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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 15:12–19.
Having confirmed the truth of our Saviour's resurrection, the apostle goes on to refute those among the Corinthians who said there would be none: If Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? Co1 15:12. It seems from this passage, and the course of the argument, there were some among the Corinthians who thought the resurrection an impossibility. This was a common sentiment among the heathens. But against this the apostle produces an incontestable fact, namely, the resurrection of Christ; and he goes on to argue against them from the absurdities that must follow from their principle. As,
I.If there be (can be) no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen (Co1 15:13); and again, "If the dead rise not, cannot be raised or recovered to life, then is Christ not raised, Co1 15:16. And yet it was foretold in ancient prophecies that he should rise; and it has been proved by multitudes of eye-witnesses that he had risen. And will you say, will any among you dare to say, that is not, cannot be, which God long ago said should be, and which is now undoubted matter of fact?"
II.It would follow hereupon that the preaching and faith of the gospel would be vain:
If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith vain, Co1 15:14. This supposition admitted, would destroy the principal evidence of Christianity; and so, 1. Make preaching vain. "We apostles should be found false witnesses of God; we pretend to be God's witnesses for truth, and to work miracles by his power in confirmation of it, and are all the while deceivers, liars for God, if in his name, and by power received from him, we go forth, and publish and assert a thing false in fact, and impossible to be true. And does not this make us the vainest men in the world, and our office and ministry the vainest and most useless thing in the world? What end could we propose to ourselves in undertaking this hard and hazardous service, if we knew our religion stood on no better foundation, nay, if we were not well assured of the contrary? What should we preach for? Would not our labour be wholly in vain? We can have no very favourable expectations in this life; and we could have none beyond it. If Christ be not raised, the gospel is a jest; it is chaff and emptiness." 2. This supposition would make the faith of Christians vain, as well as the labours of ministers: If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins (Co1 15:17), yet under the guilt and condemnation of sin, because it is through his death and sacrifice for sin alone that forgiveness is to be had. We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, Eph 1:7. No remission of sins is to be had but through the shedding of his blood. And had his blood been shed, and his life taken away, without ever being restored, what evidence could we have had that through him we should have justification and eternal life? Had he remained under the power of death, how could he have delivered us from its power? And how vain a thing is faith in him, upon this supposition! He must rise for our justification who was delivered for our sins, or in vain we look for any such benefit by him. There had been no justification nor salvation if Christ had not risen. And must not faith in Christ be vain, and of no signification, if he be still among the dead?
III.Another absurdity following from this supposition is that those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
if there be no resurrection, they cannot rise, and therefore are lost, even those who have died in the Christian faith, and for it. It is plain from this that those among the Corinthians who denied the resurrection meant thereby a state of future retribution, and not merely the revival of the flesh; they took death to be the destruction and extinction of the man, and not merely of the bodily life; for otherwise the apostle could not infer the utter loss of those who slept in Jesus, from the supposition that they would never rise more or that they had no hopes in Christ after life; for they might have hope of happiness for their minds if these survived their bodies, and this would prevent the limiting of their hopes in Christ to this life only. "Upon supposition there is no resurrection in your sense, no after-state and life, then dead Christians are quite lost. How vain a thing were our faith and religion upon this supposition!" And this,
IV.Would infer that Christ's ministers and servants were of all men most miserable, as having hope in him in this life only (Co1 15:19), which is another absurdity that would follow from asserting no resurrection. Their condition who hope in Christ would be worse than that of other men. Who hope in Christ. Note, All who believe in Christ have hope in him; all who believe in him as a Redeemer hope for redemption and salvation by him; but if there be no resurrection, or state of future recompence (which was intended by those who denied the resurrection at Corinth), their hope in him must be limited to this life: and, if all their hopes in Christ lie within the compass of this life, they are in a much worse condition than the rest of mankind, especially at that time, and under those circumstances, in which the apostles wrote; for then they had no countenance nor protection from the rulers of the world, but were hated and persecuted by all men. Preachers and private Christians therefore had a hard lot if in this life only they had hope in Christ. Better be any thing than a Christian upon these terms; for in this world they are hated, and hunted, and abused, stripped of all worldly comforts and exposed to all manner of sufferings: they fare much harder than other men in this life, and yet have no further nor better hopes. And is it not absurd for one who believes in Christ to admit a principle that involves so absurd an inference? Can that man have faith in Christ who can believe concerning him that he will leave his faithful servants, whether ministers or others, in a worse state than his enemies? Note, It were a gross absurdity in a Christian to admit the supposition of no resurrection or future state. It would leave no hope beyond this world, and would frequently make his condition the worst in the world. Indeed, the Christian is by his religion crucified to this world, and taught to live upon the hope of another. Carnal pleasures are insipid to him in a great degree; and spiritual and heavenly pleasures are those which he affects and pants after. How sad is his case indeed, if he must be dead to worldly pleasures and yet never hope for any better!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
And again he establishes it all, and takes it up again, saying,
"For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised."
For had He not intended to do this, He would not have come into the world. And he names not this, but the end, to wit, His resurrection; through it drawing all things.
In other words, if you accept that Christ rose from the dead, believe that we shall rise again also.
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Summary
In 1 Corinthians 15:16, the Apostle Paul presents a foundational logical argument concerning the resurrection: if a general resurrection of the dead is impossible or does not occur, then it necessarily follows that Christ himself could not have been raised. This verse serves as a critical link in Paul's comprehensive defense of the bodily resurrection, asserting that the very possibility of Christ's resurrection is inextricably tied to the broader reality of resurrection for all. It underscores the profound theological implications of denying this core Christian doctrine, revealing how such a denial undermines the entire framework of Christian faith and hope.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the fifteenth chapter of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, a chapter entirely devoted to the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel message they received, emphasizing Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as historical facts attested by many witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). He then addresses a specific theological error prevalent among some in the Corinthian church: the denial of a future resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12). Verses 1 Corinthians 15:13-19 form a powerful reductio ad absurdum argument, where Paul systematically demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of denying the resurrection, leading to the conclusion that if the dead do not rise, then Christ has not risen, rendering faith futile and hope nonexistent. Verse 16 is a direct and forceful restatement of this central premise, reinforcing the logical necessity of the resurrection for the entire Christian worldview.
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub deeply influenced by various philosophical schools of thought prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. Many of these philosophies, particularly Platonism and nascent Gnostic ideas, held a dualistic view of reality, often despising the material body and viewing it as a prison for the immortal soul. For such thinkers, the idea of a bodily resurrection was considered absurd, repulsive, or simply unnecessary, as true liberation was seen as the soul's escape from the physical realm. This intellectual climate likely contributed to the skepticism regarding the resurrection among some Corinthian believers. Paul's robust defense of the bodily resurrection directly confronts these prevailing cultural and philosophical biases, asserting a uniquely Judeo-Christian understanding of God's redemptive plan that encompasses both spirit and body. His argument for the resurrection was not merely an abstract theological point but a direct challenge to the worldview of his audience.
Key Themes
1 Corinthians 15 is rich with theological themes, and verse 16 contributes significantly to several of them. Firstly, it underscores the inseparable link between Christ's resurrection and the general resurrection of believers. Paul argues that these two events are not independent but are fundamentally intertwined; one cannot exist without the other. This establishes Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" and guarantee of the future resurrection for all who believe, as elaborated in 1 Corinthians 15:20. Secondly, the verse highlights the foundational nature of the resurrection for Christian faith. If Christ has not been raised, then the apostles' preaching is empty, and the believers' faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). The resurrection is not an optional add-on but the very cornerstone upon which the entire edifice of Christian doctrine rests. Finally, it reinforces the theme of hope beyond the grave. By asserting the necessity of resurrection, Paul offers believers a profound assurance that death is not the ultimate end, but that a future, glorified existence awaits them, secured by Christ's victory over death.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This particle introduces a reason or explanation, indicating that the statement in verse 16 is a logical consequence or justification for the preceding arguments. It signals that Paul is building a case, providing the underlying rationale for why denying the general resurrection is so problematic for the denial of Christ's resurrection.
This word refers to a corpse or one who is literally deceased. In this context, it refers to humanity in general, those who have physically died. Paul uses this term to emphasize the physical reality of death and, by extension, the physical reality of resurrection, directly countering any spiritualizing or allegorizing of the concept.
This verb means "to waken" or "to rouse," whether literally from sleep, from lying down, or from death. It can be used transitively (to raise someone) or intransitively (to rise oneself). Paul consistently uses this verb throughout 1 Corinthians 15 to describe both the resurrection of the general dead and the resurrection of Christ, underscoring the parallelism and interconnectedness of these two events. Its use here emphasizes a literal, physical rising from death.
Meaning "anointed," this is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" and is an epithet of Jesus. Paul's use of "Christ" here emphasizes Jesus's unique identity as the promised deliverer and the central figure of God's redemptive plan. His resurrection is not merely that of a historical figure, but of the divine Messiah, whose rising has cosmic and salvific implications.
Verse Breakdown
"For if the dead rise not"
This clause introduces a conditional premise, setting up a hypothetical scenario. Paul posits the denial of a general resurrection of the dead, which was the specific error he was confronting in Corinth. The "if" (Greek, ei) indicates a real condition, one that Paul is arguing against, but which he temporarily accepts for the sake of demonstrating its logical consequences. The phrase "the dead rise not" refers to the absence or impossibility of a future resurrection for all humanity.
"then is not Christ raised"
This is the logical conclusion that necessarily follows from the preceding premise. If there is no such thing as resurrection, if death is truly the final state for all, then Christ, who died, could not have been raised either. Paul asserts an undeniable, reciprocal relationship: the general resurrection validates Christ's resurrection, and Christ's resurrection guarantees the general resurrection. Denying one logically necessitates denying the other.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in 1 Corinthians 15:16 to construct his argument. Foremost is the Conditional Statement (protasis and apodosis), introduced by "For if... then is not..." (Greek: ei... oudé). This structure allows Paul to present a hypothetical scenario (the dead do not rise) and then logically deduce its inescapable consequence (Christ is not raised). This forms part of his larger Reductio ad Absurdum argument, where he takes the opposing viewpoint to its logical, absurd, and faith-destroying conclusion, thereby demonstrating its falsity. By showing that denying the general resurrection leads to the denial of Christ's resurrection, which is unthinkable for a Christian, Paul compels his audience to affirm the general resurrection. Furthermore, there is clear Parallelism in the repeated use of the verb "rise/raised" (Greek, egeírō) for both "the dead" and "Christ," emphasizing the direct and inseparable connection between the two resurrections. This linguistic parallelism reinforces the theological interdependence Paul is asserting.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The profound theological implication of 1 Corinthians 15:16 is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not an isolated miracle but the definitive pattern and guarantee of the future resurrection for all believers. Paul establishes an unbreakable link: if God cannot or will not raise the dead generally, then He could not have raised Christ specifically. This means that the power of God demonstrated in Christ's resurrection is the same power that will effect the resurrection of all who are "in Christ." It validates the entire gospel message, proving Christ's victory over sin and death and securing the hope of eternal life for His followers. Without the resurrection, the Christian faith collapses into mere ethical philosophy or a historical account of a good man, devoid of transformative power and ultimate hope.
Reflection and Application
1 Corinthians 15:16 calls believers to a profound reflection on the centrality of the resurrection to their faith and daily lives. In a world often characterized by despair, the finality of death, and a focus on temporary earthly pursuits, this verse anchors our hope in an eternal reality. It reminds us that our faith is not based on a dead prophet or a philosophical system, but on a living Savior who conquered the grave. This truth provides immense comfort in the face of loss, knowing that those who die in Christ will rise again. It also empowers us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and living courageously for Christ, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). The resurrection is the ultimate assurance of God's faithfulness and power, transforming our understanding of life, death, and eternity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Christ's resurrection inextricably linked to the general resurrection of believers in Paul's argument?
Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 15 establishes Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" (1 Corinthians 15:20) of a new creation and the guarantee of the future resurrection for all who belong to Him. If there is no such thing as resurrection, then Christ's rising from the dead would be an impossibility, or at best, an anomaly without universal significance. Paul argues that God's power to raise the dead is a consistent principle; if that power does not apply to humanity in general, it could not have applied to Christ. Therefore, the general resurrection validates Christ's resurrection, and Christ's resurrection provides the basis and pattern for the general resurrection. They are two sides of the same divine act of overcoming death.
What specific philosophical ideas in Corinth might have led some to deny the resurrection of the dead?
In the Greco-Roman world, particularly among educated elites, there was a prevalent philosophical disdain for the physical body. Platonic thought, for example, often viewed the body as a temporary prison for the immortal soul, with true liberation being the soul's release from the body at death. The idea of the body being resurrected and glorified was seen as crude, unnecessary, or even repulsive. Furthermore, nascent Gnostic ideas, which emphasized spiritual knowledge and often denigrated the material world, would also have contributed to skepticism about a bodily resurrection. Paul's emphasis on the bodily resurrection directly challenged these prevailing dualistic worldviews, asserting a holistic view of human salvation that includes both spirit and body.
Does "if the dead rise not" imply that some believed no one would ever rise, or just that believers wouldn't?
In 1 Corinthians 15:12, Paul states, "Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?" The phrase "resurrection of the dead" (Greek: anastasis nekron) is a general theological term referring to the future resurrection of all people, or at least all believers. Therefore, "if the dead rise not" implies that some in Corinth were denying the very concept of a future resurrection for anyone, including believers. Paul then uses this general denial to show its logical implication for Christ's own resurrection, demonstrating the absurdity of their position.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Corinthians 15:16 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate conqueror of death and the source of all resurrection life. His resurrection is not merely an example or a historical event, but the very power and promise that guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. As the "firstfruits" from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20), Christ's resurrection inaugurates the new creation and demonstrates God's power to overcome the curse of sin and death. He is the "resurrection and the life" (John 11:25-26), embodying the very principle that Paul defends. Because Christ was raised from the dead, never to die again (Romans 6:9-10), His followers are assured that they too will share in His victory. He is the head of the church, the "firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18), holding the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). Thus, the truth that "if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised" is fulfilled in the glorious reality that Christ has been raised, thereby securing the resurrection for all who are united with Him by faith.