1 Corinthians 15:51
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:51
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, holiness, creation. 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 15:51
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
Analysis
Behold, I shew you a mystery (ἰδοὺ μυστήριον ὑμῖν λέγω)—The word mystērion (μυστήριον, "mystery, secret") refers to truth previously hidden, now revealed by God (Romans 16:25, Ephesians 3:3-6). The imperative idou (ἰδού, "behold, look") demands attention. Paul unveils something startling: not all believers will die before resurrection.
We shall not all sleep (πάντες οὐ κοιμηθησόμεθα)—The verb koimēthēsometha (κοιμηθησόμεθα, "we will sleep") uses Christian euphemism for death. Paul includes himself ("we")—he expected Christ might return in his lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:15). Some believers will be alive at the parousia. But we shall all be changed (πάντες δὲ ἀλλαγησόμεθα)—the future passive verb allagēsometha (ἀλλαγησόμεθα, "we shall be changed") indicates divine action. All believers, whether dead (resurrected) or living (transformed), will receive resurrection bodies.
Historical Context
Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, James 5:8). Paul writes to clarify what happens to those alive at the parousia—they won't be disadvantaged compared to deceased saints. Both groups receive resurrection bodies simultaneously, though through different processes (resurrection vs. transformation).
Reflection
- Why does Paul call this a 'mystery'—what was previously hidden that's now revealed?
- How does the promise that living believers will be transformed address concerns about 'missing out'?
- What does it mean to be 'changed'—how does transformation differ from resurrection?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 15:20, Philippians 3:21