1 Corinthians 15:56
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:56
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, wisdom, worship. 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 15:56
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
Analysis
The sting of death is sin (τὸ δὲ κέντρον τοῦ θανάτου ἡ ἁμαρτία)—Paul explains death's venom: hamartia (ἁμαρτία, "sin"). Death's power derives from sin—"the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23, Genesis 2:17). Sin gives death its lethal authority. Without sin, death has no claim on humanity. Christ's atonement removes sin, thus neutralizing death's sting. Justified believers face physical death but not eternal death—sin's penalty is paid (Romans 8:1).
And the strength of sin is the law (ἡ δὲ δύναμις τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ νόμος)—The word dynamis (δύναμις, "power, strength") indicates sin's authority derives from nomos (νόμος, "law"). God's law reveals sin (Romans 3:20, 7:7), defines it, and pronounces its penalty (death). The law gives sin its condemning power. Apart from law, sin is undefined; with law, sin becomes "sinful beyond measure" (Romans 7:13). The gospel frees believers from law's condemnation through Christ's fulfillment (Romans 10:4, Galatians 3:13).
Historical Context
Paul's theology connects sin, law, and death in Romans 5-7. The law, though holy (Romans 7:12), cannot save—it reveals sin and pronounces death sentence. Christ fulfills the law's demands and bears its curse (Galatians 3:13), liberating believers from condemnation. Resurrection vindicates Christ's atonement—death's sting is removed because sin's penalty is paid.
Reflection
- How does understanding sin as death's 'sting' help us see why atonement is necessary for resurrection?
- In what sense does the law give sin its power—why can't law save?
- How does Christ's fulfillment of the law remove death's sting for believers?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- Word: Romans 4:15, 5:20
- Sin: John 8:21, 8:24, Romans 6:23
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:32, Romans 5:15, 5:17, Hebrews 9:27