Afterward Afterwards Belong Christ Christ's First-fruit Firstfruits First-fruits Fruits Order Presence Proper Rank Return Rise Rising
15:23 {13} But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
(13) He does two things together: for he shows that the resurrection is in such sort common to Christ with all his members, that nonetheless he far surpasses them, both in time (for he was the first that rose again from the dead) and also in honour, because from him and in him is all our life and glory. Then by this occasion he passes to the next argument.
15:23 But every man in his own order. In his own rank or division.
Christ the first fruits. The first order or division of Christ.
Afterward. The second division is they that are Christ's, who will be raised at his coming. The time of the third division, the wicked, is not named but hinted at in the beginning of 1Co 15:24. See also Joh 5:28,29 This is what Paul teaches here.
15:23 Afterward - The whole harvest. At the same time the wicked shall rise also. But they are not here taken into the account.
15:20-34 All that are by faith united to Christ, are by his resurrection assured of their own. As through the sin of the first Adam, all men became mortal, because all had from him the same sinful nature, so, through the resurrection of Christ, shall all who are made to partake of the Spirit, and the spiritual nature, revive, and live for ever. There will be an order in the resurrection. Christ himself has been the first-fruits; at his coming, his redeemed people will be raised before others; at the last the wicked will rise also. Then will be the end of this present state of things. Would we triumph in that solemn and important season, we must now submit to his rule, accept his salvation, and live to his glory. Then shall we rejoice in the completion of his undertaking, that God may receive the whole glory of our salvation, that we may for ever serve him, and enjoy his favour. What shall those do, who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Perhaps baptism is used here in a figure, for afflictions, sufferings, and martyrdom, as Mt 20:22,23. What is, or will become of those who have suffered many and great injuries, and have even lost their lives, for this doctrine of the resurrection, if the dead rise not at all? Whatever the meaning may be, doubtless the apostle's argument was understood by the Corinthians. And it is as plain to us that Christianity would be a foolish profession, if it proposed advantage to themselves by their faithfulness to God; and to have our fruit to holiness, that our end may be everlasting life. But we must not live like beasts, as we do not die like them. It must be ignorance of God that leads any to disbelieve the resurrection and future life. Those who own a God and a providence, and observe how unequal things are in the present life, how frequently the best men fare worst, cannot doubt as to an after-state, where every thing will be set to rights. Let us not be joined with ungodly men; but warn all around us, especially children and young persons, to shun them as a pestilence. Let us awake to righteousness, and not sin.
Afterward Afterwards Belong Christ Christ's First First-Fruit Firstfruits First-Fruits Fruits Order Presence Proper Rank Right Rise Rising Turn
Afterward Afterwards Belong Christ Christ's First First-Fruit Firstfruits First-Fruits Fruits Order Presence Proper Rank Right Rise Rising Turn
