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1 Corinthians Chapter Fifteen

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Faith of Resurrection of Christians

A.  The importance of Christ’s resurrection ---- (v.1-4);

B.  The assurance of Christ’s resurrection (v.5-11):

1. The appearing of the risen Christ (v.5-8);

2. The testimony of Paul himself (v.9-11);

C.  The faith of Christ’s resurrection (v.12-19);

1. Christ has risen and the dead will rise (v.12-16).

2. If Christ is not risen our faith is futile (v.17-19).

D.  The result of Christ’s resurrection (v.);

1. He has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep (v.20-23).

2. He brings the kingdom of God (v.24-28).

E.  The effect of Christ’s resurrection (v.29-34):

1. The faith of resurrection is the pillar of our walking today (v.29-32).

2. The faith of resurrection makes us live more sober (v.33-34).

F.  The body of Christ’s resurrection (v.35-49);

1. The difference of the bodies after resurrection (v.35-42a);

2. The nature of the risen body (v.42b-49);

G.  The hope of Christ’s resurrection (v.);

1. The body will be transformed (v.50-53).

2. Death is swallowed up in victory (v.54-57).

3. The labor today is not in vain in the Lord (v.58).

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

1Cor. 15:1 Moreover brethren I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you which also you received and in which you stand

YLT: “And I make known to you brethren the good news that I proclaimed to you which also ye did receive in which also ye have stood ”

Literal Meaning: “moreover I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you Paul here repeats again the gospel which he preached to the Corinthians to remind them that they should hold fast the gospel.

“Which also you received and in which you stand” “the gospel” refers to the full gospel that the believers have received namely the whole revelation of the New Testament;

Enlightenment in the Word: “which also you received and in which you stand” that we receive the gospel is not appreciating a empty theory but receiving the risen Christ into us and letting Him our Lord and relying on Him in everything so that we can stand firm without being stumbled.

 

1Cor. 15:2 by which also you are saved if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.

YLT: “through which also ye are being saved in what words I proclaimed good news to you if ye hold fast except ye did believe in vain ”

Meaning of Words: “in vain”: without a cause idly without effect;

Literal Meaning:unless you believed in vain” “believed in vain” it indicates that if the content of the gospel is alternated or the important part of the gospel is eliminated the effect of man’s faith will be lost. It is a conditional negative tone ---- if you have not changed the content of the gospel.

“If you hold fast that word which I preached to you” it is to hold fast the whole truth that Paul had preached to them.

“By which also you are saved” once we have believed our spirits have been saved. However it obviously also includes the salvation of the soul here. Today when we are in the process that our souls are saved today we shall go ahead on the way of salvation by the life of the Lord (Rom. 5:10).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     To receive Jesus is to believe His name. When Paul preached the gospel he preached the Lord’s death and resurrection. If they received and believed they would “stand … be saved” (v.1-2). Their being saved and standing have revealed the truth of the gospel ---- Jesus died and rose again.

2)     If someone asks me what the proof of the resurrection of Jesus is I will answer it is the church of Christ. The value of the church of Christ does not lie in His teachings or His signs or His death but in His resurrection. If He had not been raised there would be no church and the disciples would be driven away by the wind like the chaff after the death of Jesus. However He gathered them again in His resurrection. Throughout many generations there had been always such a group of men who received the gospel and stood firm and had been saved by the gospel ---- this was the great proof of resurrection.

3)     When every believer receives the gospel he has set foot on and will walk on the way of salvation. Our soul needs to be saved gradually and daily. Worldly views natural affections and the will of the old man should be changed until we are just like the Lord.

 

1Cor. 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures

YLT: “for I delivered to you first what also I did receive that Christ died for our sins according to the Writings ”

Literal Meaning: “for I delivered to you that which I also received” “receive” it shows that what Paul preached was not created by him but received from the Lord. “Deliver” it indicates that his own task was delivering the message.

“First of all that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” “first of all” it refers to the order of his account. “Christ”: the name of the Savior; “According to the Scriptures” all things that had happened to Christ were according to the prophets in the Old Testament.

  “Died for our sins” the gospel is not He was crucified merely but that He was crucified “for our sins”.

Enlightenment in the Word: the excellent proof of the gospel is the experience of those who have heard and received and believed ---- they prove the value of the Lord’s death for us and declare the significance of the Lord’s resurrection.

 

1Cor. 15:4 and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures

YLT: “and that he was buried and that he hath risen on the third day according to the Writings ”

Literal Meaning:and that He was buried” “was buried” it indicated that the death of Christ was a fact instead of transitory disappearance ---- He truly died.

“And according to the Scriptures” the prophecy that Christ will rise is recorded in the Book of Psalm (16:10).

“That He rose again the third day” if Christ was only punished for our sins and yet had not risen he could not justify us or quicken us (Rom. 4:25; 1Pet. 1:3). Therefore if Christ had not risen there was no “gospel” at all.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     There are three foundations of the gospel: a) the Lord died for our sins; b) He was buried; c) He rose again.

2)     The risen Jesus is the rock of our faith so we should make sure it is true. However it is insufficient to know rationally only. And the real problem is whether the risen Lord Jesus has revealed to us.

3)     The death and burial of Christ are “according to the Scriptures” (v.3) so is the resurrection of Christ which shows that the death and resurrection of Christ were predominated and active. All the hindrances and interruptions of the enemy are in vain. Christ is always the Head and always victorious!

4)     The death of the Lord Jesus has dealt with our problem of sins and His resurrection yet brings us positive effect ---- He grants us His life through which we can live.

 

1Cor. 15:5 and that He was seen by Cephas then by the twelve.

YLT: “and that he appeared to Cephas then to the twelve ”

Literal Meaning:and that He was seen by Cephas” it happened after the two disciples in Emmaus had witnessed the manifestation of the risen Lord and before they returned to Jerusalem (see 24:34).

“Then by the twelve” “twelve” refers to the whole group of the apostles instead of the exact number of the apostles. Since Judas at that time hanged himself and Thomas was not absent there were actually ten apostles. Eight days later Thomas was present when the risen Christ manifested again (John 20:19 26).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The manifestation of the Lord was for the purpose of proving the resurrection. Therefore every time when the Lord reveals to us in our spirit the risen Christ will be made known to us more perfect.

2)      All the apostles witnessed the revelation of the Lord Jesus after His resurrection so that they could be witnesses of the risen Christ (Acts 1:22) and their messages would bear witness to the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:32; 4:33) and even their life also testified the risen Christ. We believers should also turn to the Lord and look on the glory of the Lord with unveiled face (see 2Cor.3:16-18) so that we can be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection.

 

1Cor. 15:6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once of whom the greater part remain to the present but some have fallen asleep.

YLT: “afterwards he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once of whom the greater part remain till now and certain also did fall asleep;”

Literal Meaning: “after that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once it might happen on the appointed mountain in Galilee. Besides the eleven apostles perhaps there were also five hundred disciples who came to see the Lord (see Matt. 28:7 10 16). There were so many believers who saw the risen Lord at once showing that it was a generally acknowledged fact in the church at that time.

“Of whom the greater part remain to the present remain to the present it meant that they were still alive in the world when Paul wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians. This epistle was a public letter. If anyone who opposed Paul went to find any disciple who was alive to accuse Paul of lying there would be no Christianity today.

“But some have fallen asleep” “have fallen asleep”: have been dead;

 

1Cor. 15:7 After that He was seen by James then by all the apostles.

YLT: “afterwards he appeared to James then to all the apostles.”

Literal Meaning: “after that He was seen by James “James” was the physical brother of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 13:55) he did not believe the Lord at first (see John 7:5). However he believed the Lord later for the Lord appeared to him (see Acts 1:3 14). Therefore his repenting and believing in the Lord were a proof of the Lord’s resurrection.

“Then by all the apostles” it might refer to the last manifestation of the Lord to all the apostles before His ascension ---- He commanded them to wait for the coming upon of the Spirit and receive power to be witnesses of the Lord (Acts 1:4-11).

 

1Cor. 15:8 Then last of all He was seen by me also as by one born out of due time.

YLT: “And last of all -- as to the untimely birth -- he appeared also to me ”

Literal Meaning: “then last of all He was seen by me also” “last”: in the end; the Lord Jesus manifested Paul after His ascension (Acts 9:1-5).

“As by one born out of due time” it was self-abasement of Paul who describes himself as a prematurely born baby that had not undergone the normal process. It might be because Paul had not followed the Lord Jesus when He began to preach but was called after the Lord’s resurrection. This was an abnormal condition and was different from other disciples.

Enlightenment in the Word: even Paul who was as a born out of due time in spirit can be used by the Lord how much rather shall those who have been superiorly cultivated from the outset be used by the Lord and devote all themselves for the sake of the gospel? 

 

1Cor. 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles who am not worthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God.

YLT: “for I am the least of the apostles who am not worthy to be called an apostle because I did persecute the assembly of God ”             

Literal Meaning: “for I am the least of the apostles who am not worthy to be called an apostle there might be two reasons for Paul’s these words: firstly he was humble. Secondly he was not an apostle called by the Lord in His flesh and he persecuted the church after the Lord’s resurrection but he turned to serve the Lord after the Lord’s manifestation. Therefore he thought he was unworthy to be called an apostle.

“Because I persecuted the church of God” he explained why he was “as by one born out of due time” for he has spiritual birth defect.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Paul was primitively named Saul (Acts 9:4) and he changed his name after he was saved. Paul means “littleness”. The Lord’s workers should not be puffed up but shall be willing to be humble to serve all.

2)     Man like Paul who persecuted the church of God has even been transformed into a man who is willing to be persecuted. The great power of the gospel is manifested here. When we preach the gospel we shall not give up because of the difficult object. Any difficult object will be wonderfully changed after he has met the Lord.

 

1Cor. 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all yet not I but the grace of God which was with me.

YLT: “and by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace that towards me came not in vain but more abundantly than they all did I labour yet not I but the grace of God that with me;”

Literal Meaning: “but”: nevertheless;

I am what I am it refers to his present status and achievements;

“By the grace of God” the tremendous transformation of Paul was totally out of the grace of God.

“And His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all it was the proof of the Lord’s resurrection that Paul repented to be an apostle and was willing to labor more abundantly.

“Yet not I but the grace of God which was with me” the grace of God is with Paul which makes him more laborious than all the apostles.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     But by the grace of God I am what I am the grace of God makes our present condition.

2)     The grace of God makes every turning point of one’s life. The value of our life does not depend on our ability or effort but on the grace of God.

3)     If we can love the Lord more than others and serve the Lord more diligently it is not that we are good but that the grace of God is with us.

 

1Cor. 15:11 Therefore whether it was I or they so we preach and so you believed.

YLT: “whether then I or they so we preach and so ye did believe.”

Literal Meaning: “therefore whether it was I or they no matter Paul or all the apostles all of them had witnessed the resurrection of the Lord so they counted the resurrection as the three great elements of the gospel (death burial and resurrection).

“So we preach and so you believed” “so we preach”: it refers to the content of the gospel namely what is mentioned in verse three and four. “So you believed” the gospel that believers in Corinth had received also included the death and resurrection of Christ.

 

1Cor. 15:12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

YLT: “And if Christ is preached that out of the dead he hath risen how say certain among you that there is no rising again of dead persons?”

Literal Meaning:how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” “Some among you” it referred to the false teachers in the church at Corinth who preached heresy. They dared not deny the resurrection of Christ for there were also many witnesses at that time. However they treacherously denied the resurrection of the dead for it would happen in the future.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Many times those who preach the heresy may not deny or oppose some truth in the Scriptures directly but lead believers astray with some oblique saying.

2)     Christ has been raised from the dead so those who believe Him shall also be raised from the dead. Christ is the pioneer of the way of faith (see Heb. 6:20). What He has experienced will also be experienced by us.

3)     If there is no resurrection of the dead God is the God of the dead not of the living. However He is the God of the living (Matt. 22:32). If Christ has not been raised from the dead He is a dead Savior instead of a living Savior. However he is living to the ages of ages (Rev. 1:18).

 

1Cor. 15:13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead then Christ is not risen.

YLT: “and if there be no rising again of dead persons neither hath Christ risen;”

Literal Meaning: we can see from this verse that they apparently deny the resurrection of the dead but actually they scheme to deny the resurrection of Christ.

 

1Cor. 15:14 And if Christ is not risen then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

YLT: “and if Christ hath not risen then void our preaching and void also your faith ”

Meaning of Words: “empty”: vain useless of no effect;

Literal Meaning: “and if Christ is not risen if Christ cannot overcome the death;

“Then our preaching is empty” the Christ preached by the apostles is a Savior who can deliver man from sins and death. However if He Himself cannot overcome the death how can He save others?

“And your faith is also empty” if what man preaches is wrong what man believes is empty.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Today the infidels say that Jesus Christ rises in spirit or mind but not in body. Such man actually intends to overthrow the testimony testified by the apostles and not believe the body of Jesus Christ is risen. The so-called spiritual resurrection is an abstract noun. The spirit is not a physical life so it has nothing to do with resurrection.

2)     The most important point of our faith is to believe the Lord’s death and resurrection. It is truly doubtless of the resurrection of the Lord for there is the record of the Scriptures as well as eye-witnesses (v.3-7). If the Lord has not been raised He is just like the founders of religions who are in death and yet can not deliver them from death. How can He save us? Therefore if we do not believe the Lord’s resurrection firmly and thoroughly the preachment and the faith of the gospel are both empty and we all “still in sins” (v.17) ---- we have no hope of the coming ages at all and are of all men the most pitiable. And it would be better to eat and drink and spend the whole life aimlessly for everything comes to an end when we die (v.17 19 32).

3)     If Christ is not living everything of us has become empty and dead: no content and no life. The preachment and the faith of the gospel are empty everything will not be practical.

 

1Cor. 15:15 Yes and we are found false witnesses of God because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise.

YLT: “and we also are found false witnesses of God because we did testify of God that He raised up the Christ whom He did not raise if then dead persons do not rise;”

Literal Meaning: “because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ the apostles testified again and again that God raised Christ (see Acts 1:22; 2:31-33; 4:2; 17:18; 23:6; 24:15 21).

“Whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise” if there was no resurrection of the dead Christ had not been raised from the dead (see v.13). If Christ had not been raised from the dead it proved that God had not raised Christ up.

 

1Cor. 15:16 For if the dead do not rise then Christ is not risen.

YLT: “for if dead persons do not rise neither hath Christ risen ”

Literal Meaning: it emphasizes the words of verse thirteen again.

 

1Cor. 15:17 And if Christ is not risen your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

YLT: “and if Christ hath not risen vain is your faith ye are yet in your sins;”

Meaning of Words: “futile”: vain empty;

Literal Meaning: “and if Christ is not risen your faith is futile it emphasizes the words of verse fourteen again.

“You are still in your sins!” ---- Christ was marked out Son of God in power by resurrection of dead Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 1:4) so He could deliver men from sins. Besides the resurrection of Christ shows that God has accepted His redemption work so that we are justified (see Rom. 5:25) and have no sins before God any more. However if Christ had not been raised from the dead he was not the son of God and his redemption had no effect and we were still in sins.

Note that Paul does not say the condemnation has not been removed for Christ was dead and the condemnation had also been eliminated. However if Christ had not been raised from the dead we were still in sins. Here we see the significance of the resurrection.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Jesus had paid our debt of sins on the cross. His resurrection was like the receipt sent by God. If Jesus had not been raised from the dead it showed that the ransom price had not been paid and we still owned God.

2)     If Christ had not been raised that He is the Son of God and He is Christ sent by God could not been proved and His death was valueless and it was a problem whether He had the right to redeem us.

3)     The death of Christ saves us from the condemnation of sins. The resurrection of Christ delivers us from the power of sin (see Rom. 8:2).

 

 

1Cor. 15:18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

YLT: “then also those having fallen asleep in Christ did perish;”

Literal Meaning: if those who have believed Christ and have also fallen asleep have believed a wrong object their will perish.

 

1Cor. 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men the most pitiable.

YLT: “if in this life we have hope in Christ only of all men we are most to be pitied.”

Literal Meaning: “if in this life only we have hope in Christ if man can not rise there will not be the so-called future life or eternal life and all hope will be thus confined in this life only.

  If there is no resurrection we will have no future or hope toward the future. All the hope of Christians relates to our resurrection e.g. Christ is the hope of glory (Col. 1:27); our eternal portion (Dan. 12:13); reign with Christ in the kingdom of one thousand years (Rev. 20:4 6) as well as the blessings of the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14) and etc.

“We are of all men the most pitiable” “all men” refer to men in the world. Men in the world enjoy this life because of the absence of the cares for the coming age. However if we Christians suffer various persecutions and troubles for the sake of our faith but have no hope in the future we are of all men the most pitiable.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Since we follow Christ we may suffer loss or be persecuted or be humiliated by men or sacrifice the temporary pleasure of sin in this life. If we finally still enter the eternal darkness we are of all men the most pitiable aren’t we?

2)     How transient this life is! And how long the eternal life is! How foolish it is that one exchanges eternal perdition for the present pleasantness! However if troubles in this life could exchange for eternal blessings we would be only too glad to do it! Since we believers have the hope of resurrection we divert our sight from this life into the eternal life and see the inheritance in the future from afar off so that we can run on the way of troubles with joy  (see Heb. 11:13).

 

1Cor. 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

YLT: “And now Christ hath risen out of the dead -- the first-fruits of those sleeping he became ”

Literal Meaning: “and has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep” “those who have fallen asleep” refer to Christians who have departed from the world. “The first-fruits” it is the proof that the rest fruits will also be ripe. The resurrection of Christ is like the first fruit which is the proof that all believers shall also rise. The resurrection of Christ proves that all believers shall also rise. Though believers will rise in the future since Christ has already risen we know that we will also rise according to the risen Christ. It is just like that we know that the rest fruits will be ripe soon when we see the first-fruits.

  The day of the first-fruits of the Israel in the Old Testament (see Lev. 23:9-11) typifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the day itself means resurrection. Since the crops yield the grains after the winter they are fit to symbolize the resurrection. The day of the Lord’s resurrection was just on the day when the stacks of corn were offered as the wave-offering on the day of the first-fruits (see Matt. 28:1) which indicated that there would be a greater and fuller harvest. Therefore the Lord’s resurrection is the proof that we will rise up.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     “The first-fruits” are the assurance and sample of all the fruits in the future. The first-fruits will ensure the rest fruits will ripe. The color and character of the rest fruits depend on that of the first-fruits. Thank the Lord! Christ is the first-fruit of us. Since He has risen and entered into full glory He will guarantee that we who believe Him shall also enter full glory with Him and be like Him completely.

2)     Christ is the first-fruit and the victorious Christians are also first-fruits for they imitate Christ ---- these are they who follow the Lamb wherever it goes (see Rev. 14:4).

 

1Cor. 15:21 For since by man came death by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.

YLT: “for since through man the death also through man a rising again of the dead ”

Literal Meaning: “for since by man came death” when Adam sinned death passed upon all men (see Rom. 5:12).

“By Man also came the resurrection of the dead” since Jesus Christ has risen those who believe Him will also rise again (John 11:25).

 

1Cor. 15:22 For as in Adam all die even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

YLT: “for even as in Adam all die so also in the Christ all shall be made alive ”

Literal Meaning: “for as in Adam all die all men in Adam are dead in spirit (see Eph. 2:11) and their bodies will die sooner or later. And through fear of death they are bondmen of the devil who has the might of death (Heb. 2:15).

“Even so in Christ all shall be made alive” we are the new creation in Christ (see 2Cor. 5:17) and will rise in the future.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Men in Adam are doomed to death. After they are born they walk on the way of death. Men do not live everyday but are dying everyday. When death works in men they are running into death.

2)     However men in Christ have changed their dwelling places and walk on the way of life and run into life from the day when they are saved. Everyday we experience the risen life of Christ so we “live” everyday. And the more we live the more we will grow up and the more we will be transformed. One day when we meet the Lord our bodies will be redeemed and be changed completely and live to ages of ages.

 

1Cor. 15:23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.

YLT: “and each in his proper order a first-fruit Christ afterwards those who are the Christ's in his presence ”

Literal Meaning: “but each one in his own order” “order”: order of time; everyone will rise according to his order in different time.

Christ the first-fruits Jesus Christ is the first one who truly rise from the dead so He is the first-fruit. The resurrection of others like Lazarus and the saints who have fallen asleep arose when the Lord yielded up the spirit are transient (see John 12:1; Matt. 27:52-53) so they can not be counted as the first-fruits.

“Afterward those who are Christ's at His coming” the saints who have fallen asleep will also rise when the Lord comes again (1Thess. 4:16). It is called the first resurrection in the Scriptures (Rev. 20:5). The resurrections before the first one are transient ---- for instance the resurrection of Dorcas (Acts 9:40-41) and etc. ---- so they are not the first resurrection.

Paul compares the order of resurrection with the condition that the army returns in triumph: the ruler is the foremost and the second one is the army and the captives are in the end. The order of resurrection is: Christ is the first and believers before the kingdom of one thousand years after and those who hindmost. The first is the first-fruit and the second is the harvest and the last one is burning the useless things after threshing grains (see v.24).

 

1Cor. 15:24 Then comes the end when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

YLT: “then -- the end when he may deliver up the reign to God even the Father when he may have made useless all rule and all authority and power --”

Literal Meaning: “then comes the end “end”: the end of the old heaven and the old earth (see Rev. 20:11; 2Pet. 3:10).

“When He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power “when…” after the kingdom of one thousand years (see Rev. 20:7-10); “all rule and all authority and power” it refers to Satan and His messengers (see Eph. 1:21). “Put an end”: be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (see Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41).

“When He delivers the kingdom to God the Father” “kingdom” refers to the kingdom of God. The kingdom is obtained by Christ from God (Luke 19:12 15; Dan. 7:13-14). When Christ has dealt with His enemy Satan and all the negative things in the universe and has fulfilled the will of God the Father He delivers the kingdom of God the Father.

 

1Cor. 15:25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

YLT: “for it behoveth him to reign till he may have put all the enemies under his feet --”

Literal Meaning: “for He must reign” it is before Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father: what the seventh angel sounded: “the kingdom of the world of our Lord and of his Christ is come and he shall reign” (Rev. 11:15).

“Till He has put all enemies under His feet” it reveals the perfect victory of Christ. “Till” when Christ reigns in the kingdom of a thousand years the end of Satan has not come (see Rev. 20:7). When the appointed time of God comes Satan will be put under the feet of Christ (Heb. 1:13; Ps. 110:1).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Since Christ is such a victorious king we need not fear the attacks of Satan for it had been early defeated by the Lord. As long as we rely on the Lord closely we will overcome the devil in everything.

2)     The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:23; Col. 1:24). When all the enemies are put under the feet of Christ they are also put under the church. The church in Christ can stand through the Lord against the spiritual of wickedness in the heavenlies (see Eph. 6:10-17).

 

1Cor. 15:26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

YLT: “the last enemy is done away -- death;”

Literal Meaning: “the last”: the end (v.24) when the old heaven and the old earth; “death”: be cast into the lake of fire with Hades (see Rev. 20:14).

  Death is the last enemy for the devil has the might of death through which he enslaves sinners (see Heb. 2:14-15). And the souls of dead sinners are held in Hades by death. Therefore death and Hades will be lastly destroyed after giving up the dead in them (see Rev. 20:13-14).

 

1Cor. 15:27 For "He has put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things are put under Him " it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.

YLT: “for all things He did put under his feet and when one may say that all things have been subjected evident that He is excepted who did subject the all things to him ”

Literal Meaning: “for” the following scriptures are quoted from the Book of Psalm (8:6).

He has put all things under His feet” “under”: be in subjection to; it indicates that it is the will of God that Christ shall reign and destroy all the enemies (v.25-26) and inherit all (see Eph. 1:22; Heb. 2:8; 1Pet. 3:22).

But when He says "all things are put under Him " It is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.” “He who put all things under Him” it refers to God the Father.

 

1Cor. 15:28 Now when all things are made subject to Him then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him that God may be all in all.

YLT: “and when the all things may be subjected to him then the Son also himself shall be subject to Him who did subject to him the all things that God may be the all in all.”

Literal Meaning: “now when all things are made subject to Him then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him “Him”: God the Son namely Christ; “Him who put all things under Him”: God the Father; The persons of the Holy Trinity: the Son is on an equality with God the Father (see Phil. 2:6) for the Son and the Father are one (John 10:30). And as for the work of God the Son confesses that the Father is greater than Him (John 14:28). 

“That God may be all in all” “God” refers to the Holy Trinity for Christ shall reign with God the Father for ever (see Rev. 11:15; 19:6).

 

1Cor. 15:29 Otherwise what will they do who are baptized for the dead if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?

YLT: “Seeing what shall they do who are baptized for the dead if the dead do not rise at all? why also are they baptized for the dead?”

Literal Meaning: there are different views upon this view on theology:

1)     At that time there was a strange custom in the church ---- the dead believers could be baptized again. Paul did not approve this custom for it was opposite to his habitual view of paying attention to reality instead of letters (see Rom. 2:28-29; Col. 2:14-17; 1Cor. 1:17). And such custom disappeared soon. Paul just attacked their shield with their spear. Though he did not approve this custom he used it to prove that man needed not be baptized if he did not believe the resurrection of the dead.

2)     The relatives of believers were baptized when they were living because of being touched by the dead believers in the hope that they could still be gathered when the dead rose in the future.

3)     Here “the dead” were believers who had been dead but they were baptized when they lived. And when Paul now mentioned their baptism he called “who are baptized for the dead”.

4)     It is a saying with implied meanings such as “die daily” (v.31) “have fought with beasts” (v.32). “Dead”: those who are dead in spirit (Eph. 2:1); “Be baptized” refers to the suffering (see Luke 12:50). Believers suffer the troubles caused by unbelievers for the sake of the hope of resurrection.

    The first and second views are reasonable. But the last two ones are rather farfetched. 

 

1Cor. 15:30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?

YLT: “why also do we stand in peril every hour?”

Literal Meaning: it indicates that Christians should often face with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of faith (see Acts 14:22). If we do not believe the dead will rise in the future we need not adhere to our faith and oppose to compromise with the world.  

 

1Cor. 15:31 I affirm by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord I die daily.

YLT: “Every day do I die by the glorying of you that I have in Christ Jesus our Lord:”

Literal Meaning:I affirm by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord boast in Christ” it indicates that all his achievements are not out of himself but of Christ. Therefore he can only boast in Christ (see Phil. 3:3).

I die daily” Paul suffered many persecutions and dangers for the sake of preaching the gospel (see 2Cor. 11:23-27 32-33). 

 

1Cor. 15:32 If in the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die!"

YLT: “if after the manner of a man with wild beasts I fought in Ephesus what the advantage to me if the dead do not rise? let us eat and drink for to-morrow we die!”

Literal Meaning: “if in the manner of men in the manner of men” the manner like men in the world;

I have fought with beasts at Ephesus it might refer to his experience at Ephesus: the riotous people at Ephesus revolted against Paul like beasts. Paul was painfully excited and nearly went into the theatre in which men visited the animal fighting and was urged not to throw himself into it (see Acts 19:23-32). 

“What advantage is it to me? He faced with the challenge of death so bravely. But if there was no resurrection of the dead he profited nothing. 

If the dead do not rise "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die!" If mean does not rise after death man shall eat and drink to enjoy life when he lives. Otherwise if he dies tomorrow it will be late for everything finishes after death.

Enlightenment in the Word: since men have no hope after death the world live with the attitude of “living for today not tomorrow”. However we believers live with a total different attitude for the sake of the hope of resurrection. 

 

1Cor. 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

YLT: “Be not led astray; evil communications corrupt good manners;”

Meaning of Words:

Literal Meaning: “do not be deceived Paul often uses this word to warn others (see 1Cor. 3:18; 6:9; Gal. 6:7).

"Evil company corrupts good habits."” ---- “Evil company”: evil fellowship; “corrupt”: decay as the wood; “good habits”: good morality or “the manner of Christians”.

There were many false teachers in the church at Corinth who attacked the teachings of Paul in many ways and misled believers in Corinth to follow them. Paul here asked believers in Corinth to beware of them and not to be associated with them for fear that their Christian’s manner should be destroyed by them.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    A common saying goes like this: he that lies down with dogs must rise up with fleas. We believers should beware of the objects that we have fellowship with so as not to be entangled by them and that our testimony will not be destroyed.

2)    We believers should love one another in truth (2John 1-2). If we go forward the love in truth we may be partakes in the wicked works of others (2John 9-11).

 

1Cor. 15:34 Awake to righteousness and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

YLT: “awake up as is right and sin not; for certain have an ignorance of God; for shame to you I say.”

Literal Meaning: “awake to righteousness and do not sin” Paul encouraged believers in Corinth to wake up and not to be associated with those false teachers any more. Otherwise they might be affected by them and fall into sins.

“For some do not have the knowledge of God” it indicated that those false teachers had spiritual knowledge apparently and yet did not know God and His will.

I speak this to your shame” “your” that of believers in Corinth; they had already had the perfect gospel (see v.1-2) but then were led to follow the knowledge uttered by those who had no knowledge of God. Those who have knowledge would be shameful.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Though all Christians are “alive” many of them did not “stay awake”.

2)    We should carefully discern between who has the knowledge of God and who has not. Otherwise we may be affected unconsciously by those who have not the knowledge of God and sin against God.

 

1Cor. 15:35 But someone will say "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?"

YLT: “But some one will say `How do the dead rise?”

Literal Meaning: “but someone will say "How are the dead raised up? ---- “Someone” refers to the false teacher or refers to the one in the church at Corinth who has doubt about resurrection. “How are the dead raised up”: in what form will the dead be raised up?  

“And with what body do they come?"” do they come with the body when they were in the flesh? or with other body?

 

1Cor. 15:36 Foolish one what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.

YLT: “unwise! thou -- what thou dost sow is not quickened except it may die;”

Literal Meaning: “foolish one Paul rebukes them for their ignorance of truth and spiritual things.

“What you sow” here Paul explains the resurrection by the well-known phenomenon of growth of plants (see John 12:24).

“Is not made alive unless it dies” the seed fell on the ground and died and then yielded life. The flesh of us should die first and become rotten afterwards. And then the new body will be grown.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     All the seeds of life not made alive unless it dies” ---- this is the law in the universe. Likewise if the spiritual life we have received has not passed the long-time death it will not have the risen image of glory. If indeed we suffer with Christ we may also be glorified with Him (see Rom. 8:17).

2)     If we believers are always delivered unto death on account of Jesus the life also of Jesus will be manifested in our mortal flesh (2Cor. 4:10-11).

 

1Cor. 15:37 And what you sow you do not sow that body that shall be but mere grain--perhaps wheat or some other grain.

YLT: “and that which thou dost sow not the body that shall be dost thou sow but bare grain it may be of wheat or of some one of the others ”

Literal Meaning: “and what you sow you do not sow that body that shall be body that shall be” the body of the grain after it has sprouted and grown up;

“But mere grain--perhaps wheat or some other grain” “grain”: the shape of the seed in its raw condition e.g. the seed of wheat or some other grain;

 

1Cor. 15:38 But God gives it a body as He pleases and to each seed its own body.

YLT: “and God doth give to it a body according as He willed and to each of the seeds its proper body.”

Literal Meaning: “but God gives it a body as He pleases the body of the grain is given by God as He pleases.

“And to each seed its own body” each seed has its respective body.

Enlightenment in the Word: God sets that law that every living creature is “after its kind” (Gen. 1:11-12 21-25). The spiritual life that we believers have received from the Lord has also the nature of “being after its kind”. This life makes us not like disorder but have fellowship with those who have the same life (see 2Cor. 6:14-18).

 

1Cor. 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh but there is one kind of flesh of men another flesh of animals another of fish and another of birds.

YLT: “All flesh not the same flesh but there is one flesh of men and another flesh of beasts and another of fishes and another of birds;”

Literal Meaning: “all flesh is not the same flesh it means that all the animals have different bodies.

“But there is one kind of flesh of men another flesh of animals another of fish and another of birds.” The bodies of men and of animals and of fish and of birds are different.

 

1Cor. 15:40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

YLT: “and heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; but one the glory of the heavenly and another that of the earthly;”

Literal Meaning: “there are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies celestial bodies” refer to the stars in the heavens; terrestrial bodies” refer to the bodies of animals vegetation and minerals.

“But the glory of the celestial is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another” “the glory of the celestial” all the celestial bodies (including the reflected celestial body e.g. the moon) shine day and night; the glory of the terrestrial is another” everything on the earth has its value and manifests its glory from its function and appearance.

Enlightenment in the Word: our God does not like monopoly. The terrestrial bodies He created like trees and flowers have their glory respectively so do all the celestial bodies like the sun and the moon and the stars. These are images of the risen bodies. Since God can give such beautiful bodies to the old creature He can also give those who shall be raised more wonderful and glorious bodies.

 

1Cor. 15:41 There is one glory of the sun another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.

YLT: “one glory of sun and another glory of moon and another glory of stars for star from star doth differ in glory.”

Literal Meaning: the intensity of the light of all the celestial bodies in the heaven such as the sun and the moon and the stars is different. Even it is different among all the stars.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     It is not monotonously the same in the eternal age in the future but that everyone has his glory respectively ---- “there is one glory of the sun another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.” Thus the fullness of the glory of Christ is manifested. Therefore various differences should be allowed to exist in harmony today in the church so that the fullness of Christ shall be manifested. If everyone is made mechanically the same by man’s hands the principle of God’s eternal work has been disobeyed.

2)     Every light has its glory and differs in intensity. Every believer is the light in the world (Matt. 5:14) and even the youngest brother can bear witness to the Lord though the degree of the light is different.

 

1Cor. 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption.

YLT: “So also he rising again of the dead: it is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption;”

Literal Meaning: “so also is the resurrection of the dead” it answers the question of verse 35.

The body is sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption.” ---- “Sown” refers to death; “corruption”: physical bodies will be corrupted (see 2Cor. 4:16). “Incorruption”: the risen body will live forever.

 

1Cor. 15:43 It is sown in dishonor it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness it is raised in power.

YLT: “it is sown in dishonour it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness it is raised in power;”

Literal Meaning: “it is sown in dishonor it is raised in glory”. “Dishonor”: man’s fleshly body carries sins and the shameful conduct of sins is often exposed therein. Therefore “nakedness” is counted as a sign of shame in the Scriptures (see Gen. 3:25). “Glory” it indicates that the risen body will be transformed into conformity to the body of the Son of God of glory (Phil. 3:21).

“It is sown in weakness it is raised in power.” “Weakness” man’s physical bodies can be ill hungry or be bound by sin and man may often feel strengthless so it is sown in weakness. “In power” the risen body can not be infected or entangled by anything so it is raised in power.

Enlightenment in the Word: Lazarus was raised but it was not the glorious resurrection and he still died. When he was raised he was still in a dead manner ---- bound feet and hands with grave-clothes and his face was bound round with a handkerchief. He was still called “the dead” in the Scriptures: “the dead came forth” (John 11:44). The resurrection of us in the future is a better as well as glorious resurrection. Our body will be transformed into the body    as glorious as the Lord.  

 

1Cor. 15:44 It is sown a natural body it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body.

YLT: “it is sown a natural body it is raised a spiritual body; there is a natural body and there is a spiritual body;”

Literal Meaning: “it is sown a natural body natural”: that is of soul; “spiritual”: that is of spirit;

 

1Cor. 15:45 And so it is written "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

YLT: “so also it hath been written `The first man Adam became a living creature ' the last Adam for a life-giving spirit ”

Literal Meaning: “and so it is written the following scriptures are quoted from the Book of Genesis (Gen. 2:7).

 The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” “The last Adam” refers to Jesus Christ; “a life-giving spirit” refers to the Spirit. Here it clearly tells us that the Lord Jesus has become the life-giving spirit after resurrection as well as another Comforter namely the spirit of truth. He comes to be with us and abide in us (see John 14:16-20).

 

1Cor. 15:46 However the spiritual is not first but the natural and afterward the spiritual.

YLT: “but that which is spiritual not first but that which natural afterwards that which spiritual.”

Literal Meaning: “however the spiritual is not first” the principle in the Scriptures is that many first shall be last and last first (Matt. 19:30; 20:16).

“But the natural and afterward the spiritual” the first is natural and the second is spiritual. God often elects the second one e.g. He chose Abel instead of Cain (Gen. 4:4-5) Ishmael instead of Isaac (Gen. 17:18-19) Jacob instead of Esau (Gen. 25:23).

 

1Cor. 15:47 The first man was of the earth 1made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.

YLT: “The first man out of the earth earthy; the second man the Lord out of heaven;”

Literal Meaning: “the first man was of the earth 1made of dust” “the first man” refers to Adam who was made by God with dust on the earth (Gen. 2:7) so the first man was of earth as well as of dust.

“The second Man is the Lord from heaven.” “The second Man” is Christ who came down out of heaven and is in heaven (John 3:13) so He is from heaven.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Here it is written the first one was of the earth and the second Man is from heaven. The first is natural and the second is spiritual. The most amazing thing in the Scriptures is that God often chooses the second one (see Gen. 17:18-19; 25:23; Rom. 9:12-13; Gen. 48:18-19; 1Sam. 8:5; 16:1; 2Sam. 12:14 24-25). Why? Literally speaking this chapter talks about the resurrection of body. However according to spiritual principles it tells us that all that is spiritual is afterward and all that is fleshly is first. This is why God chooses the second one and refuses the first one. And God refuses the first one but accepts the second one for the natural one is first and the second one can not be born from man’s natural body but from the Spirit (John 3:6). Here we have the “second principle” or “the second law”.

2)     Christ is “last Adam” (v.44) which shows that He finishes all the race of Adam. Christ is “second Man” which indicates that He starts a new race. All that is in Christ is also ended in the last Adam and can also live before God in the second Man. Hallelujah! Christ is the turning point of all human beings.

 

1Cor. 15:48 As was the man of dust so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man so also are those who are heavenly.

YLT: “as the earthy such also the earthy; and as the heavenly such also the heavenly;”

Literal Meaning: “as was the man of dust so also are those who are made of dust” it points that how Adam sinned and fell into the dust all those who are in the flesh will also be dead in sins and transgressions before God and be into the dust in the end.

“And as is the heavenly Man so also are those who are heavenly.” It means that how Christ pleases God (Matt. 3:17; 17:5) and died and ascended into the heaven and was glorified (Eph. 1:20) all those who are of Him will also be manifested in glory with Him (Col. 3:4).

Enlightenment in the Word: Adam was created by God with dust (Gen. 2:7). How we were sinful and would be dead as Adam in the past we will also rise and enter into glory like Christ since we have already been of Christ.

 

1Cor. 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

YLT: “and according as we did bear the image of the earthy we shall bear also the image of the heavenly.”

Literal Meaning: “and as we have borne the image of the man of dust we have inherited the image of the dust from the life of Adam.

“We shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man” we will also inherit the heavenly image from the life of Christ.  

 

1Cor. 15:50 Now this I say brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

YLT: “And this I say brethren that flesh and blood the reign of God is not able to inherit nor doth the corruption inherit the incorruption;”

Literal Meaning: “now this I say brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; we should be born from the above and receive the life of God so that we can enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:3 5).

“Nor does corruption inherit incorruption” the inheritance reserved in heavens for us is incorruptible and undefiled and unfading (1Pet. 1:4) which should be inherited in the incorruptible body ---- the risen body.

 

1Cor. 15:51 Behold I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed--

YLT: “lo I tell you a secret; we indeed shall not all sleep and we all shall be changed;”

Literal Meaning: “we shall not all sleep it means that not all of us will die for when the Lord comes again some believers will be raised when they live (1Thess. 4:17).

“But we shall all be changed--” when the Lord comes again no matter those who have fallen asleep or who still live all of them should be transformed.

 

1Cor. 15:52 in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed.

YLT: “in a moment in the twinkling of an eye in the last trumpet for it shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we -- we shall be changed:”

Literal Meaning:in a moment in the twinkling of an eye the transformation of our body is transient but gradual.

“At the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound when the Lord comes again the trumpet of God will sound (1Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:31).

“And the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed” it indicates that the transformation of body and the resurrection happen at one time.

Enlightenment in the Word: the rapture does not happen suddenly but gradually. Here the transformation in the twinkling of an eye speaks of the resurrection of body instead of life. The rapture is not flying individually but walking with the Lord. The experiences of a Christian in the Lord have their interrelationship: die live and be taken. We will enter into glory step by step. Many times we can not obey in a certain thing. However if we die one more time we will be filled with the Lord’s life one more time and the further we will be raised.

 

1Cor. 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality.

YLT: “for it behoveth this corruptible to put on incorruption and this mortal to put on immortality;”

Literal Meaning: “for this corruptible must put on incorruption the risen man will bring a spiritual body. God gives believers who still live spiritual bodies and they will be changed immediately after putting on them.

 

1Cor. 15:54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption and this mortal has put on immortality then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

YLT: “and when this corruptible may have put on incorruption and this mortal may have put on immortality then shall be brought to pass the word that hath been written `The Death was swallowed up -- to victory;”

Literal Meaning:the saying that is written” the following words are quoted from the Book of Isaiah (25:8) according to the meaning.

“Then shall be brought to pass: "Death is swallowed up in victory."” “Victory” refers to the victory of the redemption of Christ. That is to say the salvation of the cross will overcome death. This prophecy will be fully fulfilled when the Lord comes again and believers are raised up.

   

1Cor. 15:55 "O Death where is your sting? O Hades where is your victory?"

YLT: “where O Death thy sting? where O Hades thy victory?'”

Literal Meaning: “o death”: the invisible world;  

“Where is your sting? O Hades where is your victory?"” ---- This is a declaration of the triumph against death.

Enlightenment in the Word: what we are waiting for is not death but that morning ---- the risen morning.

 

1Cor. 15:56 The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law.

YLT: “and the sting of the death the sin and the power of the sin the law;”

Literal Meaning: “the sting of death is sin death damages men in the world through sins. Therefore sin is the sting of death.

“And the strength of sin is the law” sin activates man’s lusts by the law to sin (see Rom. 7:8) and then condemns those who have disobeyed the law (1John 3:4) and kills men through the law (Rom. 7:11). Therefore the strength of sin is the law.

 

1Cor. 15:57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

YLT: “and to God -- thanks to Him who is giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Literal Meaning: victory is a gift given to us by God. The victory to us is obtained freely not earned by our labor. We have a terribly false opinion: we think we are saved by the free salvation but overcome through ourselves.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Sin stings man into death through the strength of the law (v.56). However praise the Lord! The risen Christ destroyed all of them. Therefore how foolish that if we still live under the law and are stung into death by sin. If we live in the risen Christ we can joyfully boast: “thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

2)     The previous two verses (v.55-56) mention sin and the law and death. And here God gives us the victory. We can not only overcome sin but also the law; not only the law but also death. Here there is a gospel: God gives the victory to each of us.

 

1Cor. 15:58 Therefore my beloved brethren be steadfast immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

YLT: “so that my brethren beloved become ye stedfast unmovable abounding in the work of the Lord at all times knowing that your labour is not vain in the Lord.”

Literal Meaning: “therefore my beloved brethren “therefore” there are two reasons: 1) the Lord has risen for us; 2) we have the assured hope of resurrection and transformation of our bodies.

“Be steadfast immovable 1) since Christ has risen we should be steadfast in faith and be immovable and not accept the heresy holding the dead do not rise; 2) if we have full hope for the future we should be steadfast and be immovable and not lose zeal and love.

“Always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” since we know that the Lord remembers our labor for Him today we should seize the opportunity and abound in the work of the Lord for the works follow with us (Rev. 14:13) and we will be rewarded by the Lord.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The encouragements of Paul to brothers and sisters are focused on two points: a) “be steadfast and immovable in the Lord”; b) “always abound in the work of the Lord”; these are two things of eternal value.

2)      Thereforebe steadfastalways abounding in the work of the Lordnot in vain” the word “therefore” shows that we can be steadfast and immovable and not labor in vain by the risen Christ only. Christ makes us be stand firmly. And He is the value of our labor.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lesson

 

The Knowledge of the Resurrection

A.  The resurrection of the Lord is the generally acknowledged faith of the church (v.1-11).

B.  If there was no resurrection the Lord might have not risen and there would be dire consequences (v.12-19).

C.  Since the Lord has been indeed raised we will surely be raised (v.20-28).

D.  Since we will rise we do not dare death (v.29-34).

E.  The risen ones are better (v.35-37);

F.  We should labor for the Lord for we have hope (v.58).

 

The Relation of the Resurrection of Christ with Christians

A.  The resurrection of Christ is the center of our preachment (v.12 14a).

B.  The resurrection of Christ is the center of our faith (v.14b 17a).

C.  The resurrection of Christ is the center of our testimony (v.15).

D.  The resurrection of Christ delivers us from sin (v.17b).

E.  The resurrection of Christ gives us hope in the coming age (v.19).

F.   The resurrection of Christ is the significance of our life (v.32).

G.  The resurrection of Christ is the motive of our service (v.58).

 

The Comparisons between the Bodies of Christians at Present and the Risen Bodies in the Future

A.  Corruption ---- in incorruption (v.42);

B.  In dishonor ---- in glory (v.43a);

C.  In weakness ---- in power (v.43b);

D.  Natural ---- spiritual (v.44);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou