20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead , the first fruits of those who are asleep . 21 For since by a man came death , by a man also came the resurrection of the dead . 22 For as in Adam all die , so also in Christ all will be made alive . 23 But each in his own order : Christ the first fruits , after that those who are Christ's at His coming , 24 then comes the end , when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father , when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power . 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet . 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death . 27 For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET . But when He says , " All things are put in subjection ," it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all . 29 Otherwise , what will those do who are baptized for the dead ? If the dead are not raised at all , why then are they baptized for them? 30 Why are we also in danger every hour ? 31 I affirm , brethren , by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord , I die daily e . 32 If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus , what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised , LET US EAT AND DRINK , FOR TOMORROW WE DIE . 33 Do not be deceived : "Bad company corrupts good morals ." 34 Become sober-minded as you ought , and stop sinning ; for some have no knowledge of God . I speak this to your shame .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
(Read 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.