³ For what I received^(A) I passed on to you^(B) as of first importance^[a]: that Christ died for our sins^(C) according to the Scriptures,^{(D) 4} that he was buried,^(E) that he was raised^(F) on the third day^(G) according to the Scriptures,^{(H) 5} and that he appeared to Cephas,^[b](I) and then to the Twelve.^{(J) 6} After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.^{(K) 7} Then he appeared to James,^(L) then to all the apostles,^{(M) 8} and last of all he appeared to me also,^(N) as to one abnormally born.

¹⁶ For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.^{(A) 18} Then those also who have fallen asleep^(B) in Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.^(C)

²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,^(D) the firstfruits^(E) of those who have fallen asleep.^(F)