1 Corinthians 15:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:20
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, worship, judgment. 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 15:20
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Analysis
But now is Christ risen from the dead (Νυνὶ δὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν)—The emphatic nyni (Νυνί, "But now!") signals the glorious turn from reductio ad absurdum to triumphant affirmation. The perfect tense egēgertai (ἐγήγερται) indicates completed action with ongoing results: Christ was raised and remains risen. This is historical fact, not wishful thinking. The phrase ek nekrōn ("from among the dead") indicates Christ didn't resuscitate into old mortality (like Lazarus) but entered new resurrection life.
And become the firstfruits of them that slept (ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων ἐγένετο)—The agricultural metaphor aparchē (ἀπαρχή, "firstfruits") refers to the first sheaf harvested and offered to God (Leviticus 23:10-11), guaranteeing the full harvest follows. Christ's resurrection is not isolated miracle but inauguration of new creation. As firstfruits guarantee harvest, Christ's resurrection guarantees ours. The perfect participle kekoimēmenōn (κεκοιμημένων, "having fallen asleep") indicates believers' death is temporary rest before resurrection harvest.
Historical Context
The Feast of Firstfruits occurred during Passover week—Jesus rose on that very day, fulfilling the typology. The first sheaf offered to God anticipated the full harvest weeks later at Pentecost. Similarly, Christ's resurrection initiates the harvest of resurrection bodies at his return. Paul connects Old Testament agricultural feast to eschatological reality.
Reflection
- How does the 'firstfruits' metaphor demonstrate that Christ's resurrection guarantees yours?
- What does it mean that resurrection is not just resuscitation but entrance into new creation?
- How should the certainty of resurrection harvest shape Christian hope and perseverance?
Cross-References
- References Christ: 1 Corinthians 15:23, Revelation 1:5
- Resurrection: Acts 26:23, Romans 8:11, 1 Peter 1:3
- Parallel theme: Colossians 1:18