Epiphany · Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year C
1 Corinthians 15:(1-11) 12-20
The Resurrection of the Dead
February 13, 2028
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
BibleHub: Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 15:12 BibleHub
Gathers classic commentaries on Paul's if-Christ-is-not-raised argument.
Enduring Word: 1 Corinthians 15 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse notes on the resurrection chapter.
Precept Austin: 1 Corinthians 15 Commentary Precept Austin
Word studies and gathered quotations on the resurrection argument.
Working Preacher: Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Working Preacher
Lutheran exegesis on resurrection as the foundation of present hope, not just a future claim.
CEP: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on why every human hope hinges on the resurrection.
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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