1 Corinthians 15:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:12
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, wisdom, fellowship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it defends the resurrection as central to Christian faith. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 15:12
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
Analysis
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead (Εἰ δὲ Χριστὸς κηρύσσεται ὅτι ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγήγερται)—Paul begins his logical argument. The perfect tense egēgertai (ἐγήγερται, "has been raised") indicates completed action with ongoing results. Christ's resurrection is the foundation of apostolic preaching (kēryssō, κηρύσσω, "to herald").
How say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (πῶς λέγουσιν ἐν ὑμῖν τινες ὅτι ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν;)—The word anastasis (ἀνάστασις) means "standing up again," physical bodily resurrection. Greek philosophical dualism, especially Platonism and Epicureanism, denied bodily resurrection as undesirable (Acts 17:32). Some Corinthians, influenced by this worldview, accepted Christ's unique resurrection but denied general resurrection—a logically incoherent position Paul demolishes.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy viewed the body as a prison (Plato's Phaedo: 'soma sēma'—'the body is a tomb'). Immortality of the soul, yes; resurrection of the body, absurd. Stoics and Epicureans at Athens mocked Paul when he mentioned resurrection (Acts 17:32). Corinthian believers, immersed in this culture, struggled to embrace bodily resurrection.
Reflection
- What modern worldviews parallel Greek dualism in devaluing physical embodiment?
- Why is it logically inconsistent to affirm Christ's resurrection while denying general resurrection?
- How does Greek philosophical disdain for the body contradict the biblical doctrine of creation and incarnation?
Word Studies
- Resurrection: ἀνάστασις (Anastasis) G386 - Resurrection, rising
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Acts 17:32, 23:8, 26:8, 2 Timothy 2:18
- Parallel theme: 2 Thessalonians 2:17