Note 7 at 1 Cor. 15:3: The New International Version renders the first phrase of this third verse as follows, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance." So Paul is not just speaking of the first things he told these Corinthians, but he is rehearsing the most important things he had shared with them. Among these most important things are the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Certainly the virgin birth of Jesus, salvation by grace through faith, and many other great truths of salvation could be included, but Paul is reminding them of these facts to establish the truth of the resurrection.

Note 8 at 1 Cor. 15:3: It is one of the great truths of the Bible that Jesus died for our sins, not for His own. Jesus was totally sinless (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22). This is one of the major differences between Christianity and the religions of the world. No other religious leader has ever claimed to be sinless, therefore no other religious leader is even in the same class with Jesus.

Also, no other religious leader has ever given his life in sacrifice to atone for the sins of others. It wouldn't have done any good if one had. Since the religious leaders were sinners themselves, their lives weren't worth any more than any other sinner. But since Jesus was the sinless Son of God, His life was worth more than all of humanity of all ages.

The sinless Son of God giving His pure life for us is truly one of the unique aspects of the gospel.

Note 9 at 1 Cor. 15:3: Every detail of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection was already prophesied in scripture before it happened (see ref. n at this verse). Paul didn't just report historical facts to the Corinthians. He shared how all the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection had fulfilled scripture. God's Word is the ultimate authority and only through His Word can we receive faith (Rom. 10:17) to be born again (1 Pet. 1:23). We must preach the Word, not experiences. Experiences are only useful to illustrate that God's Word is true.