1 Corinthians 6:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 6:14
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, mercy, wisdom. 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
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 6:14
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
Analysis
And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. The resurrection grounds Paul's sexual ethic. Ēgeiren (ἤγειρεν, 'raised', aorist—completed act) refers to Christ's resurrection; exegerei (ἐξεγερεῖ, 'will raise', future) promises ours. The link: by his own power (dia tēs dynameōs autou, διὰ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ). The same power that resurrected Jesus will resurrect believers' bodies.
This demolishes 'it's just my body' logic. Your body isn't disposable flesh but resurrection-bound matter. Sexual sin isn't merely 'what I do in private'—it defiles the future temple. Christ's resurrection body (Luke 24:39-43: physical, touchable, eating) previews ours. If God cares enough about bodies to resurrect them eternally, sexual purity matters cosmically. The interim body is stewardship of what God will perfect.
Historical Context
Greek immortality concepts featured the soul escaping the body (Plato's Phaedo). Christianity's bodily resurrection was scandalous—pagans mocked it (Acts 17:32). But Paul insists: the body's destiny determines its present meaning. Gnostic tendencies (spirit good, matter bad) couldn't accommodate resurrection or incarnation. Paul's Jewish framework: God redeems the whole person, body included. First-century believers lived in this tension: resurrection promised but not yet experienced, so bodily ethics anticipate eternal physicality.
Reflection
- How does belief in bodily resurrection change the way you treat your body—diet, exercise, sexuality, rest?
- What would it mean to view your current body as a 'preview' or 'prototype' of your eternal resurrection body?
- How does Christ's physical resurrection validate the importance of embodied worship, sacraments, and sexual purity?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Acts 2:24, Romans 8:11, 2 Corinthians 4:14
- Parallel theme: Philippians 3:21