(Chap. 15)
The Local Assembly Is Responsible to Uphold Sound Doctrine
The Apostle turns to emphasize the importance of the local assembly maintaining sound doctrine. The assembly as the house of God is to be the “pillar and ground [base] of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:1515But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)). As a “pillar,” it is to bear witness to all the truth of God by upholding it; as a “base,” it is to support the truth by practical godliness in the lives of the saints. Sad to say, the Corinthians were astray in this. Some of them had let go of the fundamental doctrine of resurrection and many others were wanting in practical godliness.
To let go of this great cornerstone of the Christian faith was a serious thing for it cut at the very foundation upon which they stood. “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psa. 11:33If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)). Perhaps it came through the influence of the Sadducees who deny resurrection (Matt. 22:2323The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, (Matthew 22:23); Acts 23:88For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. (Acts 23:8)). Whatever the source may have been, it was definitely worse than what “Hymenaeus and Philetus” were propounding (2 Tim. 2:17-1817And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; 18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:17‑18)). These two erroneous teachers didn’t deny resurrection, but they had the timing of events concerning the resurrection in a wrong order. They were teaching that the resurrection was past already. The Corinthians, however, were holding something far worse—they were denying resurrection altogether! The Apostle wisely left this most serious of all errors to the end of his epistle to correct. The chapter begins with the death of Christ and ends with His coming.
The Gospel Is Founded on the Resurrection of Christ
Vss. 1-2—He goes back to “declare” the first principles of the gospel to them. He assured them that those who had truly “received” the gospel were “saved.” But he adds, “ ... if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.” This was for the conscience of those who were mere professors among them who had let go of the truth of the resurrection. “Keep in memory” should be translated “hold fast.” Holding fast the truth of the gospel proves the reality of a person’s faith. A real believer will hold fast to the fundamentals of the gospel, but the mere professor may not. To give up something as fundamental as the resurrection, calls in question whether such a person is really saved. What Paul was saying is that he who tampers with the fundamentals of the gospel cuts away the very ground beneath his feet upon which he professes to stand! He was saying, “Are you sure you really want to deny the resurrection because such a thing only proves that you were never saved in the first place?”
A Christian may become defective in some points of the truth and give up something he once held, but he will not give up the cornerstones of the faith. Only an apostate would do that. Note: the Apostle is not saying that if someone doesn’t “hold fast” the truth of the gospel, they would lose their salvation, but that if someone doesn’t “hold fast” the fundamentals of the gospel, it’s because he was never saved in the first place. Therefore, if resurrection were just a myth, then the Corinthians’ belief was “in vain” because everything that they had professedly received in Christianity hinged on it. It was not that they were deficient in faith, but that they were wrong in what they believed. To believe something “in vain” is to believe something that is not true.
The Fact of Resurrection
The Apostle undertakes to prove the reality of resurrection by pointing to four things:
1) Resurrection Attested by Scripture
Vss. 3-4—He starts with the most authoritative of all proofs—the Holy Scriptures. He was, of course, referring to the Old Testament Scriptures, for the New Testament had not been written yet. He says, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” And then, “He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” He does not take time to quote the various passages, for they, being filled with all knowledge (chap. 1:5), were cognizant of them.
Nevertheless, the Old Testament abounds with passages that tell us that the Messiah would die and rise again. He would be a suffering Messiah before being a reigning Messiah. There are over 25 Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ’s death and resurrection (Psa. 16:10-11; 18:4-5; 22:15, 2110For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:10‑11)
4The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. 5The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. (Psalm 18:4‑5)
15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. (Psalm 22:15)
21Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. (Psalm 22:21)b; 31:1-5; 102:24; Isa. 53:9-119And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:9‑11), etc.). Only an infidel would deny the Scriptures. “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psa. 12:66The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)). “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:3535Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35)). “Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven” (Psa. 119:8989LAMED. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)).
Four Fundamental Facts of the Gospel
Twelve Reasons Why God Raised the Lord Jesus From the Dead
To strengthen the faith of His disciples to witness for Him (Acts 2:32-3632This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:32‑36)).
2) Resurrection Attested by Eye-Witnesses
Vss. 5-28—The Apostle proceeds to give a number of faithful eye-witnesses who saw the Lord after He rose from the dead, thus confirming resurrection. These appearances all happened in a period of “forty days” following the Lord’s resurrection (Acts 1:33To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (Acts 1:3)). They have been called Christophanies. Notice he does not mention the Lord’s appearances to the women (Matt. 28:9-109And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. (Matthew 28:9‑10); John 20:11-1811But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. (John 20:11‑18)). It is not that they could not be trusted, but that it is not the sisters’ place to stand as public witnesses in the Christian testimony.
Six Witnesses
Vs. 5a—“Cephas.” This was in regard to Peter’s private restoration to the Lord.
Vs. 5b—“the twelve.” This is an administrative term rather than the actual number of apostles. The Lord actually appeared to only ten of the apostles on this occasion (Luke 24:36-4836And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43And he took it, and did eat before them. 44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48And ye are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:36‑48); John 20:19-2319Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (John 20:19‑23)). Judas had hung himself, and Thomas was not present on this occasion. And Matthias was not chosen until after all the resurrection appearances of the Lord were completed. The ten others filled the administrative office of apostleship at that time, which “the twelve” signifies.
Vs. 6—“five hundred brethren.” These apparently were Galilean believers.
Vs. 7a—“James.”
Vs. 7b—“All the apostles.”
Vs. 8—“He was seen of me (Paul).”
The Practical Effects of the Doctrine of the Resurrection
Vss. 8-10—In case anyone thinks that the truth of the resurrection is merely a formal creed of Christianity, and that it has no practical bearing on Christian life, Paul digresses to show that such a notion is false. The doctrine of the resurrection of Christ has great practical power in transforming lives. It changed Paul’s life dramatically.
Vs. 8—It converted him. His calling was such that he was “born out of due time” (Acts 9:1-91And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. (Acts 9:1‑9)). This is a reference to him being born pre-maturely before a remnant of the nation of Israel will believe on Him in a coming day. He “pre-trusted” in Christ (Eph. 1:1212That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1:12)).
Vs. 9—It produced humility in him. His estimation of himself was that he was “not meet to be called an apostle.”
Vs. 10a—It gave him a profound sense of appreciation for the grace of God. He said, “By the grace of God I am what I am.”
Vs. 10b—It produced a burning desire to serve the Lord with all his energy. He said, “I laboured more abundantly than they all.”
Vs. 11—It gave power to the message of the gospel that he preached, so that souls are brought to believe. The Corinthians’ conversion was an example. He says, “ ... and so ye believed.”
The Solemn Consequences of Denying the Resurrection
Vss. 12-19—Paul then turns to state the solemn consequences of denying the resurrection. The ramifications are devastating. (Note the seven “ifs” in these verses.) If there is no resurrection:
The Scriptures are not true (vs. 12).
Christ Himself is not risen, and therefore, we do not have a Saviour (vs. 13).
The apostles’ preaching and the Corinthians’ faith were in vain—they had believed a fable (vs. 14).
The apostles were false witnesses that could not be trusted (vss. 15-16).
The Corinthians were still in their sins before God, and therefore, heading for a lost eternity (vs. 17).
The sleeping saints have perished (vs. 18).
Christians would be most miserable, not having a hope in this world (vs. 19).
The Far-Reaching Results of Resurrection
Vss. 20-28—He then opens a parenthesis wherein he traces the far-reaching results of resurrection (J. N. Darby Trans.). He shows that God will not only overcome death through resurrection, but He will also overcome the cause of death, which is sin.
Not only has Christ been raised from the dead, but also all men will be raised from the dead—both the saved and the lost. He uses two terms to indicate this; he speaks of resurrection “from among the dead” (vs. 20) and “the resurrection of the dead” (vs. 21).
Resurrection from among the dead is also called “the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:55But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (Revelation 20:5)) and “the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:1414And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. (Luke 14:14)) and involves righteous persons only. There are at least ten accounts in Scripture of persons being raised from the dead, but none of them were of the order of the first resurrection (1 Kings 17:21-2221And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. 22And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. (1 Kings 17:21‑22); 2 Kings 4:34-3634And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. 35Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. (2 Kings 4:34‑36); 2 Kings 13:20-2120And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. 21And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. (2 Kings 13:20‑21); Matt. 9:24-25; 27:52-5324He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. (Matthew 9:24‑25)
52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (Matthew 27:52‑53); Luke 7:11-1511And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. (Luke 7:11‑15); John 11:38-4438Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (John 11:38‑44); Acts 9:36-41; 14:19-20; 20:9-1236Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. (Acts 9:36‑41)
19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:19‑20)
9And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. (Acts 20:9‑12)). Those who will rise from among the dead at the first resurrection will rise in a glorified condition (Phil 3:21). Each of these ten mentioned accounts of persons who were raised from the dead, died again, and await resurrection.
The first resurrection has three phases: Christ has been raised first as “the firstfruits” (vs. 23; Acts 26:2323That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:23)). The second phase occurs at His coming (the Rapture) when He will raise the righteous who have died down through the long range of time—“they that are Christ’s at His coming” (vs. 23; 1 Thess. 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)). The third phase will involve those who will die a martyr’s death during the Tribulation period. They will be raised at the end of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 6:9-11; 14:139And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. (Revelation 6:9‑11)
13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:13)).
When “the end” of time is reached (vs. 24), which is after the Millennium has run its course, the Lord will deliver up the kingdom to God in a state of perfection. Neither Adam, Moses, Solomon, Israel, nor the Church have maintained the testimony committed to them. Every vessel of testimony through the range of time has broken down and failed. There will be only One faithful Administrator of what has been put into His hand—Christ. Having received the kingdom from God (Luke 19:1212He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. (Luke 19:12)), He will perfectly maintain God’s glory in it for 1000 years (Isa. 32:11Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. (Isaiah 32:1)). Then, after time has run its course, He will deliver it back to God, not only in the condition that it was received, but with an enhanced glory! When He receives the kingdom, not all enemies will be put down, but having it committed into His hand, He will put them all under His feet. “All rule and all authority and power” in heaven and on earth will be dealt with in righteousness by Christ. “Death” itself will be the last enemy to be removed (vs. 26). The Lord will not hand back the kingdom until He has brought it into a state of perfection. This will be the fruit of reconciliation in its fullest sense (Col. 1:2020And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)). Could we imagine that He would hand over to God an imperfect state of things? In the end, He will create a new heavens and earth wherein everything in the creation will be free from the effects of sin (2 Peter 3:12-1312Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2 Peter 3:12‑13); Rev. 21:1-81And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:1‑8)).
In that Day of God, the kingdom will be handed over to the Father so that the Son will be free to devote Himself fully to His bride (Rev. 21:22And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)). Being a Man forever will mean that He will be “subject unto Him” (God) forever (vs. 28).
3) Resurrection Attested in the Convictions of Godly Christians
Vss. 29-34—The Apostle resumes his argument for the fact of resurrection by asking a few questions. They revolve around the convictions of godly, sincere Christians.
In speaking about being “baptized for [in place of] the dead” Paul was not teaching that if a person died in his sins, he could be helped by someone being baptized in his behalf. If Scripture teaches that a person cannot save himself by being baptized (1 Peter 3:2121The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 3:21)), then he surely can’t save someone else through that act. The “dead” referred to here is not lost persons, but Christians who have finished their life of service in testimony for the Lord and have gone on to be with Him. Those who were being baptized “in place of” the dead were new believers who were getting saved and stepping into the ranks of the Christian testimony in place of those who had died. Baptism is the formal way in which someone takes their place in the Christian ranks.
In those days, there was a high likelihood that if one received Christ as his Saviour, and was baptized unto Christ, that he could die as a martyr. Paul mentions this risk on his life, saying, “I die daily.” He was referring to his encounter with wild men at Ephesus, whom he calls “beasts” (Acts 19:23-4123And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 28And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. 32Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 33And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. 34But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? 36Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. 37For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 38Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. 39But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:23‑41); 1 Cor. 16:8-98But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:8‑9)). He was speaking of his exposure to physical death on a daily basis, and not some experimental application death in his soul, as some have mistakenly thought. There is no exhortation to Christians to die; they are dead positionally (Rom. 6:2, 82God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:2)
8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (Romans 6:8)).
What Paul was saying is that there is a very real possibility of being killed by stepping into the place of Christian testimony. His question was, “Why would anyone want to step into that place and probably die, if there was no hope after death? Why would anyone want to put his life in ‘jeopardy [endanger ourselves]’ if there was nothing beyond this life to live for? Why then would believers be willing to endure persecution and make sacrifices?”
The Apostle’s point is that the convictions of Christians in being willing to stand for Christ bear a convincing witness to the fact that there is such a thing as resurrection. Those dear believers were so convinced of it that they were willing to put their lives on the line. Denying resurrection only destroys the incentives to live for and to serve the Lord. If there was nothing beyond death, then a person might as well just say, “Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die” (vs. 32). The compelling motive for upright Christian living and service is that there is everything to live for after death. Why bother to live a holy life? Why bother to serve the Lord, if it were not so?
Paul traces their misunderstanding on this fundamental point of the Christian faith to bad associations. He says, “Evil communications corrupt good manners” (vs. 33). The Corinthians had had contact with evil teachers, and this had affected them in a negative way. The Apostle warns that the consequences of imbibing such erroneous doctrine on resurrection had also led to bad morals. (Some translations render “manners,” as “morals.”) It’s a fact; bad doctrine leads to bad practise. It corrupts good morals. He exhorts them, therefore, to “awake” to practical righteousness “and sin not.” Such evil communications were sin, and it was corrupting them. They needed to separate from such teachers who were corrupting them. He deals at length with this in his second epistle.
4) Resurrection Attested in the Creation
Vss. 35-41—The Apostle turns to give another evidence of resurrection—the creation itself. He deals with the rationalistic objections of those who denied the resurrection by pointing to nature (vs. 35). Rationalists try to exploit the fact that believers cannot actually explain resurrection. But he says that it is a foolish position to take (“thou fool”) because neither can they explain many things in God’s creation.
Paul speaks of three similitudes in creation that show that God is well able to make resurrection bodies:
1) “Grain”—God’s creatorial method of germinating seeds reflects resurrection (vss. 36-37). The seed that is planted in the ground dies, but out of it springs the life of a new plant (John 12:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24)). God makes a new body out of it (vs. 38).
2) “Flesh”—God’s creatorial method in the lower creation reflects His power to change bodies into new forms. Many creatures begin in a particular form, but over time God gives them a different body. Take the butterfly for instance; the caterpillar goes into its cocoon and abides in a dormant state for a time and then emerges in an entirely different form (vs. 39).
3) “Celestial” and “terrestrial bodies”—We see God’s handiwork in the inanimate creation. The “terrestrial” bodies are the mountains and hills, etc., that pervade the landscape. Many of these were once in a different shape, but through volcanic activity their form has been changed entirely. The “celestial” bodies are the “sun” and the “moon” and the “stars.” These too, have had different forms, but through what astronomers call “star birth,” they develop into new and different forms (vss. 40-41). (“Celestial bodies” are not angels, as some have thought. Angels do not have bodies; they are “spirits” – Hebrews 1:77And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (Hebrews 1:7)).
The Manner of Resurrection
Vss. 42-50—Paul then speaks of the reality of the resurrection of the human body, saying, “So also is the resurrection of the dead” (vs. 42). If God can do it in various ways in the creation, He can also do it with the human body.
He proceeds to tell us of the manner in which it will happen. He shows that, in resurrection, the saints do not receive a “new” body, as some say, but a miraculous “change” occurs to the very same body that they lived in (Phil. 3:2121Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21)). To emphasize this, he says, “It—the very same body that died—is raised ... ” (It is mentioned four times in vss. 42-44). This is important, because to say that the saints receive new bodies really denies the resurrection of the bodies that they once lived in. If they get entirely new bodies, then their old bodies don’t really rise from the dead after all! To guard against this, Scripture is careful never to say that the resurrection bodies of the saints are “new” in that sense. When speaking of resurrection it always says, “changed” (1 Cor. 15:51-5251Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑52); Phil. 3:2121Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21); Job 14:1414If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. (Job 14:14)). This defines what will happen at the moment of resurrection more accurately: That old body will be raised, changed, and glorified, all “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (vs. 52).
He gives four descriptions of death and burial, and then four corresponding descriptions of resurrection and the glorified state of the human body:
“Corruption”—“incorruption” (vs. 42). This has to do with condition.
“Dishonour”—“glory” (vs. 43). This has to do with appearance.
“Weakness”—“power” (vs. 43). This has to do with capacity.
“Natural”—“spiritual” (vs. 44). This has to do with character.
We must not confuse what is natural and what is sinful. The “first man” (vs. 45) is never said to be sinful, while the “old man” is nothing but sin (Rom. 6:66Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6); Eph. 4:2222That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (Ephesians 4:22)). When Christ came into this world, He became the “second Man,” but it wasn’t until He rose from the dead that He became the “last Adam.” As the “second Man,” He exhibited a new order of humanity in moral perfection in His life here. In resurrection, as the “Last Adam,” nothing will supersede Him and His new creation race under Him. There will not be another head and another race of men later. This new creation race of men is the last race of men that God will make. It is a perfect race that cannot be touched with sin, nor can be improved upon, and thus, there will be no need for any further race to supersede it.
Some contrasts are given to help us understand the vast difference between the two races of men under Adam and Christ:
Adam was “made.”
Christ was not made (the word is in italics and should not be in the text).
Adam was soulish (natural).
Christ is “a quickening spirit” (spiritual).
Adam was a creature.
Christ is the Creator.
As “a quickening spirit,” the Lord as the Last Adam breathed on the disciples, and thus symbolically linked them with Him under His Headship in this new creation race of men (John 20:2222And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (John 20:22)). Now, for all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, they are made part of that race and are new creatures in Christ by virtue of the new birth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 5:1717Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)). There will be full conformity of every member of this race to the Head—Christ—though it is not seen yet. They have the new life that belongs to that new order of creation now, but they will shortly “bear the image of the heavenly” (vs. 49) in the sense that they will all be physically glorified like Christ at His coming (1 John 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)). The new order of humanity brought in by Christ in resurrection is:
Vs. 47 – heavenly in origin.
Vs. 48 – heavenly in character.
Vs. 49 – heavenly in destiny.
When glorified, the saints will not have their ailments and old age, etc. They will be in “the dew” of their “youth” like Christ, who will be in “the dew” of His “youth” (Compare Psalm 110:33Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. (Psalm 110:3) with Philippians 3:2121Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21)). Their fallen sin-natures will be eradicated forever, and they will sin no more (Heb. 11:40; 12:2340God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:40)
23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23)—“made perfect”).
The frail bodies of humiliation that we have now “cannot inherit the kingdom of God” in their present condition (vs. 50); they will require a change. This leads the Apostle to tell us how and when we shall obtain these spiritual and incorruptible bodies.
The Moment of Resurrection
Vss. 51-58—He proceeds to tell us of the “mystery” of the resurrection and glorification of the saints. He says, “We shall not all sleep,” meaning that not all of the saints will die, and therefore, need resurrection. But he assures us that “we shall all be changed” into that glorified state.
He identifies two classes of the saints who are presently in two different states: those who have died and those who are alive on earth. One is the “corruptible,” and the other is the “mortal.” The “corruptible” refers to the bodies of the saints who have died. Their bodies are decaying in the grave, but “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” the “corruptible” will put on “incorruption.” The “mortal” refers to the bodies of the saints who are still alive. At that same moment, the “mortal” will put on “immortality.” This shows that only those whose bodies are in the state of corruption (the dead in Christ) experience resurrection. The living saints do not need resurrection, but they do need to be “changed” into their glorified state.
Contrary to what many think, this passage does not speak of the Rapture. It’s true that the glorification of the saints and the Rapture happen at the same time—“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”—but the actual the calling away of the saints to heaven is not mentioned here. The word “rapture” means to pluck up or snatch away. This is what will happen to the saints at that time, but this passage does not go so far as to speak of it, focusing rather on the change to their bodies. The mention of “the last trump” synchronizes this passage with 1 Thessalonians 4:15-1715For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑17) which speaks of the catching away of the saints to heaven—thus, we know that it happens at that moment. It is the “last” event on earth in relation to God’s present dealings with men in the day of grace.
Verses 55-56 tell us that in the very scene where death has reigned (this world) there will be a triumphant victory, and the exclamation will be made, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave [Hades], where is thy victory?” It is a two-fold “victory.” “Death” which has claimed the body, and “Hades” which has held the disembodied spirits of the saints, will succumb to Christ’s victory.
Three Phases in the Defeat of Death
The full and final removal of death in the creation occurs in three phases:
Firstly, for the believer, death is “annulled” now through Christ’s resurrection (2 Tim. 1:1010But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:10) – J. N. Darby Trans.). That is, the dread factor of death has been taken away. Since Christ has gone down into “the dust of death” and annulled it (Psa. 22:1515My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. (Psalm 22:15)), there is left but its “shadow” for the child of God to pass through (Psa. 23:44Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)). Prior to the death and resurrection of Christ, Satan has wielded “the power of death” over the consciences of men making them afraid of what lies beyond. He has used “the king of terrors,” which is the fear of death, to his advantage, holding men in bondage and fear (Job 18:1414His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors. (Job 18:14)). But Christ has gone into death and has robbed the devil of his power to terrify the believer with death. On the other side of death, the Lord now stands with “the keys of Hades and of death” in His hand, and He is saying, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell [Hades] and of death” (Rev. 1:1818I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:18)). He has conquered death having loosed its “pangs” (Acts 2:2424Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. (Acts 2:24) – W. Kelly’s Translation). Pangs are fears in connection with what lies beyond death. Since Christ has loosed the pangs of death, the enlightened believer who faces it need not fear.
Secondly, at the Lord’s coming, He will effect a great “victory” over death and Hades. The bodies of the living saints will be “changed” into a glorified state, wherein they will no longer be affected by death (Phil. 3:2121Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21)). The saints who will have passed away will be raised and glorified, and also “changed” into a glorified state. Thus, they too will no longer be subject to death.
Hence, there has been an annulling of death now, but there will be a great victory over death at the Lord’s coming (as far as the saints are concerned); and then after the Millennium, there will be the destruction of death altogether.
These facts concerning Christ’s victory over death lead the Apostle to speak of two practical effects that should result in every right-minded Christian. The first is thanksgiving (vs. 57), and the second is energy in serving the Lord (vs. 58).
What a tremendous power the resurrection has in our lives practically, and what a wonderful hope it gives. Christ is alive through resurrection and He will raise us up to live with Him (1 Thess. 5:1010Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:10)). What greater incentive, what greater motive could we have for living and serving Him?