John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:41

"There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory." — 1 Corinthians 15:41 (ASV)

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon. Not only is there a difference between heavenly bodies and earthly, but even the heavenly bodies do not all have the same glory, for the sun surpasses the moon, and the other stars differ from each other. This dissimilarity, therefore, appears in the resurrection of the dead. A mistake, however, is commonly made in the application, for it is supposed that Paul meant to say that, after the resurrection, the saints will have different degrees of honor and glory. This, indeed, is perfectly true and is proved by other declarations of Scripture, but it has nothing to do with Paul’s purpose. For he is not arguing about what difference of condition there will be among the saints after the resurrection, but in what respect our bodies at present differ from those that we will one day receive.

He removes, then, every idea of absurdity by making this comparison: The substance of the sun and moon is the same, but there is a great difference between them in terms of dignity and excellence. Is it any wonder, then, if our body takes on a more excellent quality? “I do not teach that anything will take place at the resurrection but what is already presented before the eyes of all.” That such is the meaning of the words is clear from the context. For why and for what purpose would Paul make such a transition, if he were now comparing them with one another regarding the difference of their condition, while until now he has been comparing the present condition of all with their future condition, and immediately proceeds with that comparison?