1 Corinthians 15


1 Corinthians 15 is Paul’s definitive teaching on the resurrection, addressing doubts among some Corinthians about the bodily resurrection of believers. Written around AD 55 from Ephesus, this chapter emphasizes the gospel’s foundation in Christ’s resurrection, its implications for believers, and the nature of the resurrection body. It underscores the centrality of resurrection to Christian hope and victory over death.
Key Sections
The Gospel and Christ’s Resurrection (15:1–11): Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached: Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, as foretold in Scripture. He appeared to Peter, the apostles, over 500 witnesses, James, and Paul himself. Paul, the “least of the apostles,” attributes his ministry to God’s grace.
The Necessity of the Resurrection (15:12–19): Paul refutes those denying the resurrection of the dead, arguing that if there is no resurrection, Christ was not raised, rendering faith futile and believers still in their sins. Christ’s resurrection is foundational to Christian hope.
Christ’s Resurrection and Believers’ Hope (15:20–28): Christ, the “firstfruits,” guarantees the resurrection of those who belong to Him. At His return, He will defeat all enemies, including death, and hand the kingdom to God the Father, fulfilling God’s plan.
Implications for Christian Living (15:29–34): Paul cites practices like baptism for the dead (a debated custom) and his own hardships to underscore belief in resurrection. He urges the Corinthians to avoid bad company and live righteously, aware of God’s truth.
The Resurrection Body (15:35–49): Paul addresses how the dead are raised, comparing the body to a seed transformed into a new form. The resurrection body is imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual, bearing the image of the heavenly man, Christ, unlike the perishable body of Adam.
Victory Over Death (15:50–58): Flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s kingdom, so believers will be transformed at Christ’s return, with perishable bodies becoming imperishable. Death is defeated through Christ, giving believers victory. Paul urges steadfastness and devotion to God’s work, knowing it is not in vain.
Cross-References
  • Christ’s Resurrection:
    • Acts 2:24–32: God raised Jesus, fulfilling Psalm 16.
    • Romans 1:4: Resurrection declares Jesus as Son of God.
    • 1 Peter 1:3: New birth through resurrection.
  • Resurrection’s Necessity:
    • Romans 4:25: Raised for our justification.
    • Hebrews 11:19: Abraham’s faith in resurrection.
    • John 11:25: Jesus as resurrection and life.
  • Christ as Firstfruits:
    • Colossians 1:18: Christ, firstborn from the dead.
    • Revelation 1:5: Jesus, the faithful witness.
    • Psalm 110:1: Enemies under His feet.
  • Resurrection Body:
    • Philippians 3:21: Christ transforms our bodies.
    • 2 Corinthians 5:1–4: Heavenly dwelling.
    • John 12:24: Seed analogy for resurrection.
  • Victory Over Death:
    • Isaiah 25:8: Death swallowed up in victory.
    • Hosea 13:14: Death’s sting overcome.
    • Revelation 20:14: Death destroyed.
Theological Meaning
  • Gospel’s Foundation: Christ’s resurrection validates the gospel, ensuring forgiveness and hope (15:3–4; Romans 10:9).
  • Resurrection’s Centrality: Without resurrection, faith is empty, and believers remain in sin (15:17; Acts 26:23).
  • Eschatological Hope: Christ’s resurrection guarantees believers’ future resurrection and the defeat of death (15:20–26; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).
  • Transformed Body: The resurrection body is suited for eternity, spiritual and imperishable, unlike earthly bodies (15:42–44; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18).
  • Victory in Christ: Christ’s triumph over death empowers believers to live steadfastly, knowing their labor has eternal value (15:55–58; Romans 8:37).
  • Moral Call: Belief in resurrection motivates righteous living and separation from corrupting influences (15:33–34; Galatians 6:7–8).
Questions and Answers
  1. What is the gospel Paul preaches (15:1–4)?
    Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, as Scripture foretold, confirmed by witnesses (15:3–5; Luke 24:46–47).
  2. Why is Christ’s resurrection essential (15:12–19)?
    If Christ is not raised, faith is futile, sins remain, and believers are pitiable (15:17–19; Romans 6:4).
  3. What does “firstfruits” mean (15:20)?
    Christ’s resurrection is the first of many, guaranteeing believers’ resurrection (15:20; Colossians 1:18).
  4. What is baptism for the dead (15:29)?
    A debated practice, possibly symbolic acts for deceased believers, showing faith in resurrection (15:29; context unclear, cf. Hebrews 11:40).
  5. How is the resurrection body different (15:35–44)?
    It is imperishable, glorious, and spiritual, unlike the perishable, earthly body, like a seed becoming a plant (15:42–44; Philippians 3:21).
  6. How is death defeated (15:54–57)?
    Through Christ’s resurrection, believers receive imperishable bodies, and death loses its sting, fulfilling Scripture (15:55; Isaiah 25:8).
  7. How does this apply today?
    Believers should trust in Christ’s resurrection, live purposefully, and remain steadfast, knowing their work in the Lord endures (15:58; 2 Timothy 2:11–12).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Corinthian skepticism about resurrection likely stemmed from Greek philosophy, which often denied bodily resurrection, valuing the soul alone (Acts 17:32). Paul’s emphasis on Christ’s resurrection (15:4) counters this, rooted in Jewish Scripture (Psalm 16:10). The Corinthian church, diverse and prone to division (1 Corinthians 1:10), needed this unifying doctrine. Paul’s hardships (15:30–32) reflect his third missionary journey’s challenges (Acts 19:23–31).
  • Cultural Questions: “Baptism for the dead” (15:29) remains debated; it may reflect a local practice not endorsed by Paul (cf. 2 Timothy 2:18). The seed analogy (15:36–38) resonated with an agrarian audience. Corinth’s immoral culture (15:33) mirrors the city’s reputation for vice (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). The victory over death (15:55) challenges Greco-Roman fatalism (Acts 17:18). The “last trumpet” (15:52) aligns with Jewish eschatology (Matthew 24:31).
  • Application: 1 Corinthians 15 calls believers to anchor their faith in Christ’s resurrection, live with eternal perspective, and persevere in God’s work. It encourages confidence in future transformation and victory over death, motivating holy living in a skeptical world (1 Peter 1:3–5; Colossians 3:1–4).
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