What does 1 Corinthians 15:47 mean?
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:47
Explanation
1 Corinthians 15:47 draws a stark contrast between the nature of the first and second man discussed by Paul in his letter. The “first man” refers to Adam, the first human created according to the Genesis account. He is described as “of the earth, earthy,” which underlines his human origin and his composition from the earth’s dust (Genesis 2:7). The implications are that Adam is mortal, subject to sin, and the natural state of human beings.
The “second man” is identified as “the Lord from heaven,” referring to Jesus Christ. Unlike Adam, who was made from the earth, Jesus is described as divine in origin, coming from heaven itself. This reflects the Christian belief in the pre-existence of Christ and his divine nature. The heavenly origin of Jesus contrasts with the earthly nature of Adam, pointing to Christ’s immortality, perfection, and supernatural origin.
Paul is making a deeper theological point about the nature of the resurrection and the transformation that believers can expect. Just as Adam’s nature was earthy and thus passed on an earthy nature to humanity, Jesus, being heavenly, will pass on a heavenly nature to those who belong to him.
Historical Context
1 Corinthians 15 is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around 54-55 A.D. This epistle addressed various issues within the early church, including factions, moral disorders, and misunderstandings concerning Christian doctrines. This particular chapter (15) addresses doubts that had arisen in the Corinthian church regarding the resurrection of the dead. In the broader Greco-Roman culture, the concept of a bodily resurrection was often considered ludicrous, as the common belief leaned toward the immortality of the soul rather than the body.
In writing this, Paul was also countering the philosophical and religious views of the time, emphasizing the uniqueness of Christian eschatological hope. The dualism between the “earthy” and the “heavenly” paralleled some philosophical thoughts present in the culture but redirected them towards a distinctly Christian understanding of resurrection and transformation.
Theological Insights
Different theological viewpoints focus on various aspects of this verse:
- Orthodox/Catholic: These traditions might emphasize the idea of theosis or divinization, where believers partake in divine nature through Christ, the second Adam.
- Reformed/Protestant: Many highlight the federal headship with Adam representing fallen humanity and Christ representing redeemed humanity.
- Dispensationalist: This perspective might relate the first and second Adams to different dispensations or periods in God’s plan for humanity.
Across these views, the consensus is that there is a fundamental difference between the nature of Adam and Christ, with spiritual implications for all humanity.
Practical Applications
The teaching of 1 Corinthians 15:47 can inspire Christians to:
- Reflect on their identity in Christ as new creations, not merely as descendants of Adam.
- Foster hope in the resurrection and transformation into a new, heavenly nature.
- Live in a manner consistent with their heavenly calling, aiming for spiritual and moral transformation.
Cross-References
- Genesis 2:7: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
- Romans 5:12-19: This passage compares the consequences of the actions of Adam and Christ for humanity.
- Philippians 3:20-21: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:21-22: “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.”
Language Study
In the original Greek text, key words underline the contrast:
- “Earthy” (χοϊκός, choikos) – This word denotes something made of dust or dirt, emphasizing Adam’s material and mortal nature.
- “The second man” (δεύτερος ἄνθρωπος, deuteros anthropos) – Indicates another man different from the first, superior in rank or nature.
- “The Lord” (κύριος, kyrios) – A title for Jesus that affirms his divine lordship.
- “From heaven” (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, ex ouranou) – Points to the origin or nature of Christ’s existence, divine and not of this world.
These original language nuances reinforce the contrast and connections Paul is making between Adam and Christ.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Comparisons can be made with other ancient myths and religions, such as:
- Greek Mythology: The concept of demigods or beings who are both divine and earthly.
- Gnosticism: A belief system contemporary to early Christianity, which held a strong duality between the material and spiritual worlds.
Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15:47 distinguishes Christian thought from these by presenting Jesus not as a hybrid of divine and human, but wholly divine in origin and wholly human in experience, yet without sin.
Scientific Perspectives
The concept of a being “from heaven” does not align with a scientific understanding of human origins, which does not accommodate supernatural intervention. Rather, science discusses the origins of humans through the process of evolution. Thus, the “earthy” description of Adam aligns more with a naturalistic view. However, these spiritual teachings are meant to convey theological truths and are not in the domain of empirical science.
Commentaries
Various Bible scholars and theologians offer insight into this verse:
- John Calvin emphasizes the distinction between our natural state in Adam and our spiritual state in Christ.
- Matthew Henry muses on the order of the resurrection, with Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits, followed by the resurrection of believers.
- Gordon D. Fee in his commentary on 1 Corinthians highlights that the future resurrection body, though physical, will be empowered by the Spirit in a way analogous to Christ’s own glorified body.
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