Another early creed which links the resurrection with the person and claims of Jesus is Romans 10:9–10.^41 In this passage, belief in this historical event is connected with confessing that Jesus is Lord. As a result one’s salvation is secure.^42 Earlier it was pointed out that this may actually be a baptismal creed, whereby the candidate announced his belief in (and allegiance to) Jesus Christ.
Lastly, some creeds also confess Jesus’ ascension to heaven and his resulting exaltation. Two examples of such early creeds were mentioned earlier with regard to the life of Jesus. In 1 Timothy 3:16, it is proclaimed that, after his incarnation, Jesus was “taken up in glory.” In Philippians 2:6f. it is related that after Jesus humbled himself as a man, he was highly exalted and is to be worshiped by all persons (2:9– 11).^43 This latter passage is taken from Isaiah 45:23 where God the Father is receiving such praise and glory.
Before proceeding to the extended examination of 1 Corinthians 15:3ff. it will be advantageous to briefly summarize the facts reported in various other creeds concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus. A few earlier events of Jesus’ life are mentioned, all from the creeds in Acts: (6)Jesus was born in the lineage of David (13:23; also Rom. 1:3; 2 Tim. 2:8), and (7)came from the town of Nazareth (2:22; 4:10; 5:38). (8)John preceded Jesus’ ministry (10:37; 13:24–25), (9)which began in Galilee, (10)afterwards expanding throughout Judea (10:37). (11)Jesus performed miracles (2:22; 10:38) and (12)fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies (2:25– 31; 3:21–25; 4:11; 10:43; 13:27–37).
We are further informed by the creed in 1 Corinthians 11:23ff. that (13)Jesus attended a dinner (14)on the evening of his betrayal. (15)He gave thanks before the meal and (16)shared both bread and drink, (17)which, he declared, represented his imminent atoning sacrifice for sin.
(18) Later, Jesus stood before Pilate (Acts 3:13; 13:28) and (19)made a good confession, which very possibly concerned his identity as the King of the Jews (1 Tim. 6:13). (20)Afterwards, Jesus was killed (Acts 3:13–15; 13:27–29) (21)for mankind’s sins (1 Pet. 3:18; Rom. 4:25; 1 Tim. 2:6), (22)in spite of his righteous life (1 Pet. 3:18). (23)Crucifixion was specified as the mode of death (Acts 2:23; 2:36; 4:10; 5:30; 10:39), being performed (24)in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 13:27; cf. 10:39), (25)by wicked men (Acts 2:23). (26)Then he was buried (Acts 13:29). (27) After his death he was resurrected (Acts 2:24, 31–32; 3:15, 26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:30–37; 2 Tim. 2:8), (28)on the third day (Acts 10:40) and (29)appeared
41 Jeremias, Eucharistic Words, p. 112; Neufeld, Confessions, pp. 43, 140, 143; Bultmann, Theology, vol. 1, pp. 81, 125.
42 See Dodd, Apostolic Preaching, p. 11.
43 Cullmann, Confessions, pp. 55, 57–62.
to his followers (Acts 13:31), even (30)eating with them (Acts 10:40–41). (31)His disciples were witnesses of these events (Acts 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39, 41; 13:31).
(32)After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and was glorified and exalted (Acts 2:33; 3:21; 5:31; 1 Tim. 3:16; Phil. 2:6f.).
(33)The risen Jesus instructed that salvation be preached in his name (Acts 2:38–39; 3:19–23; 4:11–12; 5:32; 10:42–43; 13:26, 38–41). (34)This event showed God’s approval of Jesus, by validating his person and message (Acts 2:22–24, 36; 3:13–15; 10:42; 13:32–33; Rom. 1:3–4; 10:9–10). The person of Jesus Christ
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