1 Corinthians 15:1

1Co 15:1-58. The Resurrection Proved against the Deniers of It at Corinth. Christ's resurrection rests on the evidence of many eye-witnesses, including Paul himself, and is the great fact preached as the groundwork of the Gospel: they who deny the resurrection in general, must deny that of Christ, and the consequence of the latter will be, that Christian preaching and faith are vain. 1. Moreover--"Now" [Alford and Ellicott]. I declare--literally, "I make known": it implies some degree of reproach that it should be now necessary to make it known to them afresh, owing to some of them "not having the knowledge of God" (1Co 15:34). Compare Ga 1:11. wherein ye stand--wherein ye now take your stand. This is your present actual privilege, if ye suffer not yourselves to fall from your high standing.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

1st Corinthians Chapter 15

This important and deeply interesting chapter, I have spoken of as the third part of the epistle. See the Introduction. It is more important than any other portion of the epistle, as it contains a connected, and laboured, and unanswerable argument for the main truth of Christianity, and, consequently, for Christianity itself; and it is more interesting to us as mortal beings, and as having an instinctive dread of death, than any other portion of the epistle. It has always, therefore, been regarded with deep interest by expositors, and it is worthy of the deepest attention of all. If the argument in this chapter is solid, then Christianity is true; and if true, then this chapter unfolds to us the most elevated and glorious prospect which can be exhibited to dying, yet immortal man.

There were, probably, two reasons why the apostle introduced here this discussion about the resurrection.

First. It was desirable to introduce a condensed and connected statement of the main argument for the truth of Christianity. The Corinthians had been perplexed with subtle questions, and torn by sects and parties; and it was possible that in their zeal for sect and party, they would lose their hold on this great and vital argument for the truth of religion itself. It might be further apprehended, that the enemies of the gospel, from seeing the divisions and strifes which existed there, would take advantage of these contentions, and say that a religion which produced such fruits could not be from God. It was important, therefore, that they should have access to an argument plain, clear, and unanswerable, for the truth of Christianity; and that thus the evil effects of their divisions and strifes might be counter- acted.

Secondly. It is evident, from 1Cor 15:12, that the important doctrine of the resurrection of the dead had been denied at Corinth, and that this error had obtained a footing in the church itself. On what grounds, or by what portion or party it was denied, is unknown. It may have been that the influence of some Sadducean teacher may have led to the rejection of the doctrine; or it may have been the effect of philosophy. From Acts 17:32, we know that among some of the Greeks, the doctrine of the resurrection was regarded as ridiculous; and from 2Ti 2:18, we learn that it was held by some that the resurrection was passed already, and, consequently, that there was nothing but a spiritual resurrection. To counteract these errors, and to put the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead on a firm foundation, and thus to furnish a demonstration of the truth of Christianity, was the design of this chapter.

The chapter may be regarded as divided into four parts, and four questions in regard to the resurrection are solved.

(1.) Whether there is any resurrection of the dead? 1Cor 15:1-34.

(2.) With what body will the dead rise? 1Cor 15:35-51.

(3.) What will become of those who shall be alive when the Lord Jesus shall come to judge the world? 1Cor 15:51-54.

(4.) What are the practical bearings of this doctrine? 1Cor 15:55-58.

I. The dead will be raised, 1Cor 15:1-34. This Paul proves by the following arguments, and illustrates in the following manner:

(1.) By adducing reasons to show that Christ rose from the dead, 1Cor 15:1-11.

(a.) From the Scripture, 1Cor 15:1-4.

(b.) From the testimony of eye-witnesses, 1Cor 15:5-11.

(2.) By showing the absurdity of the contrary doctrine, 1Cor 15:12-34.

(a.) If the dead do not rise, it would follow that Christ has not risen, 1Cor 15:13.

(b.) If Christ is not risen, he is preached in vain, and faith is reposed in him for nought, 1Cor 15:14.

(c.) It would follow that the apostles would be false witnesses and wicked men; whereas, the Corinthians had abundant reason to know the contrary, 1Cor 15:15.

(d.) The faith of the Corinthians must be vain if he was not risen, and they must regard themselves as still unpardoned sinners, since all their hope of pardon must arise from the fact that his work was accepted, and that he was raised up, 1Cor 15:16,17.

(e.) If Christ was not risen, then all their pious friends who had believed in him must be regarded as lost, 1Cor 15:18.

(f.) It would follow that believers in Christ would be in a more miserable condition than any others, if there was no resurrection, 1Cor 15:19.

(g.) Baptism for the resurrection of the dead would be absurd and in vain, unless the dead arose; it would be vain to be baptized with the belief, and on the ground of the belief that Christ rose, and on the ground of the hope that they would rise, 1Cor 15:29.

(h.) It would be in vain that the apostles and others had suffered so many toils and persecutions, unless the dead should rise, 1Cor 15:30-32.

In the course of this part of his argument, (1Cor 15:20-28,) Paul introduces an illustration of the doctrine, or a statement of an important fact in regard to it--thus separating the argument in 1Cor 15:19 from the text, which occurs in 1Cor 15:29. Such interruptions of a train of thinking are not uncommon in the writings of Paul, and indicate the fulness and richness of his conceptions, when some striking thought occurs, or some plausible objection is to be met, and when he suspends his argument in order to state it. This interjected portion consists of the following items:

(1.) A triumphant and joyful assurance that Christ had in fact risen; as if his mind was full, and he was impatient of the delay caused by the necessity of slow argumentation, 1Cor 15:19,20.

(2.) He illustrates the doctrine, or shows that it is reasonable that the certainty of the resurrection should be demonstrated by one in human nature, since death had been introduced by man, 1Cor 15:21,22. This is an argument from analogy, drawn from the obvious propriety of the doctrine, that man should be raised up in a manner somewhat similar to the mode in which he had been involved in ruin.

(3.) He states the order in which all this should be done, 1Cor 15:23-28. It is possible that some may have held that the resurrection must have been already passed, since it depended so entirely and so closely on the resurrection of Christ. Compare 2Ti 2:18. Paul, therefore, meets this objection; and shows that it must take place in a regular order; that Christ rose first, and that they who were his friends should rise at his coming. He then states what would take place at that time, when the work of redemption should have been consummated by the resurrection of the dead, and the entire recovery of all the redeemed to God, and the subjection of every foe.

II. What will be the nature of the bodies that shall be raised up? 1Cor 15:35-51. This inquiry is illustrated,

(1.) By a reference to grain that is sown, 1Cor 15:36-38.

(2.) By a reference to the fact that there are different kinds of flesh, 1Cor 15:39.

(3.) By a reference to the fact that there are celestial bodies and earthly bodies, 1Cor 15:40.

(4.) By the fact that there is a difference between the sun, and moon, and stars, 1Cor 15:41.

(5.) By a direct statement; for which the mind is prepared by these illustrations, of the important changes which the body of man must undergo, and of the nature of that body which he will have in heaven, 1Cor 15:42-50. It is

(a.) incorruptible, 1Cor 15:42;

(b.) glorious, 1Cor 15:43;

(c.) powerful, 1Cor 15:43;

(d.) a spiritual body, 1Cor 15:44;

(e.) it is like the body of the second man, the Lord from heaven, 1Cor 15:45-50.

III. What will become of those who shall be alive when the Lord Jesus shall return to raise the dead?

Ans. They shall be changed instantly, and fitted for heaven, and made like the glorified saints that shall be raised from the dead, 1Cor 15:51-54.

IV. The practical consequences or influences of this doctrine, 1Cor 15:55-58.

(1.) The doctrine is glorious and triumphant; it overcame all the evils of sin, and should fill the mind with joy, 1Cor 15:55-57.

(2.) It should lead Christians to diligence, and firmness of faith, and patience, since their labour was not to be in vain, 1Cor 15:58.

Verse 1. Moreover. But, (δε). In addition to what I have said; or in that which I am now about to say, I make known the main and leading truth of the gospel. The particle δε is "strictly adversative, but more frequently denotes transition and conversion, and serves to introduce something else, whether opposite to what precedes, or simply continuative or explanatory."--Robinson. Here it serves to introduce another topic that was not properly a continuation of what he had said, but which pertained to the same general subject, and which was deemed of great importance.

I declare unto you. γνωριζω. This word properly means, to make known, to declare, to reveal, (Lk 2:15; Rom 9:22,23;) then to tell, narrate, inform, (Eph 6:21, Col 4:7,9;) and also to put in mind of, to impress, to confirm. 1Cor 12:3. Here it does not mean that he was communicating to them any new truth, but he wished to remind them of it; to state the arguments for it, and to impress it deeply on their memories. There is an abruptness in our translation which does not exist in the original. Bloomfield.

The gospel. Mk 1:1. The word here means the glad announcement, or the good news about the coming of the Messiah, his life, and sufferings, and death, and especially his resurrection. The main subject to which Paul refers in this chapter is the resurrection; but he includes in the word gospel, here, the doctrine that he died for sins, and was buried, as well as the doctrine of his resurrection. See 1Cor 15:3,4.

Which I preached unto you. Paul founded the church at Corinth, Acts 18:1, seq. It was proper that he should remind them of what he had taught them at first; of the great elementary truths on which the church had been established, but from which their minds had been diverted by the other subjects that had been introduced as matters of debate and strife. It was fair to presume that they would regard with respect the doctrines which the founder of their church had first proclaimed, if they were reminded of them; and Paul, therefore, calls their attention to the great and vital truths by which they had been converted, and by which the church had thus far prospered. It is well, often, to remind Christians of the truths which were preached to them when they were converted, and which were instrumental in their conversion. When they have gone off from these doctrines, when they have given their minds to speculation and philosophy, it has a good effect to remind them that they were converted by the simple truths that Christ died, and was buried, and rose again from the dead. The argument of Paul here is, that they owed all the piety and comfort which they had to these doctrines; and that, therefore, they should still adhere to them as the foundation of all their hopes.

Which also ye have received. Which you embraced; which you all admitted as true; which were the means of your conversion. I would remind you that, however that truth may now be denied by you, it was once received by you, and you professed to believe in the fact that Christ rose from the dead, and that the saints would rise.

And wherein ye stand. By which your church was founded, and by which all your piety and hope has been produced, and which is at the foundation of all your religion. You were built up by this, and by this only can you stand as a Christian church. This doctrine was vital and fundamental. This demonstrates that the doctrines that Christ died "for sins," and rose from the dead, are fundamental truths of Christianity. They enter into its very nature; and without them there can be no true religion.

(a) "I declare" Gall 1:11 (b) "which also ye have received" 1Cor 4-8 (c) "wherein ye stand" 1Pet 5:12

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Introduction

The Gospel which the apostle preached to the Corinthians; viz. that Christ died for our sins, and rose again the third day, 1Cor 15:1-4. The witnesses of his resurrection, Peter, James, and more than five hundred brethren, 1Cor 15:5-7. Lastly, Paul himself saw him, and was called by him to the apostleship, 1Cor 15:8-11. Objections against the resurrection of the dead answered, vv. 12-34. The manner in which this great work shall be performed, 1Cor 15:35-49. The astonishing events that shall take place in the last day, 1Cor 15:50-57. The use we should make of this doctrine, 1Cor 15:58. It appears from this chapter that there were some false apostles at Corinth, who denied the resurrection, see 1Cor 15:12; in consequence of which St. Paul discusses three questions in this chapter: - 1. Whether there be a resurrection of the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:1-35. 2. What will be the nature of the resurrection bodies? 1 Corinthians 15:35-51. 3. What should become of those who should be found alive in the day of judgment? 1Cor 15:51-57. I. The resurrection he proves, 1. From Scripture, 1Cor 15:1-4. 2. From eye witnesses, 1Cor 15:5-12. II. He proves the resurrection by showing the absurdity of the contrary doctrine: - 1. If the dead rise not, Christ is not risen, 1Cor 15:13. 2. It would be absurd to have faith in Him, according to the preaching of the Gospel, if he be not risen, 1Cor 15:14. 3. The apostles must be false witnesses who attest this resurrection, 1Cor 15:15. 4. The faith of the Corinthians must be vain who believe it, 1Cor 15:16, 1Cor 15:17. 5. All the believers who have died in the faith of Christ have perished, if Christ be not risen, 1Cor 15:18. 6. Believers in Christ are in a more miserable state than any others, if there be no resurrection, 1Cor 15:19. 7. Those who were baptized in the faith that Christ died for them and rose again, are deceived, 1Cor 15:29. 8. The apostles, and Christians in general, who suffer persecution on the ground that, after suffering awhile here they shall have a glorious resurrection, are acting a foolish and unprofitable part, 1Cor 15:30-32. Verse 1 The Gospel which I preached unto you - This Gospel is contained in Christ dying for our sins, being buried, and rising again the third day. See the following verses.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Chapter Outline The apostle proves the resurrection of Christ from the dead. (1-11) Those answered who deny the resurrection of the body. (12-19) The resurrection of believers to eternal life. (20-34) Objections against it answered. (35-50) The mystery of the change that will be made on those living at Christ's second coming. (51-54) The believer's triumph over death and the grave, An exhortation to diligence. (55-58) Verses 1-11 The word resurrection, usually points out our existence beyond the grave. Of the apostle's doctrine not a trace can be found in all the teaching of philosophers. The doctrine of Christ's death and resurrection, is the foundation of Christianity. Remove this, and all our hopes for eternity sink at once. And it is by holding this truth firm, that Christians stand in the day of trial, and are kept faithful to God. We believe in vain, unless we keep in the faith of the gospel. This truth is confirmed by Old Testament prophecies; and many saw Christ after he was risen. This apostle was highly favoured, but he always had a low opinion of himself, and expressed it. When sinners are, by Divine grace, turned into saints, God causes the remembrance of former sins to make them humble, diligent, and faithful. He ascribes to Divine grace all that was valuable in him. True believers, though not ignorant of what the Lord has done for, in, and by them, yet when they look at their whole conduct and their obligations, they are led to feel that none are so worthless as they are. All true Christians believe that Jesus Christ, and him crucified, and then risen from the dead, is the sun and substance of Christianity. All the apostles agreed in this testimony; by this faith they lived, and in this faith they died.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain