1 Corinthians 15:28 – “When He has done this, then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him who put everything under Him, so that God may be all in all.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is the final part of Paul’s teaching on the future victory of Christ. Paul has been explaining how Jesus will bring all things under His rule, defeating every enemy, including death itself (1 Corinthians 15:26-27). Now, he reveals the final outcome—once everything is fully restored, Jesus will submit to God the Father, completing God’s plan.

• “When He has done this” – This refers to the moment when Jesus has fully conquered all opposition, including sin, death, and evil.
• “Then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him” – This shows that Jesus, even though He has all authority, will willingly submit to the Father when His mission is finished.
• “Who put everything under Him” – Paul reminds us that God the Father is the source of Jesus’ authority. The Father gave Jesus the role of ruling over all creation.
• “So that God may be all in all” – This is the ultimate goal. God’s full reign will be restored, and His presence, power, and glory will fill all things completely.

This verse does not mean that Jesus is less than God. Instead, it shows the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. Jesus’ mission was to redeem the world, and when that mission is complete, He will present the fully restored kingdom back to the Father.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, a city influenced by Greek philosophy, where many doubted the idea of resurrection. Some believed in a spiritual afterlife but denied a physical resurrection. Paul corrects this by explaining that Jesus’ resurrection was real and guarantees the final victory over death.

The phrase “God may be all in all” reflects Jewish teachings about God’s final rule over creation. The Old Testament often spoke of a future time when God’s kingdom would be fully established, and Paul is connecting that idea to Jesus’ victory.

This verse also challenges Roman views of power. The Romans saw their emperors as ultimate rulers, but Paul is saying that the real final authority belongs to God alone.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

• Jesus’ reign has a purpose. His rule is not about gaining power for Himself but about restoring everything to the way God intended.
• God’s plan is moving toward completion. History is not random—God is leading everything toward a final, perfect conclusion.
• Jesus willingly submits to the Father. This shows perfect unity within God. The Son’s mission is about fulfilling the Father’s will, not seeking His own glory.
• God’s presence will fill all things. The phrase “God may be all in all” points to a future where there is no more sin, suffering, or separation from God.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse highlights a process that leads to a final outcome:

1. “When He has done this” – Jesus’ reign is working toward a goal—the complete defeat of sin and death.
2. “Then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him” – Jesus’ mission will be fully accomplished, and He will submit everything to the Father.
3. “So that God may be all in all” – This is the final, perfect state of creation, where God’s rule is absolute and complete.

This verse is part of 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, where Paul explains how Jesus’ resurrection leads to the restoration of all things. Paul is describing the end of history, where everything will be brought back to perfect harmony under God’s rule.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 2:9-11 – “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… to the glory of God the Father.” (Jesus’ reign leads to God’s ultimate glory.)
• Colossians 1:19-20 – “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things.” (Jesus’ mission is about bringing everything back to God.)
• Revelation 21:3-4 – “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (God’s full presence will fill creation in the end.)
• Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything… the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” (Jesus’ rule brings everything into alignment with God’s perfect plan.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse gives believers hope that God’s plan is leading to a perfect conclusion. Even though the world is filled with sin, suffering, and confusion, everything is moving toward the moment when God will be “all in all.”

It also teaches Christians to trust in Jesus’ leadership. He is reigning now, bringing everything under His rule. Even when life seems uncertain, believers can have confidence that Jesus is in control.

This verse also reminds Christians to live for God’s glory. If Jesus Himself submits to the Father, then believers should also submit their lives to God’s will.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in His plan to restore all things. He is not content to leave the world broken. Instead, He is leading history to a time when His presence will fill everything and there will be no more sin, death, or suffering.

God’s love is also seen in Jesus’ willing submission. Jesus is not forced to hand the kingdom over—He does it out of love and obedience to the Father. This shows that God’s rule is not about control but about perfect love and unity.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to this verse. He is the one who:

• Was given authority over all things (Matthew 28:18).
• Is in the process of bringing everything under God’s rule (Colossians 1:16-17).
• Will one day complete His mission and hand the kingdom back to the Father.

His resurrection was the beginning of this victory, and His return will complete it.

• Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” (Jesus’ mission is to display and fulfill God’s glory.)
• John 17:4-5 – “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began.” (Jesus’ mission ends with God’s ultimate glory.)
• Revelation 22:3-5 – “No longer will there be any curse… His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” (The final state of God’s perfect rule.)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean for God to be all in all?
2. How does knowing that Jesus’ reign has a purpose affect your faith today?
3. What areas of your life need to be submitted more fully to God’s will?
4. How can this verse help someone who struggles with doubt about God’s control over history?