Easter · The Resurrection of Our Lord (Easter Sunrise)
1 Corinthians 15:12-25
The Resurrection of the Dead
April 5, 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
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Working Preacher
Lectionary commentary on the resurrection argument that continues through this passage.
1 Corinthians 15 Commentary Enduring Word
Full chapter commentary on Paul's defense of the resurrection.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15 by Matthew Henry Blue Letter Bible
Classic exposition of the case for Christ's bodily 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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