What does 1 Corinthians 15:20 mean?
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 15:20
Explanation
1 Corinthians 15:20 speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance. The phrase “But now is Christ risen from the dead” affirms that Christ’s resurrection has indeed occurred, contradicting any disbelief or doubt among the Corinthians believers. The term “firstfruits” refers to the first portion of a crop that was offered to God in Jewish tradition, symbolizing the first and the best. By calling Christ the “firstfruits of them that slept,” the verse indicates that Jesus is the first to be resurrected to eternal life, paving the way for those who have died in faith (referred to metaphorically as those who “slept”).
The literal meaning of the text asserts the historical fact of Christ’s resurrection. The deeper meaning reveals that through His resurrection, Jesus triumphs over death, and this act holds a promise for believers that they too shall be resurrected and enjoy eternal life with God.
Historical Context
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was written in the mid-50s AD to address various issues within the church in Corinth. During this time, the Christian community was still grappling with the implications of Jesus’ teachings and resurrection. There was confusion and disagreement among some of the early Christians about the resurrection of the body, which Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 15. In a Greco-Roman society, concepts of bodily resurrection were foreign and often considered foolish.
Theological Insights
Different theological viewpoints may offer varied insights into this verse. From an orthodox Christian perspective, this verse is foundational, affirming the belief in Jesus’ physical resurrection and the hope of eternal life for believers. In a liberal Christian interpretation, focus might be placed more on the spiritual significance rather than insisting on historical facts. Other theologies might interpret the resurrection metaphorically or symbolically, considering the transformative power of Christ’s teachings rather than a physical resurrection.
Practical Applications
The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by instilling hope among believers in the face of death and suffering. By viewing Christ as the “firstfruits,” Christians are encouraged to live a life of faith and righteousness, anticipating their future resurrection and eternal life. This hope can provide comfort and strengthen one’s faith during difficult times.
Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 15:23 – “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14 – “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
- Romans 6:5 – “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
- John 11:25 – “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
Language Study
In the original Greek, significant words include:
- “Christos” (Christ), referring to the Messiah or anointed one.
- “Egeiro” (risen), often used to denote raising up or waking from sleep.
- “Prototokos” (firstfruits), carrying the meaning of primacy and precedence, not only first in time but also in preeminence.
- “Koimao” (slept), a euphemism for death with future hope.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The concept of a resurrected savior figure is not unique to Christianity. Comparisons can be made with ancient Egyptian mythology where the deity Osiris dies and is resurrected, representing the cycle of life and death. However, unlike these myths, the Christian resurrection of Christ promises an eternal, unending life, and it serves as a guarantee of future hope for believers, rather than a repeating cycle.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific standpoint, the resurrection is a supernatural event that cannot be explained or analyzed by empirical methods or natural laws. While there is historical evidence for the belief in the resurrection event within early Christian communities, the event of the resurrection itself lies outside the realm of scientific verification or falsification.
Commentaries
Most Christian commentaries regard 1 Corinthians 15:20 as fundamental to the Christian faith. For instance, Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes that Christ’s resurrection is the assurance of the believer’s resurrection. Similarly, the MacArthur Study Bible notes that Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of the future resurrection of believers, which is a central tenet of the Gospel. Critical scholars, like those from the Jesus Seminar, might place less emphasis on the physical resurrection and focus more on the community’s experience of the risen Christ.
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