1 Corinthians 15:57
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:57
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, obedience, 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 15:57
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Analysis
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (τῷ δὲ θεῷ χάρις τῷ διδόντι ἡμῖν τὸ νῖκος διὰ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ)—The word charis (χάρις, "grace, thanks") is doxological exclamation. The present participle didonti (διδόντι, "giving") indicates God's ongoing gift of victory—not merely past or future but present reality. The noun nikos (νῖκος, "victory") is definite—the victory, the triumph over sin, death, and Satan.
The preposition dia (διά, "through") with genitive indicates agency—victory comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. Not through human effort, wisdom, or strength, but through Christ's death and resurrection. This is grace from beginning to end—God initiates, accomplishes, and applies victory. Believers receive it as gift, not achievement. The full Trinitarian title tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou (τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, "our Lord Jesus Christ") emphasizes His deity, messiahship, and personal relationship with believers.
Historical Context
This doxology concludes Paul's resurrection argument with worship. Theological argumentation climaxes in praise—fitting response to resurrection truth is not merely intellectual assent but grateful worship. Early Christian worship was Trinitarian: the Father gives victory through the Son's work, applied by the Spirit (implied in chapter 12).
Reflection
- Why does Paul climax his resurrection argument with doxology rather than further argumentation?
- How is resurrection victory a present possession ('gives') rather than merely future hope?
- What does it mean that victory comes 'through' Christ—what did He accomplish to secure this victory?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Christ: 2 Corinthians 2:14
- References Jesus: Romans 7:25, Ephesians 5:20
- References Lord: Psalms 98:1, Proverbs 21:31
- References God: 1 Chronicles 22:11, 2 Corinthians 9:15
- Parallel theme: John 16:33, Romans 8:37, Revelation 12:11