Epiphany Season · Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year C
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
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
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Working Preacher
The RCL's own preaching commentary on Paul's argument for the resurrection's necessity.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching-focused reading of the futility that follows a denied resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical study of Paul's case that Christ's resurrection is first fruits.
1 Corinthians 15 Commentaries and Sermons Precept Austin
An inductive study gateway with word studies and cross references across the chapter.
1 Corinthians 15:12 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on the consequences of a resurrection denied.
1 Corinthians 15 Verse-by-Verse Commentary StudyLight
Gill's Exposition read straight through the chapter for a further expositional voice.
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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