1 Corinthians 15:24
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1 Corinthians 15:24
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, discipleship, righteousness. 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 15:24
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
Analysis
Then cometh the end (εἶτα τὸ τέλος)—The word telos (τέλος) means "end, goal, completion, consummation." This is the eschaton, the end of the current age and the inauguration of the eternal state. The sequence is:
- Christ's resurrection
- believers' resurrection at the parousia
- the end/consummation.
When he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father (ὅταν παραδιδῷ τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ θεῷ καὶ πατρί)—The verb paradidō (παραδιδῷ, "hands over, delivers up") indicates transferring authority.
Christ's mediatorial kingdom, exercised during the millennium or intermediate state, is delivered to the Father when redemption is complete. This doesn't mean Christ ceases to reign but that the economic Trinity's redemptive mission is accomplished—no more enemies to conquer.
When he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (ὅταν καταργήσῃ πᾶσαν ἀρχὴν καὶ πᾶσαν ἐξουσίαν καὶ δύναμιν)—The verb katargeō (καταργέω) means "abolish, nullify, render powerless." Christ systematically dismantles every hostile cosmic power—Satan, demons, death, and human rebellion—before handing the perfected kingdom to the Father.
Historical Context
This verse sparked theological debates about Christ's eternal kingship. Orthodox theology affirms Christ reigns eternally with the Father; the 'delivering up' refers to the completion of redemptive mission, not abdication. Arians misused this verse to argue Christ's inferiority; Paul actually affirms functional subordination within ontological equality.
Reflection
- How does Christ's 'delivering up the kingdom' relate to the completion of his mediatorial work?
- What hostile 'rule, authority, and power' must Christ destroy before the end comes?
- How does this verse balance Christ's deity with his functional submission to the Father's plan?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia) G932 - Kingdom, reign
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Isaiah 9:7, Daniel 2:44, 7:14, 7:27, 1 Timothy 6:15
- References God: John 13:3
- Parallel theme: Matthew 11:27, 24:13, 28:18, John 3:35