20
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
22
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
23
But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
24
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
25
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
26
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27
For he "has put everything under his feet."
Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear
that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.
28
When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
29
Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized
for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people
baptized for them?
30
And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?
31
I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
32
If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."
33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
34
Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God--I say this to your shame.
(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
"Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
All that are by faith united to Christ, are by his resurrection
assured of their own. As through the sin of the first Adam, all men
became mortal, because all had from him the same sinful nature, so,
through the resurrection of Christ, shall all who are made to partake of
the Spirit, and the spiritual nature, revive, and live for ever. There
will be an order in the resurrection. Christ himself has been the
first-fruits; at his coming, his redeemed people will be raised before
others; at the last the wicked will rise also. Then will be the end of
this present state of things. Would we triumph in that solemn and
important season, we must now submit to his rule, accept his salvation,
and live to his glory. Then shall we rejoice in the completion of his
undertaking, that God may receive the whole glory of our salvation, that
we may for ever serve him, and enjoy his favour. What shall those do,
who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Perhaps
baptism is used here in a figure, for afflictions, sufferings, and
martyrdom, as Matthew 20:22,23.
What is, or will become of those who have suffered many and great
injuries, and have even lost their lives, for this doctrine of the
resurrection, if the dead rise not at all? Whatever the meaning may be,
doubtless the apostle's argument was understood by the Corinthians. And
it is as plain to us that Christianity would be a foolish profession, if
it proposed advantage to themselves by their faithfulness to God; and
to have our fruit to holiness, that our end may be everlasting life. But
we must not live like beasts, as we do not die like them. It must be
ignorance of God that leads any to disbelieve the resurrection and
future life. Those who own a God and a providence, and observe how
unequal things are in the present life, how frequently the best men fare
worst, cannot doubt as to an after-state, where every thing will be set
to rights. Let us not be joined with ungodly men; but warn all around
us, especially children and young persons, to shun them as a pestilence.
Let us awake to righteousness, and not sin."
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