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. What was purposed eternally (v. 9) is "now made manifest" (phanerōtheisan, φανερωθεῖσαν)—revealed, disclosed publicly. This manifestation occurred "by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ" (dia tēs epiphaneias tou sōtēros hēmōn Christou Iēsou, διὰ τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ). Epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια) means visible appearing—Christ's incarnation brought God's eternal purpose into time and history.
Christ "abolished death" (katargēsantos ton thanaton, καταργήσαντος τὸν θάνατον)—the verb katargeō (καταργέω) means to render powerless, nullify, or destroy. Death hasn't been eliminated (Christians still die physically) but has been defeated, disarmed, and transformed. For believers, death is no longer penalty for sin but passage to glory; its sting is removed (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Christ's resurrection broke death's power, guaranteeing resurrection for all united to Him.
Christ also "brought life and immortality to light" (phōtisantos zōēn kai aphtharsian, φωτίσαντος ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν)—illuminated, revealed clearly what was previously mysterious. Zōē (ζωή) is eternal life; aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία) is incorruptibility or immortality—the resurrection body's imperishable quality. These realities existed in God's purpose eternally but were brought to light "through the gospel" (dia tou euangelion, διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου)—the good news of Christ's death and resurrection making eternal life available to all who believe.
Historical Context
Ancient world religions and philosophies offered various theories about afterlife, but none provided certain hope. Greek philosophy viewed material existence negatively, hoping for soul liberation from bodily existence. Jewish teaching affirmed resurrection but with less clarity than New Testament revelation. Pagan religions offered mystery cult initiations promising blessed afterlife but without historical grounding or moral transformation.
Christ's physical resurrection revolutionized understanding of death and afterlife. This wasn't spiritual metaphor or mythological symbolism but historical event witnessed by hundreds (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). The empty tomb and resurrection appearances demonstrated that death was conquered, the body would be redeemed, and eternal life was objectively real—not wishful thinking or philosophical speculation.
For early Christians facing martyrdom, knowing Christ had abolished death and guaranteed resurrection provided courage to die faithfully. Death wasn't the end but the doorway to eternal life. This radically different perspective enabled Christians to face persecution and death with peace, even joy, shocking pagan observers who witnessed their courage and hope in the face of execution.
Questions for Reflection
How does knowing Christ has abolished death and brought life to light affect your daily priorities and fears?
In what ways should resurrection hope transform your response to suffering, aging, or the prospect of martyrdom?
How can the certainty of life and immortality through the gospel increase your evangelistic boldness and urgency?
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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. What was purposed eternally (v. 9) is "now made manifest" (phanerōtheisan, φανερωθεῖσαν)—revealed, disclosed publicly. This manifestation occurred "by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ" (dia tēs epiphaneias tou sōtēros hēmōn Christou Iēsou, διὰ τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ). Epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια) means visible appearing—Christ's incarnation brought God's eternal purpose into time and history.
Christ "abolished death" (katargēsantos ton thanaton, καταργήσαντος τὸν θάνατον)—the verb katargeō (καταργέω) means to render powerless, nullify, or destroy. Death hasn't been eliminated (Christians still die physically) but has been defeated, disarmed, and transformed. For believers, death is no longer penalty for sin but passage to glory; its sting is removed (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Christ's resurrection broke death's power, guaranteeing resurrection for all united to Him.
Christ also "brought life and immortality to light" (phōtisantos zōēn kai aphtharsian, φωτίσαντος ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν)—illuminated, revealed clearly what was previously mysterious. Zōē (ζωή) is eternal life; aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία) is incorruptibility or immortality—the resurrection body's imperishable quality. These realities existed in God's purpose eternally but were brought to light "through the gospel" (dia tou euangelion, διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου)—the good news of Christ's death and resurrection making eternal life available to all who believe.