1 Corinthians 15:24

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

1 Corinthians 15:24 (KJV) stands as a pivotal verse in Paul's profound discourse on the resurrection, marking the climactic conclusion of Christ's redemptive work and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal dominion. It describes the final act in the cosmic drama, where Christ, having conquered all opposition, presents a perfected kingdom back to the Father.

Context

This verse is part of 1 Corinthians chapter 15, often called the "Resurrection Chapter." Paul meticulously argues for the reality and necessity of Christ's resurrection, which serves as the foundation for the believer's future resurrection. Leading up to verse 24, Paul explains that Christ must reign until all enemies are under His feet, with death being the last enemy to be destroyed. Verse 24 then describes the triumphant culmination of this reign, signifying the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for creation.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Ultimate Victory: The verse powerfully asserts Christ's absolute triumph over all opposing forces. His reign is not merely a period of rule but an active process of subjugating every hostile spiritual or earthly power that would stand against God's sovereignty. This victory ensures that nothing can ultimately thwart God's divine purpose.
  • The Consummation of God's Kingdom: The "kingdom" here refers 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. This points to the ultimate new heavens and new earth where God dwells fully with His people.
  • 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 mediatorial work. It's not a relinquishing of His divine nature or power, but the culmination of His unique mission to redeem and restore all things to the Father. This demonstrates the ultimate unity and purpose within the Godhead.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put down" in Greek is katargeō (καταργέω), a strong verb meaning to abolish, nullify, render inoperative, or bring to nothing. It emphasizes the complete and decisive defeat of "all rule and all authority and power" (Greek: archē, exousia, dynamis). These terms often refer to angelic or demonic principalities and powers, as well as human systems and institutions that are hostile to God. Paul uses this word to convey utter destruction and abolition, not just mere suppression.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:24 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reinforces the certainty of Christ's ultimate victory and the eventual end of all suffering, evil, and opposition to God. This truth provides a powerful anchor for our hope, knowing that even in the face of present struggles, Christ's reign is advancing, and His triumph is guaranteed. It encourages believers to live with confidence in God's sovereign plan, knowing that all things are moving towards the glorious day when God will be "all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:28).

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:27 (14 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Daniel 2:44 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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