But 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:
But 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. God's eternal purpose "is now made manifest" (phanerōtheisan de nyn, φανερωθεῖσαν δὲ νῦν)—revealed in time through Christ's incarnation. "The appearing" (epiphaneias, ἐπιφανείας) refers to Christ's first advent, His manifestation in human flesh. The term later described Roman emperor appearances; Paul applies it to Christ as true King whose appearing inaugurates God's kingdom.
Christ "abolished death" (katargēsantos men ton thanaton, καταργήσαντος μὲν τὸν θάνατον)—the verb katargeō (καταργέω) means "render powerless, nullify, destroy." Christ hasn't eliminated physical death yet (that awaits His return, 1 Corinthians 15:26) but has conquered death's power, penalty, and terror. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed death, transforming it from dreaded enemy to gateway to glory (Philippians 1:21, 23).
Christ "brought life and immortality to light" (phōtisantos de zōēn kai aphtharsian, φωτίσαντος δὲ ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν)—phōtizō (φωτίζω) means "illuminate, shed light upon, make clearly visible." The gospel reveals eternal life (zōē, ζωή) and immortality (aphtharsia, ἀφθαρσία—incorruptibility, imperishability) previously shrouded in Old Testament shadows. While the Old Testament hinted at afterlife (Job 19:25-27, Psalm 16:10, Daniel 12:2), Christ's resurrection demonstrated resurrection reality, making eternal life visible and certain.
Historical Context
Ancient views of afterlife varied widely. Greeks generally believed in shadowy existence in Hades—not attractive hope. Some philosophers like Plato taught immortality of the soul through reason and virtue, but bodily resurrection seemed absurd (Acts 17:32). Epicureans denied afterlife entirely. Sadducees, despite being Jewish leaders, denied resurrection (Matthew 22:23). Even Pharisees, who affirmed resurrection, lacked clarity about its nature. Christ's bodily resurrection transformed Christian hope from vague speculation to concrete certainty. Eyewitness testimony of over 500 witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6) provided historical foundation for resurrection faith that enabled Christians to face martyrdom courageously.
Questions for Reflection
How does Christ's abolishment of death's power change your response to fears about dying, whether for yourself or loved ones?
In what practical ways does believing in bodily resurrection and eternal life affect your daily priorities, decisions, and sufferings?
How can you use the gospel's revelation of "life and immortality" to evangelize friends who fear death or see this life as meaningless?
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Analysis & Commentary
But 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. God's eternal purpose "is now made manifest" (phanerōtheisan de nyn, φανερωθεῖσαν δὲ νῦν)—revealed in time through Christ's incarnation. "The appearing" (epiphaneias, ἐπιφανείας) refers to Christ's first advent, His manifestation in human flesh. The term later described Roman emperor appearances; Paul applies it to Christ as true King whose appearing inaugurates God's kingdom.
Christ "abolished death" (katargēsantos men ton thanaton, καταργήσαντος μὲν τὸν θάνατον)—the verb katargeō (καταργέω) means "render powerless, nullify, destroy." Christ hasn't eliminated physical death yet (that awaits His return, 1 Corinthians 15:26) but has conquered death's power, penalty, and terror. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed death, transforming it from dreaded enemy to gateway to glory (Philippians 1:21, 23).
Christ "brought life and immortality to light" (phōtisantos de zōēn kai aphtharsian, φωτίσαντος δὲ ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν)—phōtizō (φωτίζω) means "illuminate, shed light upon, make clearly visible." The gospel reveals eternal life (zōē, ζωή) and immortality (aphtharsia, ἀφθαρσία—incorruptibility, imperishability) previously shrouded in Old Testament shadows. While the Old Testament hinted at afterlife (Job 19:25-27, Psalm 16:10, Daniel 12:2), Christ's resurrection demonstrated resurrection reality, making eternal life visible and certain.