1 Corinthians 15:12

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

Now {G1161} if {G1487} Christ {G5547} be preached {G2784} that {G3754} he rose {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, how {G4459} say {G3004} some {G5100} among {G1722} you {G5213} that {G3754} there is {G2076} no {G3756} resurrection {G386} of the dead {G3498}?

But if it has been proclaimed that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, how is it that some of you are saying there is no such thing as a resurrection of the dead?

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

Now 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?

Commentary

1 Corinthians 15:12 presents a foundational challenge to the early Christian community in Corinth, as the Apostle Paul addresses a critical theological error. Having just affirmed the glorious truth that Christ rose from the dead according to the Scriptures and was seen by many witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), Paul now confronts those who deny a general resurrection of the dead.

Context

The city of Corinth was a bustling, diverse metropolis, influenced by various philosophical schools, some of which held a disdain for the physical body and viewed the idea of a bodily resurrection as absurd. Within the Corinthian church, this skepticism had evidently taken root, leading some to deny the future resurrection of believers. Paul's entire 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians is a powerful and logical defense of the doctrine of resurrection, establishing it as utterly central to the Christian faith. This verse serves as the rhetorical pivot, highlighting the inconsistency of believing in Christ's resurrection while simultaneously denying the resurrection of all believers.

Key Themes

  • The Centrality of Christ's Resurrection: Paul assumes the Corinthian believers accept the preaching of Christ's resurrection. This event is not merely an isolated miracle but the cornerstone upon which the entire Christian hope rests.
  • Logical Inconsistency: The verse exposes the logical fallacy of holding two contradictory beliefs. If Christ, as a man, rose from the dead, then the concept of a general resurrection of the dead cannot be dismissed as impossible or untrue.
  • Foundation of Christian Hope: The resurrection of Christ validates the promise of future resurrection for believers, offering hope beyond death. Without this, Christian faith would be empty, as Paul further argues in 1 Corinthians 15:14.
  • Addressing Heresy: Paul directly confronts a dangerous false teaching that undermines the very fabric of the gospel message and the future hope of eternal life.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "resurrection of the dead," from the Greek word anastasis (ἀνάστασις), which literally means "a standing up again" or "a raising up." This term consistently implies a physical, bodily raising, not merely a spiritual ascent or immortality of the soul. Paul's argument hinges on the physical reality of Christ's resurrection as the pattern and guarantee for the physical resurrection of believers.

Related Scriptures

Paul elaborates on the implications of denying the resurrection, stating that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ Himself is not risen (1 Corinthians 15:13). He later presents Christ as the "firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20), indicating that His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who belong to Him. This doctrine is a core aspect of the Christian hope, also found in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describes the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the rapture of living believers.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:12 underscores the vital importance of the bodily resurrection. It reminds us that our faith is not based on mere philosophy or abstract ideas, but on a historical event—Christ's victory over death—which promises us a similar future. This hope of resurrection provides comfort in times of loss, strength in the face of suffering, and motivation for holy living, knowing that our bodies will be raised to eternal life. It is a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate triumph over sin and death.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 17:32

    ¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].

  • Acts 26:8

    Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

  • 2 Timothy 2:18

    Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

  • Acts 23:8

    For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:13

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:19

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:17

    Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
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