For introduction

The whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 15 speaks of the resurrection. This is against the background of the denial of a resurrection by some in Corinth. What does Paul contrast this with?

• In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, he has stated without any gaps that the resurrection is the basis of the gospel, and the resurrected Jesus was seen by hundreds, most of whom were still alive at the time.
• In the passage 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, Paul demonstrated the absurdity of resurrection denial. Without resurrection, even those who have fallen asleep in Christ would have been lost (“perished” with no prospect of life). Only the resurrection is the answer to death.

However, this is not the end of the reasoning. Paul does not dwell on our own life or non-life, but He wants to include God’s work in the considerations. We ourselves are not the destination of this world. There is a much larger context. To this end, the apostle now makes an insertion in the argument.

But now … (The insertion)

1 Cor. 15:20-28 is an insertion in this chapter. He interrupts the correction to a false doctrine to paint a grand outlook. He does this right after the untenability of the resurrection denial is stated in the context of the Good News:

“… 17 But if Christ has not been raised, your faith is void, you are still in your sins. 18 So also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have been lost. 19 If we have hoped in Christ alone in this life, we are the most miserable of all men.

20 But now Christ is raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep; 21 for since death came through a man, so also the resurrection of the dead came through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: the firstfruits, Christ; then those who belong to Christ at his coming; 24 then the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God and Father; when he has put away all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be put away is death. 27 “For he has put everything under his feet.” But when it is said that everything is subjected, it is clear that he is excepted who has subjected everything to him. 28 But if all things are subject to him, then the Son himself also will be subject to him who subjected all things to him, so that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If at all dead people are not raised, why do they get baptized for them? 30 Why are we also in danger every hour? …”

A new point of view

With the insertion Paul changes the direction of view. It is no longer related to man, but related to God. He asks about the motive and purpose of God. So while some denied the resurrection, Paul makes the resurrection the basis of God’s future salvation. With the resurrection of Jesus, only the starting signal has taken place:

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead:

The firstling of the departed!

Because death came through a human being after all
so also through a man comes the resurrection of the dead.
For just as in Adam all die,
so in Christ all will be made alive.

But each in his own particular department:

1. the first fruits Christ,
2. then those who belong to Christ, in His presence (Greek: parousia);
3. after that [die übrigen bei der] completion,

when He hands over the kingship to His God and Father,
when He will abolish every suzerainty, every authority and power.
For He must reign as King,
until He will put all His enemies under His feet.
The last enemy to be put away is death (2 Tim. 1:10).

For He subordinated everything to Him: under His feet.
When He then says, “Everything has been subordinated!”,
it is obvious that God is excluded,
who subordinated the universe to Him.
But if the universe is subordinated to Him,
then the son himself will also be subordinate to it,
who subordinated the universe to Him,
so that God may be all in all”

Clearly, Paul places God’s work in Christ at the center. Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep and have been raised from the dead. Referring to a “normal” resurrection, this statement is not true. Because also for example Lazarus or the little daughter of Jairus were already raised before, as well as many others. Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in a special sense: He was raised to an indissoluble life. He can no longer die. Jesus is the one who alone has immortality today (1Tim 6:16).

From resurrection to bringing to life

This is now no longer simply called resurrecting or raising, but a new word is used: make alive. A living is this resurrection to an immortal life. There Christ is the firstfruits, and it is testified:

“For just as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
1Cor 15,22

The bringing to life of all people who died in Adam succeeds only through Christ. The expressions “in Adam” and “in Christ” points to the inclusion of all people. All were included in Adam, and the same “all” will be included in Christ. What happened through Adam will be more than made up for through Christ.

It is significant that no reservations are made in this context. The text is often interpreted in such a way that “in Christ” refers only to believers. Undoubtedly, all people will then be believers. But that is not what the context is about. “In Christ” does not have the meaning “believers” in 1 Cor. 15:22, but “in Adam” and “in Christ” form a contrast. They are representative of all humanity. What happened through Adam is encountered through Christ. It always affects all people. Understood from the context, this statement cannot be narrowed down.

Each in his own special department

The animation is done in 3 sections or divisions:

1. Christ first
2. Then those who belong to Christ (church + believers from Israel)
3. Then the accomplishment (of being made alive).

The third section is often forgotten. Only then, however, is the statement fulfilled that all in Adam will also be made alive in Christ. Completion refers to being made alive. Exactly when this takes place is the subject of the following verses. Here we will read the order of argumentation introduced with words like “if”, “then” and “so that”.

This is the widest vision given to us in the Bible.

So Paul explains in detail when the consummation of being made alive takes place and what else must happen until then. The final goal is also clearly stated: God will be all in all. But He will only do that at the very end. It happens only when death is dismissed as the last enemy. For then, the completion of bringing to life can take place. Only then can God also become everything in everyone. It is God who makes all alive (1 Timothy 3:13). When death is dismissed, it no longer has power over the dead. Life comes forth. The making alive takes place, as Paul describes it to Timothy:

“…Christ Jesus…who abolishes death, and in its stead brings life and incorruption to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed herald, apostle, and teacher of the nations.”
2Tim 1:10-11

This will be the precondition that now every knee may bow, the heavenly, the earthly and the subterranean, and every tongue may pay homage: Lord is Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father (Ph 2:9-11). With the resurrection, the righteousness of God is also confirmed (Rom 4:25), and the justification of all takes place (Rom 5:18). Only when all this is achieved through Christ will He hand over the Kingdom to His God and Father. Only then will God be able to be all in all. This is the widest vision given to us in the Bible.

One day God will be all in all. This is the declared purpose of God, as we read about it in the Bible. He will accomplish this because He is not dependent on human beings (this is precisely what makes Him God, isn’t it?). Today, God already wants to become everything in us. If we align ourselves with His goal, we will see not only ourselves blessed, but the whole creation. In view of this goal, we can not only already live gratefully today, but also align ourselves with this goal.