Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:21

"For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead." — 1 Corinthians 15:21 (ASV)

These verses are similar to Paul’s two-category contrast in Ro 5:12–21. The man who brought death is Adam, and the one who will bring about the resurrection of the dead is Christ (cf. also 1 Corinthians 15:45). All who are represented in Adam—i.e., the whole human race—died. All who are in Christ—i.e., God’s redeemed people—will be made alive at the resurrection (cf. Jn 5:25).