1 Corinthians 15:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:28
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, salvation, redemption. 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 15:28
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Analysis
And when all things shall be subdued unto him (ὅταν δὲ ὑποταγῇ αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα)—The aorist passive subjunctive hypotagē (ὑποταγῇ, "shall be subjected") indicates future certainty. Christ's victory over all hostile powers is guaranteed, not merely possible. The phrase ta panta ("all things") is comprehensive—nothing escapes Christ's lordship.
Then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him (τότε καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ υἱὸς ὑποταγήσεται τῷ ὑποτάξαντι αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα)—Christ's subjection to the Father is voluntary, loving submission within Trinitarian relationship. The purpose clause follows: that God may be all in all (ἵνα ᾖ ὁ θεὸς πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν)—the ultimate goal is God's glory filling all things. This is not pantheism (God is everything) but panentheism properly understood—God's presence and glory permeating redeemed creation.
Historical Context
Early church debates about Christ's nature wrestled with this verse. Subordinationists used it to argue Christ's inferiority; orthodox theology responded that eternal generation and economic subordination don't contradict essential equality. The Son eternally proceeds from the Father (John 1:1-2) yet functionally submits in redemptive work.
Reflection
- How does Christ's voluntary submission to the Father model leadership and authority for believers?
- What does 'God all in all' mean—how will redeemed creation manifest God's glory?
- How does understanding economic Trinity help make sense of Christ's deity and submission?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Corinthians 3:23, 11:3, 12:6
- Parallel theme: John 14:28, Ephesians 1:23, Philippians 3:21, Colossians 3:11