What does it mean that Christ is the firstfruits of them that slept?

Calling Christ the “firstfruits of them that slept” uses a picture from the harvest. In Israel, people brought the first part of the crop to God. That first part showed that more of the same harvest was coming and that the whole harvest belonged to God. In the same way, Jesus was raised from the dead first in glory. His resurrection is like the first sheaf. It shows that all who belong to Him and have “fallen asleep” in death will also be raised to new, unending life.

What does “in Adam all die, in Christ shall all be made alive” mean?

This line shows two groups and two heads. Through Adam, the first man, sin and death entered the world, and all who are joined to him share in that death. Through Christ, the new man, resurrection and life come. All who are joined to Christ share in His life. The “all” in Adam and the “all” in Christ are not the same people. It means everyone in Adam’s line dies, and everyone who belongs to Christ will be raised to life when He comes again.

What is the order of resurrection in this passage?

Paul explains that there is an order, like ranks in an army. First, Christ rose from the dead. He is the firstfruits. Next, when Christ returns, those who belong to Him will be raised. After that, “the end” comes, when He hands the kingdom to God the Father, after putting down all rule, authority, and power. This order shows that Christ’s resurrection is not an isolated event. It is the beginning of a planned work that will end with all His enemies defeated and His people fully raised.

What does it mean that the last enemy to be destroyed is death?

Death is called an enemy because it tears body and soul apart and came into the world through sin. Christ is now reigning, and all His enemies are being brought under His feet. The final proof of His complete victory will be when death itself is removed. That happens when the dead are raised in glory and death can no longer touch them. So, the resurrection of believers is not an extra detail. It is part of Christ’s final triumph, when death is gone and God’s life fills His people.

How should we understand the Son being subject so that God may be all in all?

These words speak about what happens when Christ finishes His saving work. The Son has a role as the one who rules, saves, and defeats every enemy. When that work is complete, He presents the kingdom to the Father, and in that sense He is said to be subject. This does not mean the Son is less than God in His nature. It describes the order and harmony within God’s plan. In the end, nothing will compete with God’s rule, and His presence and authority will fill everything.

Why does Paul mention people being baptized for the dead?

Paul points to people being “baptized for the dead” to show how strange it would be to act that way if there were no resurrection. The exact meaning of this phrase has been understood in more than one way, and the wording is difficult. But Paul’s main point is clear. Some practice among them only makes sense if the dead will rise. If there is no resurrection, then their actions are empty. He uses this as another argument that Christian faith and practice rest on real future resurrection.

Why does Paul say he dies daily and fought with beasts at Ephesus?

Paul speaks about his dangers and hardships to show that his whole life only makes sense if the dead are raised. Saying “I die daily” means he faces risk, pressure, and the threat of death again and again for the sake of Christ. “Fought with beasts at Ephesus” points to strong, painful conflict, whether with enemies or real danger. If there is no life after death, suffering like this for the gospel would be pointless. The resurrection gives meaning to costly, faithful service.

What does “evil communications corrupt good manners” mean here?

This warning means that bad teaching and bad company shape behavior. In this passage, some were saying there is no resurrection. Paul shows that such talk does not stay as mere words. It leads to careless living, like the attitude “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” When people listen to teaching that denies future judgment and hope, their conduct often follows. Paul tells the church not to be fooled. Wrong ideas about the resurrection will damage their everyday lives.

How should believers live in light of the resurrection taught here?

This passage calls believers to wake up and live in a way that fits the truth. Since Christ is risen and will raise His people, life is not empty, and choices matter. Paul urges them to “awake to righteousness, and sin not.” Knowing there is a coming resurrection and a final judgment should move Christians away from careless sin and toward steady obedience, courage in suffering, and hope. The promise that death will be destroyed gives strength to endure trials and to hold tightly to Christ.

What does this passage teach about Christ’s reign and the end?

These verses show that Christ is already reigning and will go on reigning until every enemy is under His feet, including death. He now rules over all rule, authority, and power. At “the end,” after He has subdued all things, He will hand the kingdom to God the Father. Then God will be “all in all,” meaning His rule and presence will be openly seen in everything. The passage teaches that history is moving toward this goal, shaped by Christ’s resurrection and His sure return.

1Cor.15.20

1 Corinthians 15:20

KJV

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

The Order of Resurrection

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.