfeits and shifting values, boldly sharing the unchanging Gospel is how believers stand firm and stay faithful.(Romans 1:16, Mark 16:15, Matthew 5:14-16, Acts 5:42, 2 Timothy 4:2 KJV)

Five Ways to Apply "Good News Should Be Shared"

Speak openly about your faith. 

Romans 10:9–10 “9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Use your testimony to encourage others. 

Psalm 107:2 “2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;”

Share Scripture to point others to Christ. 

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Pray daily for opportunities to witness. 

Colossians 4:3 “3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:”

Support missions and evangelistic efforts. 

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Good News Has Substance (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Paul roots the Gospel firmly in Scripture and historical fact. Christ's death was not an accident or tragedy — it was the fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:5-6). His burial verified His real death, and His resurrection on the third day was exactly as the Scriptures foretold. The Gospel is not based on speculation but on the fulfillment of God's eternal plan.

The death of Jesus addressed the penalty of sin. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). His burial confirmed that He truly tasted death for every person. And His resurrection declared Him victorious over sin, death, and the grave. Every part of Christ's work has divine significance and unstoppable power.

Believers can have absolute confidence because the foundation of their faith is not shifting human ideas but the unchangeable Word of God. The resurrection was not a last-minute rescue but God's sovereign victory.

Synopsis: Good News Has Substance

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not myths but historic and prophetic realities. Paul stresses that Christ died "for our sins according to the scriptures" and rose again "according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The Gospel is solid, substantial, and sure — and every believer can stand firmly upon it. The Gospel has substance because it is rooted in God's eternal truth, fulfilling His promises. (Isaiah 53:5-6, Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24, Hebrews 9:28, 2 Timothy 2:8 KJV)

Five Ways to Apply "Good News Has Substance"

Study the Scriptures to deepen your faith

2 Timothy 2:15 “15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Memorize key Gospel passages for strength. 

Psalm 119:11 “11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.”

Contend for the faith when culture challenges biblical truth. 

Ephesians 6:13–14 “13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”

Thank God daily for the finished work of Christ. 

Colossians 3:17 “17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Teach others the true meaning of the Gospel. 

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Good News Makes You Sure (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)

Paul lists the many credible witnesses to Christ's resurrection: Peter, the twelve apostles, over five hundred brethren, James, and finally Paul himself. These witnesses confirmed the truth of the resurrection beyond all doubt. Christianity is not based on rumors but on historical testimony from real people who saw the Risen Christ.

The resurrection provides the believer with unshakable assurance. Because Jesus conquered death, every promise of God is trustworthy. We are not following a dead religious leader — we are following the living Savior who has defeated death itself. Faith is not wishful thinking; it is confidence rooted in the reality of the resurrection.

Finally, Paul acknowledges his own unworthiness. He calls himself "one born out of due time," a reminder that God's grace is greater than our past mistakes. If the Risen Christ could transform a persecutor into a preacher, He can transform anyone who believes. The resurrection proves that nothing — not even death — is too hard for our God.

Synopsis: Good News Makes You Sure

The many witnesses to Christ's resurrection provide undeniable evidence that Jesus is alive. Believers can have full assurance because our faith rests on historical truth and personal testimony (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). The resurrection guarantees the certainty of salvation, the trustworthiness of God's promises, and the transforming power of His grace. (Acts 1:3, John 20:27-29, Luke 24:36-43, 1 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:12 KJV)

Five Ways to Apply "Good News Makes You Sure"

Trust God's promises even when life is uncertain. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 “7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”

Share your testimony of God's faithfulness. 

Revelation 12:11 “11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Stand firm against doubt and fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 “7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Live with bold hope in the face of trials.  

Romans 8:18 “18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Celebrate daily that Christ is alive and working in your life. 

Philippians 1:6 “6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”