Read & explore together
The Order of Resurrection
Paul explains resurrection in a clear sequence. He begins with Christ raised from the dead, then shows what follows, and finally presses his readers to live awake to God.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In these verses, Paul states that Christ has been raised and calls him the first fruits. He sets out an order leading to the end, describes death as the last enemy to be abolished, and warns that wrong thinking about resurrection affects conduct.
1 Corinthians 15:20–34Main takeaway
Paul teaches that Christ’s resurrection stands first, the resurrection of those who are Christ’s follows at his coming, and this truth calls for sober, godly living.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Christ raised and first in orderPaul starts with certainty: Christ has been raised from the dead. He calls Christ the first fruits of those who are asleep, which points to an ordered pattern rather than an isolated event.
Explanation
Paul starts with certainty: Christ has been raised from the dead. He calls Christ the first fruits of those who are asleep, which points to an ordered pattern rather than an isolated event. He then sets Adam and Christ in contrast: death came by man, and resurrection of the dead also came by man.
02The sequence Paul statesPaul gives the order plainly. Christ is first. Then those who are Christ’s will be made alive at his coming.
Explanation
Paul gives the order plainly. Christ is first. Then those who are Christ’s will be made alive at his coming. After that comes the end, when he delivers up the kingdom to God the Father and abolishes all rule, authority, and power. The passage presents resurrection and its outcome as purposeful and ordered.
03Christ reigns until death is abolishedPaul says Christ must reign until his enemies are put under his feet. He names death as the last enemy to be abolished.
Explanation
Paul says Christ must reign until his enemies are put under his feet. He names death as the last enemy to be abolished. He also carefully says that the one who subjected all things to Christ is excepted. Then the Son is subjected, so that God may be all in all.
04Resurrection shapes present conductPaul asks what sense several actions would make if the dead are not raised. He mentions baptism for the dead, danger every hour, dying daily, and fighting with animals at Ephesus.
Explanation
Paul asks what sense several actions would make if the dead are not raised. He mentions baptism for the dead, danger every hour, dying daily, and fighting with animals at Ephesus. He warns against deception, says evil companionships corrupt good morals, and calls his readers to wake up righteously and not sin.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What order does Paul give in this passage?
List the sequence just as Paul states it: Christ first, then those who are Christ’s at his coming, then the end.
02Why does Paul call death the last enemy?
Notice that Paul says Christ reigns until his enemies are put under his feet, and then names death as the final one to be abolished.
03How does Paul connect resurrection teaching with everyday behaviour?
Look at his warning about deception and companionships, and his command to wake up righteously and not sin.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Corinthians 15:20–34
20But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruit of those who are asleep.
21For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man.
22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
23But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s at his coming.
24Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father, when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power.
25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
26The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
27For, “He put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when he says, “All things are put in subjection”, it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him.
28When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all.
29Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren’t raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead?
30Why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour?
31I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32If I fought with animals at Ephesus for human purposes, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, then “let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
33Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”
34Wake up righteously and don’t sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.