Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 15:20-34

"But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ`s, at his coming. Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all. 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? Why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour? I protest by that glorifying in you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals. Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not; for some have no knowledge of God: I speak [this] to move you to shame." — 1 Corinthians 15:20-34 (ASV)

All who are by faith united to Christ are by His resurrection assured of their own resurrection. Just as through the sin of the first Adam all humankind became mortal, because all inherited from him the same sinful nature, so, through the resurrection of Christ, all who are made to partake of the Spirit and the spiritual nature will revive and live forever. There will be an order in the resurrection.

Christ Himself has been the first-fruits; at His coming, His redeemed people will be raised before others; finally, the wicked will also rise. That will be the end of this present state of things. If we wish to triumph in that solemn and important time, we must now submit to His rule, accept His salvation, and live to His glory. Then we will rejoice in the completion of His undertaking, so that God may receive the whole glory of our salvation, and so that we may forever serve Him and enjoy His favor.

What, then, are those doing who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Perhaps baptism is used here in a figurative sense for afflictions, sufferings, and martyrdom, as in Matthew 20:22-23. What will become of those who have suffered many great injuries, and have even lost their lives for this doctrine of the resurrection, if the dead do not rise at all? Whatever the meaning may be, the apostle's argument was undoubtedly understood by the Corinthians.

And it is equally plain to us that Christianity would be a foolish profession if its aim was merely that its adherents, through their faithfulness to God, should gain personal advantage for themselves in this life; rather, our calling is to bear fruit leading to holiness, so that our end may be everlasting life. But we must not live like beasts, since we do not die like them. It must be ignorance of God that leads anyone to disbelieve the resurrection and future life.

Those who acknowledge God and His providence, and observe how unequal things are in the present life—how frequently the best people fare worst—cannot doubt an afterlife, where everything will be set right. Let us not associate with ungodly people; but warn all around us, especially children and young persons, to shun them as a pestilence. Let us awake to righteousness, and not sin.