1 Corinthians 15:24 – “Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul describes the final stage of God’s plan for history. He explains what will happen after the resurrection of believers, when Jesus completes His mission and hands the kingdom over to God the Father.

Here’s the sequence of events Paul lays out:

1. Jesus reigns as King. After His resurrection, Jesus was given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He is currently ruling and bringing all things under His control.
2. Jesus will destroy all dominion, authority, and power. This means He will defeat every enemy, including Satan, death, and all human powers that oppose God.
3. Jesus will hand over the kingdom to God the Father. After bringing everything into submission, Jesus will present the fully restored kingdom to His Father.

This verse shows that history is moving toward a definite conclusion. Jesus is not just ruling now—He is working toward a final victory. Once His work of conquering evil is finished, He will deliver the kingdom to the Father, showing that God’s plan has been accomplished.

Historical Context

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to a church struggling with different theological misunderstandings, including doubts about the resurrection of the dead. Many Corinthians, influenced by Greek thinking, may have believed in a spiritual afterlife but not a bodily resurrection.

Paul refutes this idea by showing that resurrection is central to God’s plan. He explains that Jesus’ resurrection was just the beginning, and at the end of history, there will be a final victory over death and evil. This was important for the Corinthians to understand because if there is no resurrection, then there is no final victory.

This verse also reflects Jewish teachings about the Messiah’s reign. Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish a kingdom, defeat His enemies, and rule forever. Paul affirms that Jesus is that Messiah, and His kingdom is real—but it unfolds in stages, ending with Jesus submitting all things to the Father.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths:

• Jesus has all authority, but His reign is leading to a final goal. He is not ruling aimlessly—He is working toward the complete defeat of evil.
• Evil will not last forever. All powers that oppose God—including Satan, sin, and death—will ultimately be destroyed.
• God’s kingdom will be fully restored. The Bible teaches that in the end, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with His people (Revelation 21:1-4). Jesus’ mission ensures this will happen.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse follows a progression of events:

1. “Then the end will come” – This signals that history has a final conclusion.
2. “When He hands over the kingdom to God the Father” – This emphasizes that Jesus is carrying out the Father’s plan, and His mission will be completed when the kingdom is fully restored.
3. “After He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power” – This confirms that Jesus is actively bringing everything under His rule and eliminating all opposition.

This verse is part of 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, where Paul describes how resurrection is connected to Jesus’ ultimate victory. He is building up to verse 26, where he declares that “the last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:18 – “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'” (Jesus is already ruling as King.)
• Colossians 2:15 – “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Jesus has already defeated spiritual enemies, and their final destruction is coming.)
• Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” (Jesus’ reign will lead to the final establishment of God’s kingdom.)
• Philippians 2:10-11 – “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Jesus’ rule will be recognized by all.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse gives believers confidence that evil will not last forever. Many people look at the world and see sin, suffering, and injustice. It can feel like evil is winning. But Paul reminds Christians that Jesus is working toward a final victory.

It also encourages faithfulness. Since Jesus is bringing all things under His rule, Christians should live in obedience to Him now, knowing that His kingdom will last forever.

Finally, this verse provides hope. No matter how difficult life may be, history is moving toward a glorious ending where Jesus wins completely and hands the kingdom to the Father.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His plan to restore creation. He did not abandon the world to sin and evil. Instead, He sent Jesus to redeem it and will one day remove all traces of sin, suffering, and death.

This verse also shows that God’s love is victorious. His plan will not fail. Jesus will defeat all opposition, proving that nothing can stand against God’s love and power.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse. He is the One who:

• Has all authority now (Matthew 28:18).
• Is actively bringing all things under His rule (1 Corinthians 15:25).
• Will one day complete His mission and restore the kingdom to the Father.

His death and resurrection made this possible. When He rose from the dead, He defeated sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). When He returns, He will finish the work by eliminating all evil and delivering the kingdom fully restored.

• Hebrews 10:12-13 – “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool.” (Jesus is currently reigning and will complete His victory.)
• Ephesians 1:22 – “And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church.” (Jesus already has authority over everything.)
• Revelation 19:16 – “On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Jesus is the final and ultimate ruler.)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Jesus will hand over the kingdom to God the Father?
2. How does knowing that Jesus will destroy all evil affect the way you view the world today?
3. What are some areas in your life where you need to live under Jesus’ authority more fully?
4. How can this verse help encourage someone who feels discouraged by the state of the world?