Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:52

"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." — 1 Corinthians 15:52 (ASV)

Paul now comes to the conclusion of his argument for the resurrection. God’s people must have more than the natural body to inherit the eternal kingdom of God. “Flesh and blood” (GK 4922 & 135) refers to the mortal body —our present humanity, which Christ fully shared through his incarnation (Hebrews 2:14). This mortal body is perishable and cannot inherit that which is imperishable. So the unsaved cannot be in heaven at all, and the saved must have their bodies changed.

By using “mystery” (GK 3696) in reference to the resurrection body, Paul implies that there are various things about that body that the Corinthians did not understand, and about which he wants to inform them. (1) Not all Christians will “fall asleep,” for some will be alive when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:15). (2) All Christians will receive changed bodies when Christ comes back and summons his people at the sound of the last trumpet (cf. Revelation 11:15). Theologians call this “the rapture” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17). (3) The change will occur instantaneously and completely for all Christians, whether living or dead. (4) The change will occur from one kind of body to another.

The “perishable” (GK 5785) bodies (i.e., those in Christ whose bodies are decaying in the grave) will be given “imperishable” ones. The “mortal” (GK 2570) bodies (i.e., those in Christ living in mortal bodies at the time of Christ’s return) will be given “changed” (GK 248) immortal bodies—ones that will not die. When this occurs (v.54), the triumphant words in Isa 25:8 and Hos 13:14 will become a reality for God’s people. (5) With strong emphasis on the words “victory” (GK 3777) and “sting” (GK 3034), Paul reaches the climax of this song of triumph in vv.56–57. If it were not for sin, death would have no sting. It is the law of God with its stringent moral demands that strengthens the power of sin by showing us how sinful we are, and thus condemns us. But death does not have the final victory! Hear the glorious closing exclamation (v.57): “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Yes, victory, even over death and the grave, has been won through our Lord, who died and rose and is coming again.

Following this glorious outburst of eloquence, Paul concludes with a practical, down-to-earth exhortation (v.58). It is almost as if he is saying to the Corinthian Christians and indeed to all of us: “Now, my brothers and sisters, in the light of these sublime truths, be steadfast in doing the Lord’s work, knowing that he will reward you at his coming.” IX. The Collection for God’s People, Requests, and Final Greetings (16:1–24)