1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
1 Corinthians 15:29
This verse is one of the more debated lines in Paul’s argument, addressing the practice of baptism for the dead. The Corinthian church was deeply diverse, with questions about resurrection and ritual acts. Some scholars interpret “baptized for the dead” as a baptism performed on behalf of deceased believers, perhaps as a sign of solidarity or a ceremonial practice within certain Christian communities. Paul does not explicitly endorse the practice here; rather, he uses it as a rhetorical pivot to stress the reality and importance of the resurrection. If there is no resurrection, then such acts would be meaningless; and thus, his point is to emphasize that the Christian faith centers on the hope of the dead rising. The verse remains controversial because it is one of the few mentions of this practice in the New Testament.
The theological stakes center on resurrection as the hinge of Christian faith and practice. If there is no resurrection, Christian proclamation and baptism lose their meaning. Paul thus uses the hypothetical to underscore the reality of life after death in Christ. It also poses a challenge to the Corinthians’ cultural practices, inviting them to test all rituals against the resurrection hope. The verse reinforces the eschatological horizon of Christian faith—baptism, a symbol of participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, is meaningful precisely because Christ’s future victory over death is certain.
Practically, this verse invites humility and caution when wrestling with traditions and practices without clear biblical precedent. If you encounter church customs or personal rituals, evaluate whether they help or hinder belief in the resurrection. Focus on living in light of the risen Christ—sharing the gospel, caring for the grieving, and supporting believers who face death. If you struggle with grief or fear of death, lean into the resurrection hope. Church communities can emphasize baptism and remembrance as reminders of belonging to Christ’s death and life, while ensuring practices remain grounded in the core message: Christ has risen, and the dead will rise with him.
Cross-References: Romans 6:3-5; Acts 19:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; Mark 16:16; Colossians 2:12