Pentecost Season · Christ the King · Year A
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
The Resurrection of the Dead
November 22, 2026

Overview & Insights
“Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)
After solidly grounding the resurrection in the soil of history, Paul moves on to establish its theological significance. His theological argument moves through three stages. He begins with a theological restatement of his Scripture and eyewitness argument (15:12–18). From here he draws a direct connection between the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of his followers (15:19–28), before concluding that this has significant ethical implications (15:29–34). Those rejecting the resurrection do not simply oppose Paul; they deny the cornerstone of the Christian message.
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Commentary
1 Corinthians 15: The Resurrection Chapter Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on Christ the first fruits and his reign.
1 Corinthians 15 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies and cross references worked verse by verse through the resurrection chapter.
1 Corinthians 15:20 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on Christ the first fruits and his reign in one place.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 15 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole of 1 Corinthians 15.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary from Calvin Seminary on Christ the first fruits and his reign.
The Solemnity of Christ the King (Year A) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre explains Christ handing the kingdom to the Father so God may be all in all.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Paul say about Christ’s reign?
Christ, risen as the firstfruits, must reign until every enemy, last of all death, is destroyed; then he hands the kingdom to the Father, “that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:20–28). It crowns the feast of Christ the King.
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