1 Corinthians 15:26
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:26
Paul names death as “the last enemy” in a list describing the sequence of victory over all powers. In 1 Corinthians 15, death is not merely a biological fact but a cosmic adversary—an enemy that threatens the order God designed for life. The Corinthians were wrestling with skepticism about future resurrection and the meaning of Christian hope in a culture that valued triumph and wisdom. By calling death the last enemy, Paul frames resurrection as the final blow in a chain of defeats—sin, death, and demonic powers are progressively conquered in the risen Christ. The claim also resolves the tension between present suffering and future glory: what remains to be swallowed up is death itself, ensuring that creation will be renewed.
This verse makes death the ultimate adversary to be destroyed, highlighting the Christian hope of bodily resurrection and eternal life. It emphasizes a decisive victory secured by Christ’s resurrection, ensuring that mortality will be transformed. Theological themes include eschatological consummation, the defeat of sin’s penalty, and the reversal of the curse. The verse also anchors Christian ethics: if death is the last enemy, then life in Christ calls for living in light of eternal realities, not merely present comfort. It sets the trajectory for the Christian’s mission—proclaiming life, not fear, and inviting others to share in the hope of rising again.
Names like “the last enemy” invite believers to rethink fear and priorities. In health crises, grief, or aging, remind yourself that death is not the final word. This should shape your hope, helping you persevere with faith, love, and integrity. It also motivates evangelism, as the promise of resurrection offers a compelling invitation: life beyond death is possible through Christ. In practical terms, treat the frail with dignity, pursue justice that alleviates the fear of death for the vulnerable, and invest in relationships that will endure beyond the grave. Let hope about the resurrection influence career choices, financial decisions, and daily habits, steering away from reckless or selfish ends toward purposes aligned with God’s renewed creation.
Cross-References: Isaiah 25:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 21:4; 2 Corinthians 5:4