I Corinthians 15: The Certainty and Nature of Resurrection
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
In I Corinthians 15, Paul addresses a critical misunderstanding prevalent among some Corinthian believers: the denial of the resurrection of the dead. This chapter stands as a powerful and comprehensive defense of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith, and it profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation, hope, and the future.
The Gospel and the Resurrection (15:1-11)
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of the core message he preached to them – the gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-2). This gospel, which they had received and on which they stood, was that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (I Corinthians 15:3-4). He emphasizes the importance of holding fast to this truth, as it is through this gospel that they are being saved. The good news isn't just about initial justification, but also about the ongoing process of sanctification.
The apostle then reinforces the reality of Christ's resurrection by citing numerous eyewitnesses (I Corinthians 15:5-8). He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve, and then to more than five hundred brothers at one time. He appeared to James, and even to Paul himself, a persecutor of the church who was dramatically converted by the risen Lord. These multiple, verifiable accounts underscore the undeniable truth of Jesus' resurrection.
Paul humbly acknowledges his past as a persecutor, considering himself the least of the apostles (I Corinthians 15:9). Yet, he emphasizes that God's grace transformed him, empowering him to labor tirelessly for the gospel (I Corinthians 15:10). This understanding of grace should inspire and motivate all Christians for service. The focus is not on who gets the credit, but that the good news is proclaimed and sinners are saved (I Corinthians 15:11).
The Consequences of Denying the Resurrection (15:12-19)
Paul then dismantles the erroneous belief that there is no resurrection of the dead by highlighting its devastating consequences (I Corinthians 15:12). He argues that if there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised (I Corinthians 15:13). This would render Paul's preaching and the Corinthians' faith meaningless (I Corinthians 15:14). If Christ has not been raised, then the apostles are false witnesses, misrepresenting God (I Corinthians 15:15).
Furthermore, if Christ has not been raised, the Corinthians are still in their sins (I Corinthians 15:17), and those who have died in Christ have perished (I Corinthians 15:18). Without the resurrection, our hope in Christ is limited to this life only, making Christians the most pitiable of all people (I Corinthians 15:19). A dead Savior is no Savior at all. Our salvation hinges on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God.
Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection (15:20-28)
Reaffirming the truth, Paul declares that Christ has been raised from the dead, becoming the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (I Corinthians 15:20). The term "firstfruits" is significant, drawing from the Old Testament practice of offering the first portion of the harvest to God (Leviticus 23:10-14). Christ's resurrection is the guarantee and promise of the future resurrection of all believers.
He draws a parallel between Adam and Christ. Through Adam, death entered the world, but through Christ, resurrection and eternal life are made available (I Corinthians 15:21-22). God has a plan and an order for resurrection: Christ first, then at His coming, those who belong to Him (I Corinthians 15:23). Eventually, Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father, after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power, including death itself (I Corinthians 15:24-26). The Son will have succeeded where Adam failed, fulfilling humanity’s destiny to rule on God’s behalf.
Practical Implications and the Nature of the Resurrected Body (15:29-49)
Paul addresses the practice of "baptism for the dead" (I Corinthians 15:29), not to endorse it, but to highlight the absurdity of the practice if there is no resurrection. Why would anyone be baptized on behalf of the dead if the dead are not raised? He also speaks of his own constant danger and hardship for the sake of the gospel (I Corinthians 15:30-32). If there is no resurrection, then life becomes meaningless, and the motto "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" becomes the only logical philosophy.
He warns against the corrupting influence of those who deny the resurrection (I Corinthians 15:33). "Bad company ruins good morals." Believers should not associate with those who promote false doctrine and unrighteous living. Instead, they should "wake up from their drunken stupor, as is right, and stop sinning" (I Corinthians 15:34).
To those who question the nature of the resurrected body, Paul responds with a powerful analogy (I Corinthians 15:35-44). He compares the body to a seed. Just as a seed must die to produce a new plant, so our physical bodies must die to be raised in glory and power. God gives each body its form as He has determined. There are different kinds of bodies: human, animal, celestial. Our current bodies are sown perishable, dishonorable, and weak, but they will be raised imperishable, glorious, and powerful.
Paul contrasts Adam, the first man, with Christ, the last Adam (I Corinthians 15:45-49). Adam, made of dust, became a living being. Christ, from heaven, became a life-giving spirit. We have borne the image of the earthly man, Adam; now, through faith in Christ, we will bear the image of the heavenly man.
Victory Over Death (15:50-58)
Paul reveals a mystery: not all will sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet (I Corinthians 15:51-52). Our perishable bodies must be clothed with the imperishable, and our mortal bodies with immortality (I Corinthians 15:53). Then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory" (I Corinthians 15:54).
He triumphantly declares, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (I Corinthians 15:55). The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law (I Corinthians 15:56). But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57).
Therefore, Paul concludes with a call to action: "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (I Corinthians 15:58). Because of the resurrection, our work for the Lord has eternal significance. Our labor is not wasted. God sees our work and has a reward in store for us that will exceed our wildest expectations.
I Corinthians 15 offers a powerful and inspiring message of hope. It assures us that death is not the end, but a transition to a new and glorious life. This chapter encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that our labor for the Lord is not in vain and that we have a glorious future awaiting us in Christ.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
In I Corinthians 15, Paul addresses a critical misunderstanding prevalent among some Corinthian believers: the denial of the resurrection of the dead. This chapter stands as a powerful and comprehensive defense of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith, and it profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation, hope, and the future.
The Gospel and the Resurrection (15:1-11)
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of the core message he preached to them – the gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-2). This gospel, which they had received and on which they stood, was that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (I Corinthians 15:3-4). He emphasizes the importance of holding fast to this truth, as it is through this gospel that they are being saved. The good news isn't just about initial justification, but also about the ongoing process of sanctification.
The apostle then reinforces the reality of Christ's resurrection by citing numerous eyewitnesses (I Corinthians 15:5-8). He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve, and then to more than five hundred brothers at one time. He appeared to James, and even to Paul himself, a persecutor of the church who was dramatically converted by the risen Lord. These multiple, verifiable accounts underscore the undeniable truth of Jesus' resurrection.
Paul humbly acknowledges his past as a persecutor, considering himself the least of the apostles (I Corinthians 15:9). Yet, he emphasizes that God's grace transformed him, empowering him to labor tirelessly for the gospel (I Corinthians 15:10). This understanding of grace should inspire and motivate all Christians for service. The focus is not on who gets the credit, but that the good news is proclaimed and sinners are saved (I Corinthians 15:11).
The Consequences of Denying the Resurrection (15:12-19)
Paul then dismantles the erroneous belief that there is no resurrection of the dead by highlighting its devastating consequences (I Corinthians 15:12). He argues that if there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised (I Corinthians 15:13). This would render Paul's preaching and the Corinthians' faith meaningless (I Corinthians 15:14). If Christ has not been raised, then the apostles are false witnesses, misrepresenting God (I Corinthians 15:15).
Furthermore, if Christ has not been raised, the Corinthians are still in their sins (I Corinthians 15:17), and those who have died in Christ have perished (I Corinthians 15:18). Without the resurrection, our hope in Christ is limited to this life only, making Christians the most pitiable of all people (I Corinthians 15:19). A dead Savior is no Savior at all. Our salvation hinges on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God.
Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection (15:20-28)
Reaffirming the truth, Paul declares that Christ has been raised from the dead, becoming the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (I Corinthians 15:20). The term "firstfruits" is significant, drawing from the Old Testament practice of offering the first portion of the harvest to God (Leviticus 23:10-14). Christ's resurrection is the guarantee and promise of the future resurrection of all believers.
He draws a parallel between Adam and Christ. Through Adam, death entered the world, but through Christ, resurrection and eternal life are made available (I Corinthians 15:21-22). God has a plan and an order for resurrection: Christ first, then at His coming, those who belong to Him (I Corinthians 15:23). Eventually, Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father, after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power, including death itself (I Corinthians 15:24-26). The Son will have succeeded where Adam failed, fulfilling humanity’s destiny to rule on God’s behalf.
Practical Implications and the Nature of the Resurrected Body (15:29-49)
Paul addresses the practice of "baptism for the dead" (I Corinthians 15:29), not to endorse it, but to highlight the absurdity of the practice if there is no resurrection. Why would anyone be baptized on behalf of the dead if the dead are not raised? He also speaks of his own constant danger and hardship for the sake of the gospel (I Corinthians 15:30-32). If there is no resurrection, then life becomes meaningless, and the motto "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" becomes the only logical philosophy.
He warns against the corrupting influence of those who deny the resurrection (I Corinthians 15:33). "Bad company ruins good morals." Believers should not associate with those who promote false doctrine and unrighteous living. Instead, they should "wake up from their drunken stupor, as is right, and stop sinning" (I Corinthians 15:34).
To those who question the nature of the resurrected body, Paul responds with a powerful analogy (I Corinthians 15:35-44). He compares the body to a seed. Just as a seed must die to produce a new plant, so our physical bodies must die to be raised in glory and power. God gives each body its form as He has determined. There are different kinds of bodies: human, animal, celestial. Our current bodies are sown perishable, dishonorable, and weak, but they will be raised imperishable, glorious, and powerful.
Paul contrasts Adam, the first man, with Christ, the last Adam (I Corinthians 15:45-49). Adam, made of dust, became a living being. Christ, from heaven, became a life-giving spirit. We have borne the image of the earthly man, Adam; now, through faith in Christ, we will bear the image of the heavenly man.
Victory Over Death (15:50-58)
Paul reveals a mystery: not all will sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet (I Corinthians 15:51-52). Our perishable bodies must be clothed with the imperishable, and our mortal bodies with immortality (I Corinthians 15:53). Then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory" (I Corinthians 15:54).
He triumphantly declares, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (I Corinthians 15:55). The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law (I Corinthians 15:56). But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57).
Therefore, Paul concludes with a call to action: "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (I Corinthians 15:58). Because of the resurrection, our work for the Lord has eternal significance. Our labor is not wasted. God sees our work and has a reward in store for us that will exceed our wildest expectations.
I Corinthians 15 offers a powerful and inspiring message of hope. It assures us that death is not the end, but a transition to a new and glorious life. This chapter encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that our labor for the Lord is not in vain and that we have a glorious future awaiting us in Christ.