1 Corinthians: Chapter 15 (verses 37–58)

The previous post in this series ended at 1 Corinthians 15:35–36, where Paul addressed questions and objections about the resurrection and the afterlife from those who were claiming that there is no resurrection from the dead.

Paul continues his explanation regarding the bodily form the resurrected will have in the verses that follow.

And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain (1 Corinthians 15:37).

He makes the point that the seed which is planted in the ground isn’t the full-grown plant but rather a “bare kernel.” In reality, a seed does not look anything like the plant into which it grows, so when looking at a seed we do not see all that it will become. Likewise, our human bodies are like seeds in comparison to our resurrected bodies.

One Bible scholar explained this as follows:

The seed corresponds to our perishable body that must die first, whereas the embodied life that emerges from death represents our new resurrection body. The perishable body that is laid in the ground in death is not the same body that emerges in new life, but the seed image strongly implies continuity of identity. Somehow we will know ourselves to be ourselves in the new body, and we will know others in their new bodies as the same persons we knew in their perishable bodies.¹

Paul goes on to say, But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body (1 Corinthians 15:38).

At the resurrection our bodies will be transformed. Whereas our present physical bodies are mortal and perishable, at the resurrection our bodies will be imperishable and spiritual. The change that will take place is comparable to that of a seed which is planted and then grows into a lovely flower. Our resurrection bodies will be supernatural bodies that will not experience decline, decay, or the limitations of our temporal bodies.

Paul points out that God is the one who has designed and planned this. As one author expressed it:

As God causes the dead seed to come to life as a plant, he also shapes it into the appropriate form. In his sovereignty, God chooses what each plant will look like. In the resurrection, Paul said in effect, believers will have the kind of body that God has determined they will have. Resurrected bodies will be different from mortal bodies, just as a seed differs from the plant into which it grows.²

For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish (1 Corinthians 15:39).

The resurrection will not bring back our bodies in the same form as our earthly bodies; rather there will be a transformation. God has planned that resurrection bodies will be specifically suited for eternity with Him.

There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another (1 Corinthians 15:40).

Paul states here that there are two categories of bodies, the celestial and the terrestrial, and addresses the difference between them. “Heavenly bodies” may refer to the stars and planets, as well as to angels. “Earthly bodies” refer to plants and animals, including humans, which live on earth. Paul highlights the wonder of God’s creation by referring to the glory of each kind.

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory (1 Corinthians 15:41).

Paul goes on to point to the different glories of the sun, the moon, and the stars, each of which is glorious in its own unique way. Each star differs from the other in its splendor and glory. Paul is highlighting the wonders and variety of God’s creation, each part of which has its own unique beauty—all of which are glorious, yet different from each other.³

So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42).

Just as when seeds are planted in the ground and in time are transformed into a plant, so will our bodies rise from the dead in a new form. Presently we are subject to illness, weakness, and death as our bodies were made to be only temporary housing (2 Corinthians 5:1). However, due to Christ’s sacrificially giving of His life for us, as believers we partake of the promise that our present bodies are merely temporary vessels waiting for the wonderful resurrection. Paul tells us that our new bodies will be imperishable and free from the weakness of our present world. We look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises for the future, knowing that a blessed and eternal dawn awaits us.

It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:43).

Paul continues to speak about the resurrection, making the point that through it we will be “raised in glory.” The physical forms that we now possess are only temporary and perishable, as opposed to the form we will receive in the resurrection. Our present bodies are buried at death, and they decompose in the grave. However, that is not the end.

Our bodies will be raised in glory, completely transformed, free from decay and glorious. Our present bodies are fragile. We get sick, we grow old and die. However, we will be “raised in power.” Our new body will be full of life and will never die again.

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:44).

Paul speaks here of the transformation that occurs at the resurrection. Our present bodies are like a seed that is planted in the ground, and just as a seed grows into a plant, our bodies will be transformed into spiritual bodies. We will no longer experience the limitations of the flesh or the natural body. Elsewhere Paul says that our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious body (Philippians 3:21).

Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Paul compares the first man, Adam, with Christ, who he refers to as “the last Adam” in this verse. As the first man, Adam was given life by God. However, Adam disobeyed God, which introduced sin and death into the world. Paul points to the life we inherit from Adam, a life which includes death. By comparison he refers to Christ as the “life-giving spirit,” as those who are in Christ can look forward to being resurrected and inheriting everlasting life (Matthew 19:29).

But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:46).

Paul goes on to remind us that we are to embrace both our natural and spiritual lives. While we inhabit earthly bodies, we also have a higher purpose that is beyond our physical life. The natural body is the first stage in the life of a believer. The spiritual body is the state that believers will have in the resurrection. This understanding gives hope to believers, as it guarantees that their earthly challenges will be replaced by a glorious spiritual existence. “And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV).

The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47–48).

In the book of Genesis, we read that God created the first man, Adam, out of the dust of the earth, and placed him in the garden of Eden. After he sinned, he was removed from Eden and made to till the ground. He also was given a limited time to live, as he would die and return to the dust from whence he came (Genesis 3:17–19). Through this entrance of sin into the world, all people became sinners by nature and experience death (Romans 5:12–15).

Paul then refers to “the second man,” Christ, who is “from heaven” and is divine and eternal. In so doing, Paul is highlighting the difference between the natural and spiritual, with Adam representing the sinful human race, whereas Jesus represents redeemed humanity. Adam’s nature resulted in death; Jesus’ nature resulted in righteousness and eternal life. While our present bodies are perishable like Adam’s, those who belong to Christ will eventually have glorified bodies like His.

In addressing the difference between Adam and Jesus, Paul points out that all people share Adam’s earthly, sinful nature, along with his weaknesses and eventual death. However, those who belong to Christ also share in His heavenly nature. On this point, Bible commentator Leon Morris wrote,

Our bodies are earthy bodies and they share in the corruption that is part and parcel of earthy things. But Christians are not only earthy; they are also ‘heavenly’ because of their relationship to Christ. This means that Christ’s people will be like him (1 John 3:2). The resurrection body of Christ shows us something of what life will be like for believers in that new world that their resurrection will usher in.⁴

Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:49).

Paul explains that just as humans have borne the image of the sinful and mortal nature of Adam, they will bear the heavenly image, which is righteous, immortal, and conformed to the likeness of Christ.

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:50).

Paul points out that our present state, which is mortal and weak, is not compatible with the divine nature of God’s kingdom. Things of the earth are perishable and will not attain to what is everlasting. The perishable body cannot enter a state of incorruption or enter into the kingdom of heaven in its present condition. It takes the resurrection to transform the body into a new imperishable state. Paul highlights this in his letter to the Philippians: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20–21).

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).

Paul begins here with the word “Behold” to indicate that what he is about to say is important. The word “mystery” in this context refers to a divine truth formerly not disclosed but now revealed.⁵ Paul has already alluded to the resurrection of the dead that will happen when Christ returns for those who belong to Him (1 Corinthians 15:22–23). Of course, some people will still be alive at the time of Christ’s return. Those who are alive and remain for His coming will be transformed when they enter eternity and their bodies will be changed into their glorified bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

The change that will occur will be instantaneous. It will be accompanied by the blast of a trumpet, associated in the New Testament with the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the beginning of the new creation.⁶ In the blink of an eye all mortal bodies will be replaced by immortal ones. The dead will rise; they will no longer be faced with death and decay. Those who are alive will also be transformed.

These verses give us the assurance that even in death we hold the promise of a new life that will never perish. We have the sure knowledge that transformation awaits all those who believe.

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53).

Paul addresses what occurs when believers transition from the mortal world to eternal life. He speaks of the shedding of our perishable nature and putting on an immortal existence. Our mortal bodies will be replaced with imperishable bodies in the life to come.

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

Paul quotes from Isaiah 25:8 as he declares that “death will be swallowed up in victory.” Every person who has believed in Christ will be transformed into what God has prepared for His children. Our earthly bodies will be gone, replaced by immortal bodies that will live with God eternally.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Paul’s two questions, where is death’s victory and its sting, point to death’s defeat at Christ’s resurrection—and its ultimate defeat at His return. The victory over death and the grave brings comfort and encouragement to Christians as it reminds us of the triumphant and eternal future that is awaiting us through Christ. Death is merely a bridge to our heavenly life.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law (1 Corinthians 15:56).

Paul highlights the connection between sin, death, and the law. Sin inflicts spiritual death. The law doesn’t save us from sin, rather it points to our need for redemption. It shows the power of sin and points to the need for a Savior to free us from the bondage of sin.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

This beautiful expression of thanks to God addresses the triumph over sin and death through Christ. Paul brings together the themes of thanksgiving and worship, victory, and the central role of Christ in our lives. While sin separates us from God, Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross brings us forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Our response should be continual gratitude and thanksgiving for all that has been bestowed upon us through Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians with affection as he addresses them as “my beloved brothers,” or in the NIV translation, “my dear brothers and sisters.” He urges them to stand firm in their faith and be committed to their calling, to always give themselves to God’s work. In so doing, they can know that “their labor will not be in vain.” Their efforts will be meaningful and will bear fruit, even if the results aren’t immediately evident.

This brings us to the end of the fifteen chapters of 1 Corinthians. The final chapter, 1 Corinthians 16, is not covered in this series. This chapter, which draws the letter to a close, deals with practical instructions from Paul to the church, providing information on his travel plans and other local church matters.