What does 1 Corinthians 15:51 mean?
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1 Corinthians 15:51
Explanation
1 Corinthians 15:51 presents a momentous declaration by the Apostle Paul concerning the future of believers. The phrase “Behold, I shew you a mystery” indicates that Paul is about to reveal a divine secret – something that was not fully known before. This mystery concerns the end times and the fate of Christians, both alive and dead.
“We shall not all sleep” uses sleep as a metaphor for death, which was a common expression in early Christian writings. Paul asserts that not every believer will experience death. The phrase “but we shall all be changed” suggests a transformation that will occur for all believers. This verse ties into the broader discussion in 1 Corinthians 15 about the resurrection of the body and the imperishable form it will take.
Historical Context
The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in approximately 55 AD to address issues in the church at Corinth. The church was struggling with various doctrinal and ethical problems. In Chapter 15, Paul focuses on the resurrection. During this period, many Christians anticipated the imminent return of Christ and had questions about the fate of those who had died and those who would still be alive at His coming.
The idea of bodily resurrection was revolutionary in a Greco-Roman context, where the body was often seen as corrupt and less important than the spirit. Paul’s teaching affirmed the resurrection of the dead, connecting the Christian hope to the risen Christ.
Theological Insights
Different theological streams interpret this verse variously:
- Futurist View: Many evangelical Christians see this verse as a prediction of the Rapture, where believers will be transformed and caught up to be with Christ in a moment.
- Historical View: Others might see it as a more general assurance of resurrection and transformation, not necessarily tied to a pre-tribulation Rapture.
- Covenantal or Partial Preterism: Some believe that Paul speaks metaphorically of death being defeated through Christ, emphasizing a spiritual transformation that began with the resurrection of Jesus and continues in the Christian experience.
- Catholic and Orthodox Views: Emphasize the hope of the bodily resurrection at the last judgment, without necessarily specifying the exact mechanics of how the living will be transformed.
Practical Applications
The teachings can encourage believers to:
- Live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our physical death is not the end of our existence.
- Have hope in the face of death and to comfort others who have lost loved ones with the promise of resurrection.
- Pursue a life of godliness, knowing that the present form is temporary and believers will be transformed into a glorified state.
Cross-References
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them…”
- 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.”
- Philippians 3:20-21: “…we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body…”
Language Study
- “Mystery” (Greek: μυστήριον, mysterion): Refers to a divine secret that can only be known by revelation.
- “Sleep” (Greek: κοιμάω, koimaō): A euphemism for death, reflecting the temporary and peaceful nature of death for believers.
- “Changed” (Greek: ἀλλάσσω, allassō): To transform or alter significantly.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Similar to the Christian concept of resurrection, various ancient religions and myths have notions of transformation or renewal:
- In Ancient Egyptian religion, the myth of Osiris speaks of resurrection and eternal life.
- Greco-Roman mythology has concepts of immortality, such as the deification of emperors or the transformation of heroes into gods.
- In Hinduism and Buddhism, the transmigration of the soul represents a form of transformation, though distinct from the Christian belief in resurrection.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, the concept of a physical body being changed in an instant defies the known laws of physics and biology. Resurrection and a sudden transformation remain matters of faith rather than empirical evidence. However, concepts such as conservation of energy and the incompletely understood nature of consciousness sometimes enter discussions around life, death, and the possibility of existence beyond the traditional physical realm.
Commentaries
- John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible: Gill suggests this mystery is something the Old Testament saints were not acquainted with and relates it to the resurrection and rapture of saints.
- Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Henry emphasizes the grace of God in revealing this mystery and ties it to the victory over death through Jesus Christ.
- The Pulpit Commentary: This source commonly addresses the suddenness and universality of the transformation that will take place among believers.
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