Skip to Content

1 Corinthians

Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.

1 Corinthians 15

1Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand,

1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

Commentary · verse 1

Paul declared the Gospel. The Gospel that he had preached, they (Corinthians) had received, and in which they stood...

2by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.

2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Commentary · verse 2

…and by which they are saved if they keep in memory (believe) what Paul preached to them, unless they believed in vain (empty; void of truth; unprofitable). These two verses were the introduction for Paul's presentation of the Gospel.

3For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures;

3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Commentary · verses 3-4

Doctrine: This is the Gospel:

  • Christ died,
  • was buried, and
  • rose again.

The Gospel has three distinct parts. "According to the scriptures" was mentioned twice in these verses, Paul was referring to the Old Testament. The Doctrine of the Gospel was not new, it had been written about in the "scriptures."

5and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;

5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

Commentary · verse 5

After the resurrection, Jesus was seen of Cephas (Peter) and the twelve (Apostles).

6then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep;

6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Commentary · verse 6

After that, Jesus was seen of more than 500 believers at once.

7then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles;

7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

Commentary · verse 7

After that, Jesus was seen of James and then to all of the apostles. Notice, Paul mentioned being seen by all of the apostles after he had already mentioned Jesus appearing to the twelve Apostles. There were (and are) more than just the twelve Apostles. The Book of Acts stated that James was located in Jerusalem and served as the leader of the council for the church.

8and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.

8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Commentary · verse 8

Last of all, Jesus was seen of Paul. Paul did not include himself as one of the twelve Apostles. Also, Paul saw Jesus after Pentecost. It may be that Jesus appeared to James and council in the same way Jesus appeared to Paul.

Doctrines on this passage

9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Commentary · verse 9

Paul did not think he qualified to be called an Apostle because he persecuted the church. Paul's humility was amazing. He did not testify of himself.

10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Commentary · verse 10

Doctrine: Grace flows through the individual's being in order to accentuate the unique abilities of the being. It is as if each of us is a unique jewel (that God created) and God is the light that shines into and then through each of us. The result is a unique array of colors because of the uniqueness of the individual, however, the light itself is God flowing through us. Likewise, Paul gave God all the credit (by grace) for who he was. This verse proved that grace is the work of God and God gets the credit for what we do in grace.

11Whether then it be I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

12Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been raised: 14and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain.

11Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Commentary · verses 11-14

The resurrection was the most important of the three aspects of the Gospel. Paul stated that if that portion was not preached, then all of the preaching and faith was in vain/unprofitable.

15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised.

15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

Commentary · verse 15

If Christ did not rise, then Paul's (and those with him) preaching were false witnesses of God.

16For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised: 17and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Commentary · verses 16-17

If Christ had not risen then our faith is vain and we are in our sins. This meant we would have no Salvation. Christ's resurrection was what gave eternal life.

18Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

Commentary · verse 18

And if there was no resurrection, then believers who had already died were perished - ruined - destroyed.

19If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.

19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Commentary · verse 19

If our hope in Christ was only in this life (Paul meant existence in this context) then all men would be "most pitiable." "Pitiable" meant "miserable."

20But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.

20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Commentary · verse 20

Christ rose on the feast of First Fruits, which was the third feast of God from Leviticus 23. Christ died on Passover which was the first feast of God. Christ was buried on Unleavened Bread which was the second feast of God. The Holy Spirit was given on Pentecost (the feast of Weeks) which was the fourth feast of God.

Doctrines on this passage

21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

Commentary · verse 21

Christ had risen and had to be the first to rise. Without Christ, no one would have eternal life. The sin that led to damnation came into the world by Adam. Paul contrasted Christ with Adam, by Christ came the ability to overcome the sin (which all people have) that led to damnation. Paul continued to contrast Adam and Christ...

22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Commentary · verse 22

Paul blatantly stated all were affected by Adam's sin and all could have eternal life by Jesus. Notice, this verse contradicted Calvinism because all can be made alive. The next twenty-two verses served as foundation before Paul returned to contrasting Adam with Jesus.

Doctrines on this passage

23But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming.

23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

Commentary · verse 23

Paul stated that Christ would be the first to be resurrected, then those that are believers when Jesus physically comes at the end of the Tribulation and the beginning of Christ's millennial reign on earth.

24Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.

25For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

24Then 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.

25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Commentary · verses 24-25

Christ must reign during the Millennium until He has put all enemies under his feet.

26The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.

26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Commentary · verse 26

Death will be the last enemy destroyed, which Adam let into the world. Death (and Hades) will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14) at the last judgment which occurs after Christ's Millennial Reign is completed.

27For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him.

28And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.

27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

28And 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.

Commentary · verses 27-28

Paul showed that all things, except God the Father, would be under Jesus...and that since Jesus would be under God the Father, God the Father would be over all.

29Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?

30why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour?

31I protest by that glorying in you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

29Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

30And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

31I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

Commentary · verses 29-31

Paul transitioned from all being subjected to God the Father to every individual being completely surrendered to God. Paul stated: "I die daily." Paul meant he continually killed his flesh so that God could work through him. We ought to get ourselves out of God's way so He can work through us.

32If after the manner of men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.

32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Commentary · verse 32

Remember, Paul wrote this letter while he was in Ephesus. Beasts have no understanding. Paul was pointing out that without Christ's resurrection, Paul's difficult discussions (that he must have been having at the time of this writing) meant nothing. Furthermore, if Christ was not resurrected, everyone ought to become beasts and focus on the physical: eat and drink.

Doctrines on this passage

33Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.

33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Commentary · verse 33

Doctrine: Destructive friends can corrupt your profitable beliefs. Thinking this cannot happen was an example of a person being deceived. A person's thought process is easily shaped or molded. We will drift towards the thought process of the people we surround ourselves with.

34Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not; for some have no knowledge of God: I speak this to move you to shame.

34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Commentary · verse 34

Awake to Righteousness was the cause. If we are Righteous through grace, we (Mind/Soul) will not sin. Paul also stated that some people still had no knowledge of God, and this was stated to shame the believers in the church of Corinth because they ought to be evangelizing to these people.

35But some one will say, How are the dead raised? and with what manner of body do they come?

36Thou foolish one, that which thou thyself sowest is not quickened except it die: 37and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not the body that shall be, but a bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other kind; 38but God giveth it a body even as it pleased him, and to each seed a body of its own.

35But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

Commentary · verses 35-38

The people who asked, "How are the dead raised?" and "What manner of body do they come?" were focused on the physical. Paul then gave a physical example that could be stated to these physically-minded people to help them understand: a seed being sown must first die before it bore fruit. The seed was of one form and the tree and fruit were of another form.

Doctrines on this passage

39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fishes.

40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

41There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory.

39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

41There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

Commentary · verses 39-41

Paul went further to say that all flesh was not the same. First he showed not all physical flesh was the same, then he expanded it to show that physical flesh was not the same as celestial (spiritual) flesh.

42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

Commentary · verses 42-44

Doctrine: By stating, "If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body," Paul showed that everything that was natural (physical) came from a spiritual cause. Next, Paul returned to his contrasting of Adam with Jesus.

45So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

Commentary · verse 45

Paul quoted Genesis 2:7 concerning Adam. Then, Paul followed the statement he made in the previous verses and stated the "last Adam" (i.e., Christ) was the spiritual cause. Paul then got more specific.

46Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven.

48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

Commentary · verses 46-48

In our natural world, the natural comes first and the profitable effect comes second. Paul called Adam (and all of us) "earthy," while he called Jesus (and those who believe) "of heaven," which was spiritual.

49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Commentary · verses 49-50

Doctrine: We need to choose to make our spiritual lives preeminent over our physical lives.

51Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed,

51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Commentary · verse 51

Paul showed a mystery: we will not all sleep (physically die) but we will all be changed. Notice, Paul was showing a mystery. Mysteries in the Bible were supposed to be understood by believers.

52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Commentary · verse 52

The trumpet sounding was the pre-Tribulation Rapture of the church. The last trump referenced the last feast of God that used a trumpet: Rosh Hashanah. This was the fifth feast of God and was known as the feast of Trumpets. It was a two day celebration during the fall harvest in which the shofar ram's horn was blown (trump). No one knew when the last trump would be blown, but when it was, everyone was supposed to drop everything and gather for a feast. The symbolism was consistent with the purpose of the pre-Tribulation Rapture of the church. Notice, the first four feasts of God occurred leading into the postponement of the Dispensation of the Law. Now, we see the re-establishment of the Dispensation of the Law (and the end of our dispensation) would occur during the last trump of the fifth feast of God.

Doctrines on this passage

53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Commentary · verses 53-54

Paul concluded his discussion about the pre-Tribulation Rapture by stating it would result in believers (both dead and alive) going from earthly bodies to spiritual bodies in a twinkling of an eye. If the believers are alive, they will not die; they will immediately go from a physical body to spiritual body without experiencing a physical death. Paul referenced Isaiah 25:8.

55O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?

55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Commentary · verse 55

Paul referenced Hosea 13:14.

56The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law: 57but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary · verses 56-57

We have victory over sin through Christ, which leads to eternal life in paradise because of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

58Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Commentary · verse 58

Our labor (works) are not in vain (unprofitable) if they are in the Lord by grace.

Theme of Chapter 15: Paul presented the Gospel: Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Paul explained how sin and death came into the world through Adam, while redemption and life came through Jesus. Just as all were affected by Adam, all are able to be affected by Jesus.

Up and down arrows move between verses, Enter selects one, Shift with an arrow takes in a run. Tab then reaches Save, Add Note and Copy.