1 Corinthians 15:21 – “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is explaining a key truth about sin, death, and resurrection. He contrasts two men—Adam and Jesus.

• “Death came through a man” refers to Adam, the first human being. When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, death entered the world (Genesis 3). Before that, there was no death. Because Adam represented all of humanity, his sin brought death to everyone.
• “The resurrection of the dead comes also through a man” refers to Jesus. Just as Adam’s sin introduced death, Jesus’ resurrection introduced life. Through Jesus, people can be raised from the dead and live forever.

Paul is showing that just as one man (Adam) caused the problem, another man (Jesus) has brought the solution. Jesus’ resurrection is not just about Him—it guarantees that all who belong to Him will also rise.

Historical Context

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians around A.D. 55 to a church struggling with various issues, including doubts about the resurrection. Many people in Corinth were influenced by Greek philosophy, which often rejected the idea of a physical resurrection. Some Corinthians may have thought that Jesus’ resurrection was only symbolic, not literal. Others may have believed in a spiritual afterlife but denied the resurrection of the body.

Paul directly challenges these views by tying the resurrection to the history of humanity. He connects it back to Adam, showing that death and resurrection are real events that affect everyone. Adam’s sin brought real physical death, and Jesus’ resurrection brings real, physical life.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several foundational Christian beliefs:

• The reality of sin and death. Death is not just a natural part of life—it is the result of sin. Adam’s disobedience brought death into the world, and every human being is affected by it.
• Jesus as the second Adam. Adam brought death, but Jesus brought life. He is the new representative of humanity, undoing the damage caused by Adam.
• The certainty of resurrection. Just as death is real, resurrection is real. The resurrection of Jesus guarantees that believers will also rise.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a clear contrast in this verse. He sets up two parallel statements:

1. “Death came through a man.” (Adam)
2. “The resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” (Jesus)

This comparison is part of a broader argument Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, where he expands on the idea:

• Verse 22: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

Paul’s wording emphasizes the universal impact of both Adam’s sin and Christ’s resurrection. Adam’s actions affected every human being, and so do Jesus’ actions. The structure makes it clear that just as death was unavoidable because of Adam, resurrection is guaranteed because of Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 2:17 – “But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (God warned Adam that sin would bring death.)
• Romans 5:12 – “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” (Paul explains that Adam’s sin brought death to everyone.)
• Romans 5:18-19 – “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.” (Adam’s sin condemned many, but Jesus’ sacrifice brings life.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse helps Christians understand why death exists and why resurrection is necessary. Many people wonder why there is suffering, decay, and death in the world. Paul explains that death is not just a random event—it came because of sin. But Jesus has changed everything.

For Christians, this verse is a source of hope. Death is not the end. Just as Adam’s sin affected all people, Jesus’ resurrection guarantees that believers will also rise. This truth brings comfort in the face of loss and encourages believers to live with confidence in God’s promises.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

A loving God would not leave people trapped in death and sin. When Adam sinned, God had every right to let humanity suffer the full consequences. But instead, He provided a solution through Jesus.

God’s love is seen in the fact that He sent Jesus to undo what Adam did. Instead of allowing death to have the final say, God raised Jesus and promised the same resurrection to all who trust in Him. This shows that God’s love is greater than sin and death.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to this verse. He is the new Adam—the one who brings life instead of death. Everything Adam lost in the Garden of Eden, Jesus restores through His resurrection.

• John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'” (Jesus personally claimed to be the source of resurrection.)
• Romans 6:9 – “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.” (Jesus’ resurrection is permanent, and He will never die again.)
• Philippians 3:21 – “Who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” (Believers will be raised with transformed bodies like Jesus.)

Because Jesus rose, believers can be absolutely sure that they, too, will rise. His victory over death is the guarantee of their future resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important to understand that death came because of sin?
2. How does Jesus being the “second Adam” help explain the purpose of His resurrection?
3. What difference does it make in your daily life to know that death is not the final end?
4. How can you share this hope with someone who is afraid of death?