1 Corinthians 15:23 – “But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his explanation of the resurrection, making it clear that there is an order to how resurrection happens. He has just explained that all people are affected by either Adam’s sin or Jesus’ resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). Now, he lays out the sequence of events:

1. “Christ, the firstfruits” – Jesus was the first to rise from the dead in a glorified, never-dying body. His resurrection was not temporary like Lazarus’ (John 11:43-44), who later died again. Jesus’ resurrection was permanent, proving His victory over sin and death.
2. “Then, when He comes, those who belong to Him” – Believers will be raised when Jesus returns. This means that the resurrection of Christians has not happened yet, but it will happen at the appointed time.

Paul’s point is clear: the resurrection happens in stages. First, Jesus was raised, and at His return, all who belong to Him will be raised as well. This confirms that the resurrection is both a past event (Jesus’ resurrection) and a future event (the resurrection of believers).

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 55, addressing many issues in the Corinthian church, including doubts about the resurrection. Greek culture influenced many Corinthians to think that resurrection was either unnecessary or impossible. Some likely believed in a spiritual afterlife but rejected the idea of a physical resurrection.

Paul corrects this by tying the resurrection to Jesus’ historical resurrection. Many eyewitnesses saw the risen Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), proving that resurrection was not just a concept but a reality.

This verse also reflects Jewish teachings on resurrection. The Old Testament speaks of a future resurrection (Daniel 12:2), and Jewish tradition expected a final resurrection at the end of time. Paul affirms that this will happen, but he also clarifies that Jesus is the first of many to rise.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths:

• Resurrection is real and follows a divine order. Jesus was raised first, and believers will be raised when He returns. This affirms that the resurrection is not symbolic—it is literal and future.
• Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the believer’s resurrection. Because He rose first, those who trust in Him can be confident they will rise too.
• The return of Christ is essential. The resurrection of believers happens when He comes, pointing to the reality of Jesus’ second coming.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse highlights the sequence of resurrection:

1. “Each in turn” – This phrase signals an orderly progression, reinforcing that resurrection happens in stages rather than all at once.
2. “Christ, the firstfruits” – This connects back to 1 Corinthians 15:20, where Paul called Jesus the firstfruits of the resurrection. Just as the firstfruits in Jewish tradition signaled more to come, Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of believers.
3. “When He comes” – Paul emphasizes that resurrection is tied to Jesus’ second coming. This event will trigger the resurrection of all who belong to Him.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (Jesus’ return is linked directly to the resurrection of believers.)
• Philippians 3:20-21 – “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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 receive new, glorified bodies like Jesus’ when He returns.)
• John 6:39-40 – “And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” (Jesus promised to raise up His followers on the last day.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse gives believers hope and confidence. Many people fear death or struggle with doubts about what happens after this life. Paul reassures Christians that resurrection is certain and will happen at the right time.

It also reminds believers to live with an eternal perspective. Resurrection is not just an abstract idea—it is the future reality for every follower of Christ. This should shape how Christians live, helping them focus on eternity rather than just temporary things.

Additionally, this verse encourages patience. The resurrection has not happened yet, but it will when Jesus returns. Believers can trust that God’s timing is perfect.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the order and certainty of resurrection. He did not leave humanity in sin and death. Instead, He provided a way for people to be rescued.

By raising Jesus first, God gives proof that He will raise those who belong to Him. His love is seen in His faithfulness—He does not abandon His people in death but promises to bring them back to life at the right time.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse. Without His resurrection, there would be no hope of resurrection for anyone else.

• Colossians 1:18 – “And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.” (Jesus is the firstborn from the dead, leading the way for believers.)
• Romans 8:11 – “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.” (The same power that raised Jesus will raise believers.)
• John 14:19 – “Because I live, you also will live.” (Jesus connects His resurrection directly to the future life of His followers.)

Jesus’ resurrection is not an isolated event—it is the beginning of something bigger. His victory over death is shared with all who trust in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why does Paul emphasize that resurrection happens in stages?
2. How does knowing that Jesus was raised first give you confidence about your own future resurrection?
3. How does the promise of resurrection change the way you view death?
4. How can you encourage someone who is struggling with fear about the afterlife?