Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:20

"But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep." — 1 Corinthians 15:20 (ASV)

The “but... indeed” is an emphatic and conclusive way of introducing some vitally important affirmations. Certainly, Paul implies, none of the Corinthian believers would deny that an integral part of the Gospel is the resurrection of Christ (15:1–4). Therefore, they must now accept the sequel—Christ guarantees the resurrection of the Christian dead, as the word “firstfruits” (GK 569) teaches. By “firstfruits” Paul brings to bear the rich imagery of the OT. The “firstfruits”—the first sheaf of the harvest offered to the Lord (Leviticus 23:10–11, 17, 20)—was not only prior to the main harvest but was also an assurance that the rest of the harvest was coming. So with Christ. He preceded his people in his bodily resurrection and he is also the guarantee of their resurrection at his second coming.