1 Corinthians 15:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} every man {G1538} in {G1722} his own {G2398} order {G5001}: Christ {G5547} the firstfruits {G536}; afterward {G1899} they that are {G3588} Christ's {G5547} at {G1722} his {G846} coming {G3952}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But each in his own order: the Messiah is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming;

Berean Standard Bible

But each in his own turn: Christ the firstfruits; then at His coming, those who belong to Him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:23 is a foundational verse within Paul's extensive defense of the bodily resurrection, meticulously outlining the divine sequence of this pivotal eschatological event. It asserts that Christ's resurrection serves as the "firstfruits," guaranteeing and patterning the future resurrection of all who belong to Him, which will occur at His glorious return. This verse provides immense theological assurance, anchoring the hope of believers in the ordered, certain plan of God for the ultimate triumph over death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the fifteenth chapter of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, widely recognized as the Bible's most comprehensive discourse on the resurrection. Paul addresses a significant theological challenge within the Corinthian church, where some members were denying or questioning the future resurrection of the dead (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1-corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - If Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?")). Paul systematically builds his argument, first establishing the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the indispensable cornerstone of the Christian faith (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1-corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). He then demonstrates the logical impossibility of denying the resurrection of believers if Christ Himself has been raised (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:13-19](/1-corinthians/15-13-19 "1 Corinthians 15:13-19 - The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection")). Having affirmed Christ as the "firstfruits" in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1-corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits of Those Who Sleep"), verse 23 further elaborates on the precise order of future resurrections, setting the stage for his subsequent arguments about the nature of the resurrected body and the ultimate victory over death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a diverse community situated in a major Roman provincial capital, steeped in Greek philosophical traditions. Many Greeks, influenced by Platonic thought, viewed the body as a prison for the soul and considered a bodily resurrection undesirable or even absurd. This philosophical skepticism likely contributed to the denial of resurrection among some believers. Furthermore, the concept of "firstfruits" was deeply rooted in ancient Israelite agricultural practices and religious law (cf. [Leviticus 23:9-14](/leviticus/23-9-14 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Feast of Firstfruits")). The first portion of the harvest was offered to God as a sacred pledge, signifying that the entire harvest belonged to Him and would follow. Paul leverages this familiar cultural and religious concept to explain Christ's resurrection as the guarantee and pattern for the future resurrection of all believers, making it comprehensible to both Jewish and Gentile converts familiar with the Old Testament.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. The primary theme is the **Order of Resurrection**, emphasizing that the resurrection of the dead is not a chaotic event but a divinely orchestrated sequence, with Christ inaugurating it. Closely related is the theme of **Christ's Supremacy and Pioneering Role**, as He is presented as the "firstfruits," the initial and decisive victory over death that secures the future for His followers. This concept underscores His unique position as the head of the new creation. Another crucial theme is **Eschatological Hope**, as the verse explicitly ties the resurrection of believers to "his coming" (Greek: _parousia_), providing a definite future hope for those who are "Christ's." This hope transforms the believer's perspective on death and suffering, grounding their present perseverance in the certainty of future glory (cf. [Romans 8:23-25](/romans/8-23-25 "Romans 8:23-25 - Hope for the Redemption of Our Bodies")). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Corporate Nature of Salvation**, indicating that believers are inextricably linked to Christ in His death and resurrection, participating in His victory as members of His body.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **order (Greek, _tágma'_):** This word, derived from a verb meaning "to arrange" or "to appoint," signifies something orderly in arrangement, a troop, or figuratively, a series or succession. In military contexts, it refers to a division or rank. Here, Paul uses it to convey that the resurrection is not a random or haphazard event but proceeds according to a divinely established, precise sequence. It highlights God's sovereignty and meticulous planning in the unfolding of His redemptive purposes.
* **firstfruits (Greek, _aparchḗ'_):** This term refers to the initial portion of a harvest, offered as a sacred pledge and guarantee that the full harvest would follow. In ancient Israel, the offering of firstfruits (e.g., [Leviticus 23:10](/leviticus/23-10 "Leviticus 23:10 - Bringing the Sheaf of Firstfruits")) consecrated the entire yield. Spiritually, it signifies the initial and representative part that ensures the rest. Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" because it is the inaugural event, the prototype, and the absolute guarantee of the future resurrection of all believers.
* **coming (Greek, _parousía'_):** This word literally means "presence" or "arrival." In the New Testament, it became a technical term for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, often associated with His second advent to judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom. It denotes not merely a momentary arrival but a period of presence that begins with His advent. The use of _parousía_ here firmly links the resurrection of believers to the climactic event of Christ's return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But every man in his own order:"** Paul introduces a contrast ("But") to the preceding discussion, emphasizing that while Christ's resurrection is central, there is a specific, divinely appointed sequence for all others. The phrase "every man" (G1538, _hékastos_) underscores the individual nature of resurrection while "in his own order" (G1722 _en_ G2398 _ídios_ G5001 _tágma_) highlights the structured, non-chaotic nature of this event, implying a distinct procession or rank.
* **"Christ the firstfruits;"** This clause identifies the first and most crucial "order" in the resurrection sequence. Christ is unequivocally declared as the "firstfruits" (G5547 _Christós_ G536 _aparchḗ_), meaning His resurrection is not only historically prior but also qualitatively superior and causally effective for all subsequent resurrections. He is the prototype and the guarantee.
* **"afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."** This specifies the second "order" in the resurrection sequence. "Afterward" (G1899, _épeita_) indicates a subsequent event. "They that are Christ's" refers to all true believers, those who belong to Him by faith and are united with Him. Their resurrection is explicitly tied to "his coming" (G1722 _en_ G846 _autós_ G3952 _parousía_), emphasizing that the full realization of their bodily redemption will coincide with the glorious return of Jesus Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the agricultural metaphor of "firstfruits." By calling Christ the "firstfruits," Paul vividly illustrates that Christ's resurrection is the initial, representative portion of a larger spiritual harvest – the resurrection of all believers. This metaphor implies both priority and guarantee: just as the firstfruits ensure the rest of the crop, Christ's resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of His followers. Additionally, Paul uses **Ordering/Sequence** through the phrases "in his own order" and "afterward." This highlights the structured, intentional nature of God's plan for resurrection, counteracting any notion of randomness or chaos. The verse also functions as a powerful **Theological Statement**, succinctly articulating a core tenet of Christian eschatology: the future bodily resurrection of believers is a certainty, directly linked to Christ's own resurrection and His glorious return.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 15:23 stands as a linchpin in Christian eschatology, connecting Christ's historical resurrection to the future hope of all believers. Theologically, it establishes the **order and certainty of resurrection**, asserting that God's plan for the redemption of humanity includes the physical body. Christ's resurrection is not an isolated event but the inaugural act of a new creation, guaranteeing that all who are united with Him will share in His victory over death. This verse underscores the **sovereignty of God** in orchestrating salvation history, from Christ's death and resurrection to His glorious return and the ultimate resurrection of His people. It also highlights the **corporate nature of salvation**, where believers are so intrinsically linked to Christ that His destiny becomes theirs. The promise of resurrection at Christ's coming provides profound **hope and comfort**, transforming the Christian's perspective on death from an end to a transition, a sleep from which they will awaken to eternal life in glorified bodies.

* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1-thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit's Role in Resurrection")
* [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Voice of the Son of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 15:23 offers profound assurance and shapes the Christian worldview, transforming the fear of death into a confident expectation of life. Knowing that Christ is the "firstfruits" means our future is secure because His resurrection guarantees ours. This truth encourages believers to live with hope, perseverance, and a heavenly perspective, understanding that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. It calls us to live lives worthy of this future hope, to prioritize eternal realities over temporal concerns, and to find comfort in the promise that death does not have the final word for those who belong to Christ. This verse reminds us that our faith is not in vain, for the same power that raised Christ from the dead will also raise us. Therefore, we are called to stand firm, to labor abundantly for the Lord, knowing that our toil in Him is not in vain (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1-corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfastness in the Lord")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of your future resurrection, guaranteed by Christ's "firstfruits" resurrection, impact your daily living and priorities?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "order" in resurrection provide comfort or challenge your understanding of God's sovereign plan?**
* **How does the promise of Christ's "coming" and the subsequent resurrection of believers shape your hope in the face of loss or suffering?**

### FAQ

**What does "firstfruits" mean in the context of Christ's resurrection?**

Answer: In the context of 1 Corinthians 15:23, "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchḗ_) is an agricultural metaphor rooted in Old Testament sacrificial law. It refers to the initial, representative portion of a harvest offered to God as a pledge and guarantee that the rest of the harvest would follow (e.g., [Leviticus 23:9-14](/leviticus/23-9-14 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Feast of Firstfruits")). When applied to Christ, it means His resurrection is the first, decisive, and guaranteeing event of resurrection, ensuring that all who belong to Him will also be raised. He is the prototype and the promise of the future resurrection of believers.

**What is the "order" of resurrection Paul describes?**

Answer: Paul describes a divinely appointed sequence or "order" (_tágma_). The first in this order is "Christ the firstfruits," meaning His resurrection has already occurred and serves as the foundation. The second part of the order is "afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." This refers to all believers, both those who have died and those who are alive at the time of His return, who will be resurrected or transformed when Jesus Christ returns in glory (His _parousía_). This implies a structured, not chaotic, unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ensuring that the resurrection of believers is a certain future event tied to Christ's return.

**Does this verse imply that some will not be resurrected?**

Answer: 1 Corinthians 15:23 specifically addresses the resurrection of "they that are Christ's," meaning believers. While this verse focuses on the resurrection unto life, the Bible teaches a general resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous (cf. [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life and Contempt") and [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Voice of the Son of God")). However, the _order_ and _nature_ of these resurrections differ. Believers are resurrected to eternal life and glory, patterned after Christ's glorious body, while the unrighteous are resurrected to judgment. This verse assures believers of their specific, glorious resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' unique role as the inaugurator and guarantor of the new creation. His resurrection as the "firstfruits" is not merely a historical event but the very foundation of Christian hope, demonstrating His absolute victory over sin and death (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Conquest of Death")). As the resurrected Lord, Christ is the prototype for the glorified bodies believers will receive at His coming, confirming that our future resurrection will be a physical, yet transformed, reality (cf. [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven and Glorified Bodies")). The phrase "they that are Christ's at his coming" underscores the unbreakable union between Christ and His church; because He lives, we too shall live (cf. [John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Because I live, you also will live")). His _parousía_ (coming) is the climactic moment when His redemptive work, including the full redemption of our bodies, will be finally consummated, ushering in the eternal reign where death is swallowed up in victory (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1-corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")). Thus, Christ is not just the first to be raised, but the very power and promise that secures the resurrection for all who belong to Him, making Him the Alpha and Omega of our salvation and our ultimate hope.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Isaiah 26:19

Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:52

In 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.

1 Corinthians 15:20

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

2 Corinthians 10:7

¶ Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he [is] Christ's, even so [are] we Christ's.

1 Thessalonians 2:19

For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.