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Scott's Reference Library
1 Corinthians 15:19 through 1
Corinthians 15:26 (NIV)
19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than
all men.
20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who
have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of
the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all
will be made alive. 23But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then,
when he comes, those who belong to him. 24Then the end will come, when he hands
over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion,
authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under
his feet. 26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 12-19
Having shown that Christ was risen, the apostle answers those who said there
would be no resurrection. There had been no justification, or salvation, if
Christ had not risen. And must not faith in Christ be vain, and of no use, if he
is still among the dead? The proof of the resurrection of the body is the
resurrection of our Lord. Even those who died in the faith, had perished in
their sins, if Christ had not risen. All who believe in Christ, have hope in
him, as a Redeemer; hope for redemption and salvation by him; but if there is no
resurrection, or future recompence, their hope in him can only be as to this
life. And they must be in a worse condition than the rest of mankind, especially
at the time, and under the circumstances, in which the apostles wrote; for then
Christians were hated and persecuted by all men. But it is not so; they, of all
men, enjoy solid comforts amidst all their difficulties and trials, even in the
times of the sharpest persecution.
VERSES 20-34
All that are by faith united to Christ, are by his resurrection assured of their
own. As through the sin of the first Adam, all men became mortal, because all
had from him the same sinful nature, so, through the resurrection of Christ,
shall all who are made to partake of the Spirit, and the spiritual nature,
revive, and live for ever. There will be an order in the resurrection. Christ
himself has been the first-fruits; at his coming, his redeemed people will be
raised before others; at the last the wicked will rise also. Then will be the
end of this present state of things. Would we triumph in that solemn and
important season, we must now submit to his rule, accept his salvation, and live
to his glory. Then shall we rejoice in the completion of his undertaking, that
God may receive the whole glory of our salvation, that we may for ever serve
him, and enjoy his favour. What shall those do, who are baptized for the dead,
if the dead rise not at all? Perhaps baptism is used here in a figure, for
afflictions, sufferings, and martyrdom, as Matthew 20:22, 23. What is, or will
become of those who have suffered many and great injuries, and have even lost
their lives, for this doctrine of the resurrection, if the dead rise not at all?
Whatever the meaning may be, doubtless the apostle’s argument was understood by
the Corinthians. And it is as plain to us that Christianity would be a foolish
profession, if it proposed advantage to themselves by their faithfulness to God;
and to have our fruit to holiness, that our end may be everlasting life. But we
must not live like beasts, as we do not die like them. It must be ignorance of
God that leads any to disbelieve the resurrection and future life. Those who own
a God and a providence, and observe how unequal things are in the present life,
how frequently the best men fare worst, cannot doubt as to an after-state, where
every thing will be set to rights. Let us not be joined with ungodly men; but
warn all around us, especially children and young persons, to shun them as a
pestilence. Let us awake to righteousness, and not sin.