Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:29

"Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?" — 1 Corinthians 15:29 (ASV)

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?

This is another most difficult passage, and many meanings have been given to it, but I think the most likely to be correct is this: As soon as a member of the early Christian Church was given up to the lion or to be burned, another convert would step forward and say, "Let me take his name and place."

Though it was almost certain that they also would soon be put to death, there were always persons found bold enough to come forward to be baptized, to take the place of the dead.

"Now," says the apostle, "what advantage is there in this horizon if the dead rise not?"