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and Resurrection
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. It is obvious from the context that Paul is reacting to a local potential heresy that denied the resurrection of the dead (which most Jews would have agreed with). Several theories have been postulated as to the possible origin:
1. incipient Gnostic (see Glossary) ideas which emphasized the dualism between spirit (i.e., God, which is good) and matter (i.e., material things, which are evil)
2. those asserting that the resurrection has already occurred (cf. 2Ti_2:17-18).
B. This is the definitive passage in the NT on the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of believers. It must be remembered that this passage was probably written before any of the Gospels were written down.
C. Notice Paul's pastoral emphasis in the way this doctrinal chapter ends, 1Co_15:58. This is similar to 1Th_4:18. Paul always brings doctrine down to daily living and serving. Truth informs lifestyle!
D. It helps to see the overall structure of this long chapter. Dr. David King, a colleague at East Texas Baptist University, has a good outline from his class notes:
"IV. Growing mature Christians requires an understanding of faith in the resurrection (1Co_15:1-58).
1. Introduction: (1Co_15:1-11)
a. The Gospel itself is based firmly on the resurrection of Jesus (1Co_15:1-8).
(1) The basic facts of the gospel (the Kerygma) concern the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1Co_15:3-4).
(2) The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus prove beyond any doubt that Jesus rose from the dead (1Co_15:5-7).
(3) Paul magnifies the grace of God which allowed him to be among the witnesses of Jesus' resurrection (1Co_15:8-11).
2. The basis of the doctrine of our resurrection is the resurrection of Jesus (1Co_15:12-34).
a. Some say that He did not rise from the dead. What are the implications of that (1Co_15:12-19)?
(1) Our preaching is without value (1Co_15:12-14).
(2) Your faith is futile (1Co_15:14; 1Co_15:17).
(3) We are false witness of the truth of God (1Co_15:15).
(4) You are still in your sins (1Co_15:17).
(5) Those believers who have died are lost forever (1Co_15:18).
(6) All believers are to be pitied (1Co_15:19).
b. But Christ has been (and still is!) Risen! What are the implications of that (1Co_15:20-34)?
(1) He is the first-fruit of a coming harvest (1Co_15:20).
(2) Christ, the man, overcame death which was introduced into the world by the first man, Adam (1Co_15:21-22, cf. Rom_5:12-21).
(3) The resurrection is divided into two parts: the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of others (1Co_15:23).
(4) Death will be overcome by resurrection and all will be subject to God, the creator of all (1Co_15:24-28).
(5) Believers are baptized in faith believing in both a spiritual and a physical resurrection (1Co_15:29).
(6) We can face all kinds of danger without fear, for if we die, we shall live again and be judged, according to our deeds (implied) so we must be careful how we live (1Co_15:30-34).
3. The doctrine of the resurrection of believers is reasonable. Paul answers some of their questions (1Co_15:35-57).
a. How are the dead raised? Answer: By the power of God, just as God raises plants from seeds (1Co_15:35-38).
b. What kind of body do they have? Answer: A different kind of body suitable to the different kind of life we will live in eternity (1Co_15:39-41).
(1) God has created different kinds of bodies for life in this world (1Co_15:39-41).
(2) The resurrection body is a new kind of body (1Co_15:42-44).
Imperishable instead of perishable,
Glorious instead of humiliated
Powerful instead of weak
Spiritual instead of animal (or physical)
(3) The nature of the resurrection body is clarified by contrast with the natural body which leads Paul to a contrast between Adam and Christ (1Co_15:45-49, cf. Rom_5:12-21).
c. When will all this take place? Answer: When Jesus comes again (1Co_15:50-57).
(1) A change is necessary for all (1Co_15:50).
(2) We shall all be changed instantaneously (1Co_15:51-52, cf. 1Th_4:14-17).
(3) It will happen when God's trumpet sounds (1Co_15:52 -cf. 1Th_4:16).
(4) When the change has taken place complete victory over death will be ours in Jesus Christ (1Co_15:53-57).
4. Conclusion: The result of belief in this doctrine is steadfastness in service because we know that our service is not in vain (1Co_15:58)"
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. List the four aspects of the Christian life found in 1Co_15:1-2.
2. List the main tenets of the gospel found in 1Co_15:3-4.
3. Why did Paul consider himself to be the least of the Apostles?
4. What was the basis of the members of the church at Corinth denying the resurrection.
5. What is the Adam-Christ typology?
6. What does it mean to baptize for the dead?
7. Will our resurrection bodies be humanoid?