1 Corinthians 15:12
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
1 Corinthians 15:12
**VERSE REFERENCE**
1 Corinthians 15:12: "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?"
**Meaning & Context** (200 words)
Paul confronts a theological controversy in the Corinthian church: some people deny a future bodily resurrection. He frames the issue by affirming the central claim of Christian preaching—that Christ rose from the dead—and then questions the logic of denying the broader resurrection. If Christ rose, then death is not the final state, and resurrection is coherent with the gospel. The cultural setting includes Greek philosophical ideas that sometimes minimized bodily resurrection; Paul counters these with a bodily-transformation expectation that aligns with Jewish restoration hopes. This verse functions as a hinge, moving from Christ’s resurrection to the eschatological promise for all believers.
**Theological Significance** (150 words)
This passage links the resurrection of Christ to the resurrection of believers, forming a crucial link in soteriology and eschatology. It asserts that Jesus’ victory over death is not isolated but sets the pattern and expectation for humanity. It also raises questions about the nature of the body, transformation, and the ultimate future of creation.
**Modern Application** (150 words)
- For readers: embrace the hope of the future resurrection, which shapes how you endure suffering, aging, and loss.
- Practical: live with a future-oriented mindset—how today’s choices align with the coming transformation.
- Community practice: teach and discuss what it means to “rise” in daily life—resisting corruption, pursuing holiness, and extending grace.
**Cross-References**: Romans 6:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; Philippians 3:20-21; John 11:25-26; 2 Corinthians 4:14