Introduction

First Corinthians 15 is the New Testament's fullest treatment of resurrection. Paul establishes the historical fact of Christ's resurrection, its necessity for our salvation, and its implications for our future bodily resurrection.

The Gospel Received and Delivered (verses 1-11)

Paul reminds them of the gospel he preached, which they received and on which they have taken their stand. By this gospel they are saved, if they hold firmly to the word he preached—otherwise they have believed in vain. What Paul received he passed on as of first importance: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve, then to more than 500 at once (most still living), then to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all to Paul—as to one abnormally born. Paul is the least of the apostles, not even deserving to be called an apostle because he persecuted the church. But by God's grace he is what he is, and God's grace to him was not without effect.

• First Importance: Death, burial, resurrection are central
• According to Scriptures: Prophecy fulfilled
• Witnesses: Multiple appearances to many people
• Grace Effective: Paul labored more than all—but by grace

If Christ Has Not Been Raised (verses 12-19)

If it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some say there is no resurrection? If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, Paul's preaching is useless and so is their faith. More than that, the apostles are found to be false witnesses about God—testifying that He raised Christ when He did not. If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

• Everything Depends: If no resurrection, faith is useless
• Still in Sins: Without resurrection, no salvation
• Most to Be Pitied: If only this life, we've lost everything

But Christ Has Indeed Been Raised (verses 20-34)

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him. Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. When everything has been subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be made subject so that God may be all in all.

The Resurrection Body (verses 35-58)

How are the dead raised? With what kind of body? Foolish question! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed. God gives it a body as He has determined. There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies—different kinds of glory. So it is with the resurrection: the body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power; sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body.

The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. The perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When this happens, then death has been swallowed up in victory. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the Lord's work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Key Takeaways

• Central Gospel: Christ died, was buried, rose—first importance
• Everything Depends: Without resurrection, faith is futile
• Firstfruits: Christ's resurrection guarantees ours
• Victory Over Death: Death's sting is removed through Christ

Reflection Questions

• How central is the resurrection to your understanding of the gospel?
• How does belief in resurrection affect how you live now?
• Does knowing your labor in the Lord is not in vain motivate your service?