A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 15

I make known (γνωριζω). See on 12:3 for this common verb. As if in reproach.

The gospel which I preached unto you (το ευαγγελιον ο ευηγγελισαμην υμιν). Cognate accusative, "the gospel which I gospelized unto you." Note augment η after ευ- like compound verb with preposition. Note repetition of relative (ο, εν ωι, δ ου, and τιν like relative) without κα (and), asyndeton.

In what words I preached it unto you (τιν λογο ευηγγελισαμην υμιν). Almost certainly τις (τιν λογο, locative or instrumental, in or with) here is used like the relative ος as is common in papyri (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 93f.; Robertson, Grammar, p. 737f.). Even so it is not clear whether the clause depends on γνωριζω like the other relatives, but most likely so.

If we hold it fast (ε κατεχετε). Condition of first class. Paul assumes that they are holding it fast.

Except ye believed in vain (εκτος ε μη εικη επιστευσατε). For εκτος ε μη see on 14:5. Condition of first class, unless in fact ye did believe to no purpose (εικη, old adverb, only in Paul in N.T.). Paul holds this peril over them in their temptation to deny the resurrection.

First of all (εν πρωτοις). Among first things. In primis. Not to time, but to importance.

Which I also received (ο κα παρελαβον). Direct revelation claimed as about the institution of the Lord's Supper (11:23) and same verbs used (παρεδωκα, παρελαβον). Four items given by Paul in explaining "the gospel" which Paul preached. Stanley calls it (verses 1-11) the creed of the early disciples, but "rather a sample of the exact form of the apostle's early teaching, than a profession of faith on the part of converts" (Vincent). The four items are presented by four verbs (died, απεθανεν, was buried, εταφη, hath been raised, εγηγερτα, appeared, ωφθη).

Christ died (Χριστος απεθανεν). Historical fact and crucial event.

For our sins (υπερ των αμαρτιων ημων). Hυπερ means literally over, in behalf, even instead of (Galatians 3:13), where used of persons. But here much in the sense of περ (Galatians 1:14) as is common in Koine. In 1 Peter 3:18 we have περ αμαρτιων, υπερ αδικων.

According to the Scriptures (κατα τας γραφας). As Jesus showed (Luke 22:37; Luke 24:25) and as Peter pointed out (Acts 2:25–27; Acts 3:35) and as Paul had done (Acts 13:24f.; 17:3). Cf. Romans 1:2f..

And that he was buried (κα οτ εταφη). Note οτ repeated before each of the four verbs as a separate item. Second aorist passive indicative of θαπτω, old verb, to bury. This item is an important detail as the Gospels show.

And that he hath been raised (κα οτ εγηγερτα). Perfect passive indicative, not ηγερθη like

rose of the King James' Version. There is reason for this sudden change of tense. Paul wishes to emphasize the permanence of the resurrection of Jesus. He is still risen.

On the third day (τη ημερα τη τριτη). Locative case of time. Whether Paul had seen either of the Gospels we do not know, but this item is closely identified with the fact of Christ's resurrection. We have it in Peter's speech (Acts 10:40) and Jesus points it out as part of prophecy (Luke 24:46). The other expression occasionally found "after three days" is merely free vernacular for the same idea and not even Mt 12:40 disturbs it. See on Lu 24:1 for record of the empty tomb on the first day of the week (the third day).

And that he appeared to Cephas (κα οτ ωφθη Κηφα). First aorist passive indicative of the defective verb οραω, to see. Paul means not a mere "vision," but actual appearance. John uses εφανερωθη (John 21:14) from φανεροω, to make manifest, of Christ's appearance to the seven by the Sea of Galilee. Peter was listed first (πρωτος) among the Apostles (Matthew 10:2). Jesus had sent a special message to him after his resurrection. This special appearance to Peter is made the determining factor in the joyful faith of the disciples (Luke 24:34), though mentioned incidentally here. Paul had told all these four facts to the Corinthians in his preaching. He gives further proof of the fact of Christ's resurrection. There are ten appearances given besides the one to Paul. Nine are in the Gospels (Mary Magdalene in John and Mark, the other women in Matthew, the two going to Emmaus in Luke, Simon Peter in Luke and I Corinthians, the ten apostles and others in Luke and John and Mark, the eleven and others in John, the seven by the sea in John, to over five hundred in Galilee in Matthew and Paul and Mark, to the apostles in Jerusalem in Luke and Mark and Acts and I Corinthians) and one in I Corinthians above (to James). It will be seen that Paul mentions only five of the ten, one, that to James, not given elsewhere. What he gives is conclusive evidence of the fact, particularly when re-enforced by his own experience (the sixth appearance mentioned by Paul). The way to prove this great fact is to start with Paul's own witness given in this undoubted Epistle. The natural way to understand Paul's adverbs of time here is chronological:

then (ειτα),

then (επειτα),

then (επειτα),

then (ειτα),

last of all (εσχατον παντων).

To the twelve (τοις δωδεκα). The technical name. Only ten were present, for Judas was dead and Thomas was absent (John 20:24).