1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15:1

I make known (γνωριζω). See on 12:3 for this common verb. As if in reproach.

The gospel which I preached unto you (τοευαγγελιονοευηγγελισαμηνυμιν). Cognate accusative, “the gospel which I gospelized unto you.” Note augment η after ευ- like compound verb with preposition. Note repetition of relative (ο, ενωι, δου, and τιν like relative) without κα (and), asyndeton.

1 Corinthians 15:2

In what words I preached it unto you (τινλογοευηγγελισαμηνυμιν). Almost certainly τις (τινλογο, locative or instrumental, in or with) here is used like the relative ος as is common in papyri (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 93f.; Robertson, Grammar, p. 737f.). Even so it is not clear whether the clause depends on γνωριζω like the other relatives, but most likely so.

If we hold it fast (εκατεχετε). Condition of first class. Paul assumes that they are holding it fast.

Except ye believed in vain (εκτοςεμηεικηεπιστευσατε). For εκτοςεμη see on 14:5. Condition of first class, unless in fact ye did believe to no purpose (εικη, old adverb, only in Paul in N.T.). Paul holds this peril over them in their temptation to deny the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3

First of all (ενπρωτοις). Among first things. In primis. Not to time, but to importance.

Which I also received (οκαπαρελαβον). Direct revelation claimed as about the institution of the Lord’s Supper (11:23) and same verbs used (παρεδωκα, παρελαβον). Four items given by Paul in explaining “the gospel” which Paul preached. Stanley calls it (verses 1-11) the creed of the early disciples, but “rather a sample of the exact form of the apostle’s early teaching, than a profession of faith on the part of converts” (Vincent). The four items are presented by four verbs (died, απεθανεν, was buried, εταφη, hath been raised, εγηγερτα, appeared, ωφθη).

Christ died (Χριστοςαπεθανεν). Historical fact and crucial event.

For our sins (υπερτωναμαρτιωνημων). Hυπερ means literally over, in behalf, even instead of (Galatians 3:13), where used of persons. But here much in the sense of περ (Galatians 1:14) as is common in Koine. In 1 Peter 3:18 we have περαμαρτιων, υπεραδικων.

According to the Scriptures (καταταςγραφας). As Jesus showed (Luke 22:37; Luke 24:25) and as Peter pointed out (Acts 2:25-27; Acts 3:35) and as Paul had done (Acts 13:24; Acts 17:3). Cf. Romans 1:2ff.

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried (καοτεταφη). Note οτ repeated before each of the four verbs as a separate item. Second aorist passive indicative of θαπτω, old verb, to bury. This item is an important detail as the Gospels show.

And that he hath been raised (καοτεγηγερτα). Perfect passive indicative, not ηγερθη like

rose of the King James’ Version. There is reason for this sudden change of tense. Paul wishes to emphasize the permanence of the resurrection of Jesus. He is still risen.

On the third day (τηημερατητριτη). Locative case of time. Whether Paul had seen either of the Gospels we do not know, but this item is closely identified with the fact of Christ’s resurrection. We have it in Peter’s speech (Acts 10:40) and Jesus points it out as part of prophecy (Lu 24:46). The other expression occasionally found “after three days” (Mr 10:34) is merely free vernacular for the same idea and not even Matthew 12:40 disturbs it. See on Lu 24:1 for record of the empty tomb on the first day of the week (the third day).

1 Corinthians 15:5

And that he appeared to Cephas (καοτωφθηΚηφα). First aorist passive indicative of the defective verb οραω, to see. Paul means not a mere “vision,” but actual appearance. John uses εφανερωθη (John 21:14) from φανεροω, to make manifest, of Christ’s appearance to the seven by the Sea of Galilee. Peter was listed first (πρωτος) among the Apostles (Matthew 10:2). Jesus had sent a special message to him (Mr 16:7) after his resurrection.

This special appearance to Peter is made the determining factor in the joyful faith of the disciples (Lu 24:34), though mentioned incidentally here. Paul had told all these four facts to the Corinthians in his preaching. He gives further proof of the fact of Christ’s resurrection. There are ten appearances given besides the one to Paul. Nine are in the Gospels (Mary Magdalene in John and Mark, the other women in Matthew, the two going to Emmaus in Luke, Simon Peter in Luke and I Corinthians, the ten apostles and others in Luke and John and Mark, the eleven and others in John, the seven by the sea in John, to over five hundred in Galilee in Matthew and Paul and Mark, to the apostles in Jerusalem in Luke and Mark and Acts and I Corinthians) and one in I Corinthians above (to James). It will be seen that Paul mentions only five of the ten, one, that to James, not given elsewhere.

What he gives is conclusive evidence of the fact, particularly when re-enforced by his own experience (the sixth appearance mentioned by Paul). The way to prove this great fact is to start with Paul’s own witness given in this undoubted Epistle. The natural way to understand Paul’s adverbs of time here is chronological:

then (ειτα),

then (επειτα),

last of all (εσχατονπαντων).

To the twelve (τοιςδωδεκα). The technical name. Only ten were present, for Judas was dead and Thomas was absent (John 20:24).

1 Corinthians 15:6

To above five hundred brethren at once (επανωπεντακοσιοιςαδελφοιςεφαπαξ). Επανω here is just an adverb with no effect on the case. As a preposition with the ablative see Matthew 5:14. This incident is the one described in Matthew 28:16 the prearranged meeting on the mountain in Galilee. The strength of this witness lies in the fact that the majority (οπλειους) of them were still living when Paul wrote this Epistle, say spring of A.D. 54 or 55, not over 25 years after Christ’s resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:7

To James (Ιακωβω). The brother of the Lord. This fact explains the presence of the brothers of Jesus in the upper room (Acts 1:14).

To all the apostles (τοιςαποστολοιςπασιν). The Ascension of Christ from Olivet.

1 Corinthians 15:8

As unto one born out of due time (ωσπερετωεκτρωματ). Literally, as to the miscarriage (or untimely birth). Word first occurs in Aristotle for abortion or miscarriage and occurs in LXX (Numbers 12:12; Job 3:16) and papyri (for miscarriage by accident). The verb τιτρωσκω means to wound and εκ is out. Paul means that the appearance to him came after Jesus had ascended to heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:9

The least (οελαχιστος). True superlative, not elative. Explanation of the strong word εκτρωμα just used. See Ephesians 3:8 where he calls himself “less than the least of all saints” and 1 Timothy 1:15 the “chief” (πρωτος) of sinners. Yet under attack from the Judaizers Paul stood up for his rank as equal to any apostle (2 Corinthians 11:5; 2 Corinthians 11:23).

Because I persecuted the church of God (εδιωξατηνεκκλησιαντουθεου). There were times when this terrible fact confronted Paul like a nightmare. Who does not understand this mood of contrition?

1 Corinthians 15:10

What I am (οειμ). Not,

who (ος), but

what (ο), neuter singular. His actual character and attainments. All “by the grace of God” (χαριτθεου).

I laboured more abundantly than they all (περισσοτεροναυτωνπαντωνεκοπιασα). This is sober fact as shown by the Acts and Paul’s Epistles. He had tremendous energy and used it. Genius is work, Carlyle said. Take Paul as a specimen.

1 Corinthians 15:11

So we preach, and so ye believed (ουτωςκηρυσσομεν, καουτωςεπιστευσατε). This is what matters both for preacher and hearers. This is Paul’s gospel. Their conduct in response to his message was on record.

1 Corinthians 15:12

Is preached (κηρυσσετα). Personal use of the verb, Christ is preached.

How say some among you? (πωςλεγουσινενυμιντινεσ?). The question springs naturally from the proof of the fact of the resurrection of Christ (verses 1-11) and the continual preaching which Paul here assumes by condition of the first class (ει–κηρυσσετα). There were sceptics in Corinth, possibly in the church, who denied the resurrection of dead people just as some men today deny that miracles happen or ever did happen. Paul’s answer is the resurrection of Christ as a fact. It all turns on this fact.

1 Corinthians 15:13

Neither hath Christ been raised (ουδεΧριστοςεγηγερτα). He turns the argument round with tremendous force. But it is fair.

1 Corinthians 15:14

Vain (κενον). Inanis, Vulgate. Old word, empty. Both Paul’s preaching and their faith are empty if Christ has not been raised. If the sceptics refuse to believe the fact of Christ’s resurrection, they have nothing to stand on.

1 Corinthians 15:15

False witnesses of God (ψευδομαρτυρεςτουθεου). Late word, but ψευδομαρτυρεω, to bear false witness, old and common. The genitive (τουθεου) can be either subjective (in God’s service) or objective (concerning God). Either makes good sense.

Because we witnessed of God (οτεμαρτυρησαμενκατατουθεου). Vulgate has adversus Deum. This is the more natural way to take κατα and genitive,

against God not as equal to περ (concerning). He would indeed make God play false in that case,

if so be that the dead are not raised (ειπεραρανεκροουκεγειροντα). Condition of first class, assumed as true. Note both περ intensive particle

indeed and αρα inferential particle

therefore .

1 Corinthians 15:16

Repeats the position already taken in verse 13.

1 Corinthians 15:17

Vain (ματαια). Old word from adverb ματην (Matthew 15:9), devoid of truth, a lie. Stronger word than κενον in verse 14.

Ye are yet in your sins (ετεστεενταιςαμαρτιαιςυμων). Because the death of Christ has no atoning value if he did not rise from the dead. In that case he was only a man like other men and did not die for our sins (verse 3).

1 Corinthians 15:18

Then also (αρακα). Inevitable inference.

Have perished (απωλοντο). Did perish. Second aorist middle indicative of απολλυμ, to destroy, middle, to perish (delivered up to eternal misery). Cf. 8:11.

1 Corinthians 15:19

We have hoped (ηλπικοτεςεσμεν). Periphrastic perfect active indicative. Hope limited to this life even if “in Christ.”

Only (μονον) qualifies the whole clause.

Most pitiable (ελεεινοτερο). Comparative form, not superlative, of old adjective ελεεινος, to be pitied, pitiable. If our hope is limited to this life, we have denied ourselves what people call pleasures and have no happiness beyond. The Epicureans have the argument on us. Paul makes morality turn on the hope of immortality. Is he not right? Witness the breaking of moral ties today when people take a merely animal view of life.

1 Corinthians 15:20

But now (νυνδε). Emphatic form of νυν with - added (cf. 12:18). It is the logical triumph of Paul after the reductio ad impossibile (Findlay) of the preceding argument.

The first-fruits (απαρχη). Old word from απαρχομα, to offer firstlings or first-fruits. In LXX for first-fruits. In papyri for legacy-duty, entrance-fee, and also first-fruits as here. See also verse 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Corinthians 16:15; Romans 8:23, etc. Christ is “first-born from the dead” (Colossians 1:18). Others raised from the dead died again, but not so Jesus.

That sleep (τωνκεκοιμημενων). Perfect middle participle as in Matthew 27:52 which see. Beautiful picture of death from which word (κοιμαομα) comes our χεμετερψ.

1 Corinthians 15:21

By man also (δαδι’ ανθρωπου). That is Jesus, the God-man, the Second Adam (Romans 5:12). The hope of the resurrection of the dead rests in Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:22

Shall be made alive (ζωοποιηθησοντα). First future passive indicative of ζωοποιεω, late verb (Aristotle) to give life, to restore to life as here. In verse 36 ζωοποιειτα is used in the sense of natural life as in John 5:21; John 6:63 of spiritual life. It is not easy to catch Paul’s thought here. He means resurrection (restoration) by the verb here, but not necessarily eternal life or salvation. So also παντες may not coincide in both clauses. All who die die in Adam, all who will be made alive will be made alive (restored to life) in Christ. The same problem occurs in Romans 5:18 about “all,” and in verse 19 about “the many.”

1 Corinthians 15:23

Order (ταγματ). Old military term from τασσω, to arrange, here only in N.T. Each in his own division, troop, rank.

At his coming (εντηπαρουσια). The word παρουσια was the technical word “for the arrival or visit of the king or emperor” and can be traced from the Ptolemaic period into the second century A.D. (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 368). “Advent-coins were struck after a parousia of the emperor.” Paul is only discussing “those that are Christ’s” (1 Corinthians 3:23; Galatians 5:24) and so says nothing about judgment (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

1 Corinthians 15:24

Then cometh the end (ειτατοτελος). No verb γινετα in the Greek. Supply “at his coming,” the end or consummation of the age or world (Matthew 13:39; Matthew 13:49; 1 Peter 4:7),

When he shall deliver up (οτανπαραδιδω). Present active subjunctive (not optative) of παραδιδωμ with οταν, whenever, and so quite indefinite and uncertain as to time. Present subjunctive rather than aorist παραδω because it pictures a future proceeding.

To God, even the Father (τωθεωκαπατρ). Better, “to the God and Father” or to “His God and Father.” The Kingdom belongs to the Father.

When he shall have abolished (οτανκαταργηση). First aorist active subjunctive with οταν, indefinite future time. Simply, “whenever he shall abolish,” no use in making it future perfect, merely aorist subjunctive. On καταργεω see 1 Corinthians 6:13; 1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 Corinthians 13:10; 1 Corinthians 13:11.

Rule (αρχην),

authority (εξουσιαν),

power (δυναμιν). All forms of power opposing the will of God. Constative aorist tense covering the whole period of conflict with final victory as climax.

1 Corinthians 15:25

Till he hath put (αχρουθη). Second aorist active subjunctive of τιθημ, “till he put” (no sense in saying “hath put,” merely effective aorist tense for climax. Αχρ (ου), μεχρ (ου), εως (ου) all are used for the same idea of indefinite future time.

1 Corinthians 15:26

The last enemy that shall be abolished is death (εσχατοςεχθροςκαταργειταοθανατος). A rather free translation. Literally, “death (note article, and so subject) is done away (prophetic or futuristic use of present tense of same verb as in verse 24), the last enemy” (predicate and only one “last” and so no article as in 1 John 2:18).

1 Corinthians 15:27

He put (υπεταξεν). First aorist active of υποτασσω, to subject. Supply God (θεος) as subject (Psalms 8:7). See Hebrews 2:5-9 for similar use. Cf. Psalms 8.

But when he saith (οτανδεειπη). Here Christ must be supplied as the subject if the reference is to his future and final triumph. The syntax more naturally calls for God as the subject as before. Either way makes sense. But there is no need to take ειπη (second aorist active subjunctive) as a futurum exactum, merely “whenever he shall say.”

Are put in subjection (υποτετακτα). Perfect passive indicative, state of completion, final triumph.

It is evident that (δηλονοτ). Supply εστιν (is) before οτ.

He is excepted who did subject (εκτοςτουυποταξαντος). “Except the one (God) who did subject (articular aorist active participle) the all things to him (Christ).”

1 Corinthians 15:28

And when all things have been subjected (οτανδευποταγηταπαντα). Second aorist passive subjunctive of υποτασσω, not perfect. Merely, “when the all things are subjected unto him.” The aorist subjunctive has given translators a deal of needless trouble in this passage. It is prophecy, of course.

That God may be all in all (ιναηοθεοςπανταενπασιν). The final goal of all God’s redemptive plans as Paul has so well said in Romans 11:36. Precisely this language Paul will use of Christ (Colossians 3:11).

1 Corinthians 15:29

Else (επε). Otherwise, if not true. On this use of επε with ellipsis see on 1 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 7:14.

Which are baptized for the dead (οβαπτιζομενουπερτωννεκρων). This passage remains a puzzle. Stanley gives thirteen interpretations, no one of which may be correct. Over thirty have been suggested. The Greek expositors took it to be about the dead (υπερ in sense of περ as often as in 2 Corinthians 1:6) since baptism is a burial and a resurrection (Romans 6:2-6). Tertullian tells of some heretics who took it to mean baptized in the place of dead people (unsaved) in order to save them. Some take it to be baptism over the dead. Others take it to mean that Paul and others were in peril of death as shown by baptism (see verse 30).

At all (ολως). See on 5:1.

1 Corinthians 15:30

Why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour? (τκαημειςκινδυνευομενπασανωραν?). We also as well as those who receive baptism which symbolizes death. Old verb from κινδυνος (peril, danger), in N.T. only here and Lu 8:23. Paul’s Epistles and Acts (especially chapter Acts 19) throw light on Paul’s argument. He was never out of danger from Damascus to the last visit to Rome. There are perils in Ephesus of which we do not know (2 Corinthians 1:8f.) whatever may be true as to an Ephesian imprisonment. G. S. Duncan (St. Paul’s Ephesian Ministry, 1930) even argues for several imprisonments in Ephesus. The accusative of time (πασανωραν) naturally means all through every hour (extension).

1 Corinthians 15:31

I protest by that glorying in you (νητηνυμετερανκαυχησιν). No word for “I protest.” Paul takes solemn oath by the use of νη (common in Attic) with the accusative. Only here in N.T., but in LXX (Genesis 42:15f.). For other solemn oaths by Paul see 2 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 11:10; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Romans 9:1. For καυχησις see on 1 Thessalonians 2:19. The possessive pronoun (υμετεραν) is objective as εμην in 1 Corinthians 11:24.

I die daily (καθ’ ημεραναποθνησκω). I am in daily peril of death (2 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 11:23; Romans 8:36).

1 Corinthians 15:32

After the manner of men (καταανθρωπον). Like men, for applause, money, etc. (1 Corinthians 4:9; Philippians 3:7).

If I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus (εεθηριομαχησαενΕφεσω). Late verb from θηριομαχος, a fighter with wild beasts. Found in inscriptions and in Ignatius. Those who argue for an Ephesian imprisonment for Paul and Ephesus as the place where he wrote the imprisonment epistles (see Duncan’s book just mentioned) take the verb literally. There is in the ruins of Ephesus now a place called St. Paul’s Prison.

But Paul was a Roman citizen and it was unlawful to make such a one be a θηριομαχος. If he were cast to the lions unlawfully, he could have prevented it by claiming his citizenship. Besides, shortly after this Paul wrote II Corinthians, but he does not mention so unusual a peril in the list in 2 Corinthians 11:23f. The incident, whatever it was, whether literal or figurative language, took place before Paul wrote I Corinthians.

What doth it profit me? (τμοτοοφελοσ?). What the profit to me?

Let us eat and drink (φαγωμενκαπιωμεν). Volitive second aorist subjunctives of εσθιω and πινω. Cited from Isaiah 22:13. It is the outcry of the people of Jerusalem during the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians. At Anchiale near Tarsus is a statue of Sardanapalus with the inscription: “Eat, drink, enjoy thyself. The rest is nothing.” This was the motto of the Epicureans. Paul is not giving his own view, but that of people who deny the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived (μηπλανασθε). Do not be led astray (πλαναω) by such a false philosophy of life.

Evil company (ομιλιακακα). Evil companionships. Old word, ομιλια, from ομιλος (a crowd, gang, bunch). Only here in N.T. Good manners (ηθη). Old word (kin to εθος) custom, usage, morals. Good morals here. This line of poetry (iambic) occurs in Menander. It may be a current proverb. Paul could have gotten it from either source.

1 Corinthians 15:34

Awake up righteously (εκνηψατεδικαιως). Wake up as if from drunkenness. Εκνηφω, only here in N.T. sin not (μηαμαρτανετε). Stop sinning.

No knowledge of God (αγνωσιανθεου). Old word for ignorance, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:15. Ignorance of God, agnosticism. Some today (agnostics) even take pride in it instead of shame (εντροπην, turning in on oneself). See on 6:5 for εντροπη.

1 Corinthians 15:35

But some one will say (αλλαερετις). Paul knows what the sceptics were saying. He is a master at putting the standpoint of the imaginary adversary.

How (πως). This is still the great objection to the resurrection of our bodies. Granted that Jesus rose from the dead, for the sake of argument, these sceptics refuse to believe in the possibility of our resurrection. It is the attitude of Matthew Arnold who said, “Miracles do not happen.” Scientifically we know the “how” of few things. Paul has an astounding answer to this objection. Death itself is the way of resurrection as in the death of the seed for the new plant (verses 36f.).

With what manner of body (ποιωσωματ). This is the second question which makes plainer the difficulty of the first. The first body perishes. Will that body be raised? Paul treats this problem more at length (verses 38-54) and by analogy of nature (Cf. Butler’s famous Analogy). It is a spiritual, not a natural, body that is raised. Σωμα here is an organism.

Flesh (σαρξ) is the σωμα for the natural man, but there is spiritual (πνευματικον) σωμα for the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:36

Thou foolish one (αφρων). Old word (α privative, φρην), lack of sense. It is a severe term and justified by the implication “that the objector plumes himself on his acuteness” (Robertson and Plummer). Proleptic position of συ (thou) sharpens the point. Sceptics (agnostics) pose as unusually intellectual (the intelligentsia), but the pose does not make one intelligent.

Except it die (εανμηαποθανη). Condition of third class, possibility assumed. This is the answer to the “how” question. In plant life death precedes life, death of the seed and then the new plant.

1 Corinthians 15:37

Not the body which shall be (ουτοσωματογενησομενον). Articular future participle of γινομα, literally, “not the body that will become.” The new

body (σωμα) is not yet in existence, but only the seed (κοκκος, grain, old word, as in Matthew 13:31).

It may chance (ετυχο). Fourth class condition as in 14:10 which see. Paul is rich in metaphors here, though usually not so (Howson, Metaphors of St. Paul). Paul was a city man. We sow seeds, not plants (bodies). The butterfly comes out of the dying worm.

1 Corinthians 15:38

A body of its own (ιδιονσωμα). Even under the microscope the life cells or germ plasm may seem almost identical, but the plant is quite distinct. On σπερμα, seed, old word from σπειρω, to sow, see on Matthew 13:24f.

1 Corinthians 15:39

The same flesh (ηαυτησαρξ). Paul takes up animal life to show the great variety there is as in the plant kingdom. Even if evolution should prove to be true, Paul’s argument remains valid. Variety exists along with kinship. Progress is shown in the different kingdoms, progress that even argues for a spiritual body after the body of flesh is lost.

Of beasts (κτηνων). Old word, from κταομα, to possess, and so property. See Lu 10:34.

Of birds (πτηνων). Old word from πετομα, to fly, winged, flying. Only here in N.T.

1 Corinthians 15:40

Celestial (επουρανια). Old word, from επ, upon, ουρανος, heaven, existing in heaven. Paul now rises higher in the range of his argument, above the merely

terrestrial (επιγεια, upon earth, επι, γε) bodies. He has shown differences in the bodies here on earth in plants and in the animal kingdom and now he indicates like differences to be seen in the heavens above us.

Is one (ετεραμεν)

–is another (ετεραδε). Antithesis that admits glory for bodies on earth and bodies in the heavens. Experience does not argue against a glory for the spiritual body (Philippians 3:21).

1 Corinthians 15:41

For one star differeth from another star in glory (αστηργαραστεροςδιαφερεενδοξη). A beautiful illustration of Paul’s point. Αστερος is the ablative case after διαφερε (old verb διαφερω, Latin differo, our differ, bear apart). On αστηρ see Matthew 2:7 and αστρον Lu 21:25. Stars differ in magnitude and brilliancy. The telescope has added more force to Paul’s argument.

In glory (ενδοξη). Old word from δοκεω, to think, to seem. So opinion, estimate, then the shekinah glory of God in the LXX, glory in general. It is one of the great words of the N.T. Jesus is termed the glory in James 2:1.

1 Corinthians 15:42

So is the resurrection of the dead (ουτωςκαηαναστασιςτωννεκρων). Paul now applies his illustrations to his argument to prove the kind of body we shall have after the resurrection. He does it by a series of marvellous contrasts that gather all his points. The earthly and the risen beings differ in duration, value, power (Wendt).

It is sown (σπειρετα). In death, like the seed (37).

In incorruption (εναφθαρσια). Late word from α privative and φθειρω, to corrupt. In LXX, Plutarch, Philo, late papyrus of a Gnostic gospel, and quotation from Epicurus. Vulgate incorruptio. The resurrection body has undergone a complete change as compared with the body of flesh like the plant from the seed. It is related to it, but it is a different body of glory.

1 Corinthians 15:43

In weakness (ενασθενεια). Lack of strength as shown in the victory of death.

In power (ενδυναμε). Death can never conquer this new body, “conformed to the body of His glory” (Philippians 3:21).

1 Corinthians 15:44

A natural body (σωμαψυχικον). See on 2:14 for this word, a difficult one to translate since ψυχη has so many meanings. Natural is probably as good a rendering as can be made, but it is not adequate, for the body here is not all ψυχη either as soul or life. The same difficulty exists as to a spiritual body (σωμαπνευματικον). The resurrection body is not wholly πνευμα. Caution is needed here in filling out details concerning the ψυχη and the πνευμα. But certainly he means to say that the “spiritual body” has some kind of germinal connection with the “natural body,” though the development is glorious beyond our comprehension though not beyond the power of Christ to perform (Philippians 3:21). The force of the argument remains unimpaired though we cannot follow fully into the thought beyond us.

If there is (εεστιν). “If there exists” (εστιν means this with accent on first syllable), a condition of first class assumed as true.

There is also (εστινκα). There exists also.

1 Corinthians 15:45

Became a living soul (εγενετοειςψυχηνζωσαν). Hebraistic use of εις in predicate from LXX. God breathed a soul (ψυχη) into “the first man.”

The last Adam became a life-giving spirit (οεσχατοςΑδαμειςπνευμαζωοποιουν). Supply εγενετο (became). Christ is the crown of humanity and has power to give us the new body. In Romans 5:12-19 Paul calls Christ the Second Adam.

1 Corinthians 15:46

Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural (αλλ’ ουπρωτοντοπνευματικον, αλλατοψυχικον). Literally, “But not first the spiritual, but the natural.” This is the law of growth always.

1 Corinthians 15:47

Earthly (χοικος). Late rare word, from χους, dust.

The second man from heaven (οδευτεροςανθρωποςεξουρανου). Christ had a human (ψυχικον) body, of course, but Paul makes the contrast between the first man in his natural body and the Second Man in his risen body. Paul saw Jesus after his resurrection and he appeared to him “from heaven.” He will come again from heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:48

As is the earthly (οιοςοχοικος). Masculine gender because of ανθρωπος and correlative pronouns (οιοσ, τοιουτο) of character or quality. All men of dust (χοικο) correspond to “the man of dust” (οχοικος), the first Adam.

As is the heavenly (οιοςοεπουρανιος). Christ in his ascended state (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 2:20; Philippians 3:20).

1 Corinthians 15:49

We shall also bear (φορεσομενκα). Old MSS. (so Westcott and Hort) read φορεσωμενκα. Volitive aorist active subjunctive, Let us also bear. Ellicott strongly opposes the subjunctive. It may be merely the failure of scribes to distinguish between long o and short o. Paul hardly means to say that our attaining the resurrection body depends on our own efforts! A late frequentative form of φερω.

1 Corinthians 15:50

Cannot inherit (κληρονομησαουδυναντα). Hence there must be a change by death from the natural body to the spiritual body. In the case of Christ this change was wrought in less than three days and even then the body of Jesus was in a transition state before the Ascension. He ate and could be handled and yet he passed through closed doors. Paul does not base his argument on the special circumstances connected with the risen body of Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:51

A mystery (μυστηριον). He does not claim that he has explained everything. He has drawn a broad parallel which opens the door of hope and confidence.

We shall not all sleep (παντεςουκοιμηθησομεθα). Future passive indicative of κοιμαομα, to sleep. Not all of us shall die, Paul means. Some people will be alive when he comes. Paul does not affirm that he or any then living will be alive when Jesus comes again. He simply groups all under the phrase “we all.”

But we shall all be changed (παντεςδεαλλαγησομεθα). Second future passive indicative of αλλασσω. Both living and dead shall be changed and so receive the resurrection body. See this same idea at more length in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

1 Corinthians 15:52

In a moment (ενατομω). Old word, from α privative and τεμνω, to cut, indivisible: Scientific word for atom which was considered indivisible, but that was before the day of electrons and protons. Only here in N.T.

In the twinkling of an eye (ενριπηοφθαλμου). Old word ριπη from ριπτω, to throw. Only here in N.T. Used by the Greeks for the flapping of a wing, the buzz of a gnat, the quivering of a harp, the twinkling of a star.

At the last trump (εντηεσχατησαλπιγγ). Symbolical, of course. See on 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 24:31.

1 Corinthians 15:53

Must put on (δεενδυσασθα). Aorist (ingressive) middle infinitive, put on as a garment.

Immortality (αθανασιαν). Old word from αθανατος, undying, and that from α privative and θνησκω, to die. In N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 6:16 where God is described as having immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:54

Shall have put on (ενδυσητα). First aorist middle subjunctive with οταν whenever, merely indefinite future, no futurum exactum, merely meaning, “whenever shall put on,” not “shall have put on.”

Is swallowed up (κατεποθη). First aorist passive indicative of καταπινω, old verb to drink down, swallow down. Perfective use of κατα- where we say “up,” “swallow up.” Timeless use of the aorist tense. Paul changes the active voice κατεπιεν in Isaiah 25:8 to the passive. Death is no longer victory. Theodotion reads the Hebrew verb (bulla, for billa,) as passive like Paul. It is the “final overthrow of the king of Terrors” (Findlay) as shown in Hebrews 2:15.

1 Corinthians 15:55

Victory (νικος). Late form of νικη.

O death (θανατε). Second instance. Here Paul changes Hades of the LXX for Hebrew Sheol (Hosea 13:14) to death. Paul never uses Hades.

Thy sting (σουτοκεντρον). Old word from κεντρεω, to prick, as in Acts 26:14. In Revelation 9:10 of the sting of locusts, scorpions. The serpent death has lost his poison fangs.

1 Corinthians 15:56

The power of sin (ηδυναμιςτηςαμαρτιας). See Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; Romans 6:14; Romans 6:7; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:1-5 for Paul’s ideas here briefly expressed. In man’s unrenewed state he cannot obey God’s holy law.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God (τωδεθεωχαρις). Exultant triumph through Christ over sin and death as in Romans 7:25.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Be ye steadfast, unmovable (εδραιογινεσθε, αμετακινητο). “Keep on becoming steadfast, unshaken.” Let the sceptics howl and rage. Paul has given rational grounds for faith and hope in Christ the Risen Lord and Saviour. Note practical turn to this great doctrinal argument.

Work (εργον),

labour (κοπος, toil). The best answer to doubt is work.