1 Corinthians 15:23
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
they that are
G3588
τῇ
they that are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίῳ
his own
G2398
ἰδίῳ
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
5 of 15
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
τάγματι·
order
G5001
τάγματι·
order
Strong's:
G5001
Word #:
6 of 15
something orderly in arrangement (a troop), i.e., (figuratively) a series or succession
ἀπαρχὴ
the firstfruits
G536
ἀπαρχὴ
the firstfruits
Strong's:
G536
Word #:
7 of 15
a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)
τῇ
they that are
G3588
τῇ
they that are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
they that are
G3588
τῇ
they that are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 3:29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.Isaiah 26:19Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.1 Corinthians 15:52In 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 15:20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.2 Corinthians 10:7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.1 Thessalonians 2:19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?Galatians 5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic expected a single resurrection at history's end. Paul introduces a two-stage (or possibly three-stage, if v. 24 implies a final judgment resurrection) program: Christ's resurrection as firstfruits, believers' resurrection at the parousia, then the end. This 'already/not yet' eschatology was revolutionary.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the military imagery of 'order' and 'rank' indicate about God's sovereignty over history?
- How does the sequence of resurrections demonstrate God's ordered plan rather than arbitrary timing?
- What is the significance of belonging to Christ ('those of Christ') for participating in resurrection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But every man in his own order (Ἕκαστος δὲ ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ τάγματι)—The word tagma (τάγμα) is military terminology meaning "rank, division, order of battle." Paul envisions resurrection as sequential military campaign, not single event. God's redemptive plan unfolds in ordered stages, not chaos. The phrase every man (hekastos, ἕκαστος) indicates individual resurrection bodies—each person will be raised, not absorbed into cosmic consciousness.
Christ the firstfruits (ἀπαρχὴ Χριστός)—Christ's resurrection (AD 30) is stage one, the aparchē guaranteeing the harvest. Afterward they that are Christ's at his coming (ἔπειτα οἱ τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ αὐτοῦ)—Stage two is the resurrection of believers at Christ's parousia (παρουσία, "coming, presence, arrival"). This is the rapture/resurrection event of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. The phrase hoi tou Christou ("those of Christ") indicates possession—believers belong to Christ through faith.