Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Fri, 04/12/2009 – 13:16
Bible Book: 1 Corinthians / 1 Korintiers
Chapter: 15
Verse: 19 – 26
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” This statement of verse 20 forms part of Paul’s arguments in 1 Corinthians 15.
It forms the closing of his line of reasoning from verse 12 in which he points out that the denial of all possibilities of life after death brings us to the absurd position where Christians are to be pitied for hoping in Christ “for this life only” (verse 19). Fortunately, this is not true, says Paul in verse 20, for “Christ has been raised from the dead”.
The statement of verse 20 also forms the starting point for his next argument that carries on to verse 28. The resurrection of Christ is the “first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (verse 20b) and therefore we have the hope that the last enemy, death itself, will be destroyed (verse 26)!
Paul uses the statement of verse 20 to bring the Christians in Corinth back to the true foundation of their faith (compare 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Therefore 1 Corinthians 15:20 can be of help in many other situations and circumstances where we may be in need of encouragement or consolation.
Whatever your struggle may be at present – it will be worth the while to take this verse, turn it over in your mind and memorize it. Now is a good time to do this, because today is Easter Sunday. The day that proclaims: on this day Christ has been raised from the dead!
To think about (or discuss): What is the connection between your hope and your faith in the resurrection of Christ?
Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English