1 Corinthians 15:24

KJV

Then [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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1534} cometh the end {G5056}, when {G3752} he shall have delivered up {G3860} the kingdom {G932} to God {G2316}, even {G2532} the Father {G3962}; when {G3752} he shall have put down {G2673} all {G3956} rule {G746} and {G2532} all {G3956} authority {G1849} and {G2532} power {G1411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then the culmination, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father, after having put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power.

American Standard Version

Then 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:24 stands as a profound declaration within Paul's extensive discourse on the resurrection, marking the climactic moment when Christ, having fully accomplished His redemptive and subduing work, formally presents the perfected kingdom to God the Father. This verse encapsulates the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign plan, signifying the complete vanquishing of all opposing spiritual and earthly powers that stand against divine rule, thereby ushering in the eternal reign of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the theological zenith of 1 Corinthians 15, often hailed as the "Resurrection Chapter." Paul meticulously constructs an argument for the historical reality and theological necessity of Christ's resurrection, which serves as the foundational guarantee for the future resurrection of believers. Prior to verse 24, Paul establishes that Christ's resurrection initiates a sequential order of resurrection, culminating in the general resurrection at His parousia. He asserts that Christ "must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies are Subdued")), explicitly identifying "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy")). Verse 24 then describes the triumphant culmination of this reign, where the subjugation is complete, and the kingdom is delivered, signifying the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for creation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was grappling with significant theological confusion, including some members who denied the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul's robust defense of the resurrection directly addresses this skepticism, emphasizing its centrality to the gospel and Christian hope. Culturally, the concept of "rule, authority, and power" (Gk. *archē*, *exousia*, *dynamis*) would have resonated with the Corinthians, who lived in a world saturated with hierarchical structures—from Roman imperial power and its various magistrates to prevalent beliefs in spiritual principalities, whether angelic or demonic. Paul's assertion that Christ "puts down" all these powers would have been a radical statement of Christ's supreme sovereignty, challenging both human and supernatural claims to ultimate dominion. This context underscores the cosmic scope of Christ's victory, extending beyond mere human institutions to encompass all spiritual forces.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is **Christ's Ultimate Victory**, asserting His absolute triumph over all opposing forces, both visible and invisible. His reign is not merely a period of rule but an active process of subjugating every hostile power that would stand against God's sovereignty, ensuring that nothing can ultimately thwart God's divine purpose. Secondly, it highlights **The Consummation of God's Kingdom**, referring to the redeemed creation and the people of God, brought into perfect alignment with God's will. Christ's act of "delivering up the kingdom" signifies its completion and perfection, a realm fully purified and reconciled to the Father, pointing to the ultimate reality of the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth") where God dwells fully with His people. Finally, it underscores **Christ's Mediatorial Role Fulfilled**. While Christ is eternally God, His role as Mediator between God and humanity involves a specific function in salvation history. Delivering up the kingdom to the Father indicates the successful completion of this unique mission to redeem and restore all things to the Father, demonstrating the ultimate unity and purpose within the Godhead, as [God becomes "all in all"](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - God is All in All").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **end (Greek, _télos'_):** (G5056) From a primary (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose). In this context, "the end" signifies not merely a chronological termination but the consummation, the goal, and the ultimate purpose of Christ's redemptive reign. It marks the successful completion of His mediatorial work, bringing all things to their divinely appointed conclusion.
* **put down (Greek, _katargéō'_):** (G2673) From *katá* and *argéō*; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:--abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void. This powerful verb emphasizes the complete and decisive nullification of all opposing forces. It is not a mere suppression but a rendering of these powers utterly inoperative, abolished, and brought to nothing, highlighting the absolute and irreversible nature of Christ's victory.
* **rule (Greek, _archḗ'_):** (G746) From *árchomai*; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank):--beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule. In this context, *archē* refers to governing powers, often understood as spiritual principalities or demonic rulers, but also potentially human authorities that stand in opposition to God's will. Its inclusion alongside "authority" and "power" underscores the comprehensive scope of Christ's subjugation of all forms of dominion that resist God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then cometh the end":** This phrase signals a definitive point in eschatological history, the culmination of Christ's redemptive work and the unfolding of God's plan. It implies a divinely appointed sequence, where Christ's reign of subjugation reaches its intended conclusion, leading to the ultimate state of affairs.
* **"when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father":** This clause describes Christ's ultimate act of stewardship and completion. Having reigned and subdued all things, Christ presents the perfected, redeemed, and fully reconciled kingdom to the Father. This does not imply a relinquishing of His divine nature or eternal co-equality, but rather the successful fulfillment of His mediatorial role as the one who brings creation back into perfect alignment with the Father's will. It highlights the unity of purpose within the Godhead.
* **"when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power":** This specifies the comprehensive nature of Christ's victory preceding the delivery of the kingdom. "Rule" (*archē*), "authority" (*exousía*), and "power" (*dýnamis*) are terms frequently used by Paul to denote spiritual principalities, demonic forces, and potentially human systems that are hostile to God's reign. Christ's act of "putting down" (abolishing, rendering useless) signifies their complete and utter defeat, ensuring that no rival dominion can stand against the absolute sovereignty of God.

#### Literary Devices
1 Corinthians 15:24 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The verse employs **Climax**, serving as the culmination of Paul's argument in the "Resurrection Chapter." It presents the final, decisive act in the cosmic drama of salvation, following Christ's resurrection and His ongoing reign. The language itself is imbued with **Triumphal Language**, particularly in the phrases "delivered up the kingdom" and "put down all rule and all authority and power," which evoke images of a victorious conqueror presenting spoils or a perfected domain to a supreme sovereign. This triumphal tone reinforces the absolute nature of Christ's victory. Furthermore, the phrase "all rule and all authority and power" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language** to emphasize the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of Christ's subjugation. It signifies that absolutely no force, visible or invisible, will remain unsubdued or able to oppose God's ultimate reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian eschatology and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign plan. It clarifies that Christ's mediatorial reign has a specific purpose and duration, culminating in the complete subjugation of all opposition and the perfect restoration of creation to the Father. This act underscores the unity and harmonious purpose within the Trinity, as the Son faithfully completes the work given to Him by the Father, ultimately glorifying the Father. It speaks to the absolute certainty of God's victory over evil, sin, and death, providing immense comfort and assurance to believers. The "kingdom" delivered is not merely a realm, but a people and a perfected creation, fully reconciled and brought under God's righteous dominion, where His will is perfectly done.

* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of this World Become Christ's")
* [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Authority Over All Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 15:24 offers profound comfort and steadfast hope for believers navigating a world still marked by suffering, injustice, and the pervasive presence of evil. It assures us that the current struggles and apparent victories of opposing forces are temporary. Christ's ultimate triumph is not merely a theological concept but a guaranteed future reality, providing a powerful anchor for our faith. This truth calls us to live with unwavering confidence in God's sovereign plan, knowing that Christ's reign is actively advancing, and His victory over sin, death, and all spiritual opposition is absolute and irreversible. It encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that our present labors in the Lord are not in vain, for they contribute to a kingdom that will ultimately be perfected and presented to the Father. Our hope is not in the fleeting powers of this world, but in the eternal and victorious reign of Christ, which will bring all things to their glorious and intended end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Christ's ultimate victory over "all rule and all authority and power" impact your perspective on current world events and personal struggles?**
* **In what ways does understanding Christ's mediatorial role and its eventual fulfillment deepen your appreciation for the unity and purpose within the Godhead?**
* **How might the truth of Christ delivering a perfected kingdom to the Father motivate your commitment to living out the values of that kingdom today?**

### FAQ
**Does "delivering up the kingdom" imply that Christ loses His divine power or authority?**

Answer: No, "delivering up the kingdom" does not imply that Christ relinquishes His divine nature, co-equality with the Father, or His eternal sovereignty. The Greek word *paradídōmi* (G3860), translated as "delivered up," signifies a formal presentation or entrustment, not a surrender of power or status. In this context, it refers to the successful completion of Christ's specific mediatorial role in salvation history. As the God-man, He was appointed to redeem humanity and creation, subdue all hostile forces, and bring all things back into perfect alignment with the Father's will. Once this redemptive and subjugating work is fully accomplished, He presents the perfected kingdom—which includes His redeemed people and a reconciled creation—to the Father. This act glorifies the Father and demonstrates the perfect harmony and unified purpose within the Trinity. Christ remains eternally God and King, but His mediatorial mission, which had a beginning and a specific goal, reaches its glorious conclusion. The ultimate goal is that [God may be "all in all"](/1_corinthians/15-28 "God is All in All"), signifying His undisputed and complete sovereignty over all creation.

**What are "all rule and all authority and power" that Christ puts down?**

Answer: The terms "rule" (*archē*), "authority" (*exousía*), and "power" (*dýnamis*) are used by Paul throughout his epistles to refer to various forms of dominion that stand in opposition to God's reign. These primarily denote spiritual principalities and powers, often understood as demonic forces or angelic beings that have rebelled against God. Examples of such references can be found in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces of Evil"), where Paul speaks of wrestling "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." They can also encompass human systems, institutions, or ideologies that are hostile to God's will and purpose. Christ's act of "putting down" (*katargéō*) signifies their complete nullification, rendering them utterly ineffective and abolished. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Christ's victory, ensuring that no rival dominion, whether spiritual or earthly, can ultimately withstand the absolute sovereignty of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:24 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both the agent and the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan. It is through His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that the "end" comes and the kingdom is secured. Christ, as the [appointed heir of all things](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things"), began His mediatorial reign at His ascension, seated at the [right hand of the Majesty on high](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand"). His ongoing reign is a process of actively subduing all cosmic and earthly opposition, culminating in the ultimate defeat of death itself, as foreshadowed in this verse. When He "delivers up the kingdom to God, even the Father," it is the perfected fruit of His redemptive labor—a kingdom fully reconciled, purified, and brought into complete submission to God's will. This act does not diminish Christ's eternal glory or co-equality with the Father, but rather signifies the successful completion of His unique mission as the Redeemer and Restorer. In Christ, all things are created and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), and through Him, all things will ultimately be reconciled to God, so that [God may be "all in all"](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - God is All in All"). The "putting down of all rule and all authority and power" is a direct consequence of Christ's triumph on the cross and His resurrection, which disarmed and triumphed over these spiritual forces ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), ensuring that His dominion is absolute and eternal, to the glory of God the Father.

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

Daniel 7:27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

1 Timothy 6:15

Which in his times he shall shew, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;