First Importance

Steven’s Scribbles
“First Importance” 
1 Cor. 15:1-5


    Paul makes it clear to the Corinthians that he delivered the Gospel to them and it was of “first importance.” The NIV, ESV, NASB, and AMP are popular translations that all use the term “first importance.” Some other popular translations like the CSB and HCSB use the phrase “most important.” Some older translations like ASV, KJV, and NKJV use the more nebulous phrase, “For I delivered to you first of all which I also received.” In the Lord’s church, the debate over this phrase has been growing. Many christians have taken the stance that because the Gospel is of “first importance,” then it is the only thing that is a matter of salvation. Looking at the other translations shows that can’t be the case. Just because the gospel is of first, or most, importance, does not mean that everything else is a matter of opinion. Rather, it means that we must agree on the Gospel before moving forward. If I can’t agree with an individual, or an entire religious group, that Jesus the Nazarene, died, was buried, and raised the 3rd day, then arguments over mode of worship, proper baptism, church organization, when to take the Lord’s supper, etc. are all superfluous. However, once a baseline of truth is established, it is time to move on to more pressing matters (Acts 2:38-42). If the Gospel is the only thing that is a matter of salvation, why does Paul address divisions (1 Cor. 1:10-17), unrepentant and allowed sin (1 Cor. 5:1-13), frivolously lawsuits (1 Cor. 6:1-6), correct marriage (1 Cor. 7), and misuse of the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12-15)? None of those things are related to the belief in the Gospel, yet they were matters that had to be addressed in the Corinthian church. Not only addressed, but were a matter of spiritual life and death. We must indeed be united in our beliefs (1 Cor. 1:10). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley