Chapter 15
The
apostle proves the resurrection of Christ from the dead
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1–11
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Those
answered who deny the resurrection of the body
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12–19
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The
resurrection of believers to eternal life
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20–34
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Objections
against it answered
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35–50
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The
mystery of the change that will be made on those living at Christ’s second
coming
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51–54
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The
believer’s triumph over death and the grave, An exhortation to diligence
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55–58
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Verses 1–11
The word
resurrection, usually points out our existence beyond the grave. Of the
apostle’s doctrine not a trace can be found in all the teaching of
philosophers. The doctrine of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the
foundation of Christianity. Remove this, and all our hopes for eternity sink at
once. And it is by holding this truth firm, that Christians stand in the day of
trial, and are kept faithful to God. We believe in vain, unless we keep in the
faith of the gospel. This truth is confirmed by Old Testament prophecies; and
many saw Christ after he was risen. This apostle was highly favoured, but he
always had a low opinion of himself, and expressed it. When sinners are, by
Divine grace, turned into saints, God causes the remembrance of former sins to
make them humble, diligent, and faithful. He ascribes to Divine grace all that
was valuable in him. True believers, though not ignorant of what the Lord has
done for, in, and by them, yet when they look at their whole conduct and their
obligations, they are led to feel that none are so worthless as they are. All
true Christians believe that Jesus Christ, and him crucified, and then risen
from the dead, is the sun and substance of Christianity. All the apostles
agreed in this testimony; by this faith they lived, and in this faith they
died.
Verses 12–19
Having
shown that Christ was risen, the apostle answers those who said there would be
no resurrection. There had been no justification, or salvation, if Christ had
not risen. And must not faith in Christ be vain, and of no use, if he is still
among the dead? The proof of the resurrection of the body is the resurrection
of our Lord. Even those who died in the faith, had perished in their sins, if
Christ had not risen. All who believe in Christ, have hope in him, as a
Redeemer; hope for redemption and salvation by him; but if there is no
resurrection, or future recompence, their hope in him can only be as to this
life. And they must be in a worse condition than the rest of mankind,
especially at the time, and under the circumstances, in which the apostles
wrote; for then Christians were hated and persecuted by all men. But it is not
so; they, of all men, enjoy solid comforts amidst all their difficulties and
trials, even in the times of the sharpest persecution.
Verses 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. 35–50 1.
How are the dead raised up? that is, by what means? How can they be raised? 2.
As to the bodies which shall rise. Will it be with the like shape, and form,
and stature, and members, and qualities? The former objection is that of those
who opposed the doctrine, the latter of curious doubters. To the first the
answer is, This was to be brought about by Divine power; that power which all
may see does somewhat like it, year after year, in the death and revival of the
corn. It is foolish to question the Almighty power of God to raise the dead,
when we see it every day quickening and reviving things that are dead. To the
second inquiry; The grain undergoes a great change; and so will the dead, when
they rise and live again. The seed dies, though a part of it springs into new
life, though how it is we cannot fully understand. The works of creation and
providence daily teach us to be humble, as well as to admire the Creator’s
wisdom and goodness. There is a great variety among other bodies, as there is
among plants. There is a variety of glory among heavenly bodies. The bodies of
the dead, when they rise, will be fitted for the heavenly bodies. The bodies of
the dead, when they rise, will be fitted for the heavenly state; and there will
be a variety of glories among them. Burying the dead, is like committing seed
to the earth, that it may spring out of it again. Nothing is more loathsome
than a dead body. But believers shall at the resurrection have bodies, made fit
to be for ever united with spirits made perfect. To God all things are
possible. He is the Author and Source of spiritual life and holiness, unto all
his people, by the supply of his Holy Spirit to the soul; and he will also
quicken and change the body by his Spirit. The dead in Christ shall not only
rise, but shall rise thus gloriously changed. The bodies of the saints, when
they rise again, will be changed. They will be then glorious and spiritual
bodies, fitted to the heavenly world and state, where they are ever afterwards
to dwell. The human body in its present form, and with its wants and
weaknesses, cannot enter or enjoy the kingdom of God. Then let us not sow to
the flesh, of which we can only reap corruption. And the body follows the state
of the soul. He, therefore, who neglects the life of the soul, casts away his
present good; he who refuses to live to God, squanders all he has.
Verses 51–58
All the
saints should not die, but all would be changed. In the gospel, many truths,
before hidden in mystery, are made known. Death never shall appear in the
regions to which our Lord will bear his risen saints. Therefore let us seek the
full assurance of faith and hope, that in the midst of pain, and in the
prospect of death, we may think calmly on the horrors of the tomb; assured that
our bodies will there sleep, and in the mean time our souls will be present
with the Redeemer. Sin gives death all its hurtful power. The sting of death is
sin; but Christ, by dying, has taken out this sting; he has made atonement for
sin, he has obtained remission of it. The strength of sin is the law. None can
answer its demands, endure its curse, or do away his own transgressions. Hence
terror and anguish. And hence death is terrible to the unbelieving and the
impenitent. Death may seize a believer, but it cannot hold him in its power.
How many springs of joy to the saints, and of thanksgiving to God, are opened
by the death and resurrection, the sufferings and conquests of the Redeemer! In
verse (58), we have an exhortation, that believers should be stedfast, firm in
the faith of that gospel which the apostle preached, and they received. Also,
to be unmovable in their hope and expectation of this great privilege, of being
raised incorruptible and immortal. And to abound in the work of the Lord,
always doing the Lord’s service, and obeying the Lord’s commands. May Christ
give us faith, and increase our faith, that we may not only be safe, but joyful
and triumphant.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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