How does 1 Corinthians 15:24 describe the sequence of end-time events? Text “Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power.” (1 Corinthians 15:24) Literary Context (vv. 20-28) Paul structures the resurrection chapter around three successive stages: 1. Christ the “firstfruits” (v. 20). 2. “Those who belong to Christ at His coming” (v. 23). 3. “Then the end” (v. 24). Verse 24 is therefore the climactic third movement in Paul’s tightly ordered argument. Sequential Steps Embedded in 1 Corinthians 15:24 1. Completion of Christ’s Subjugation Campaign Christ first destroys “all dominion, authority, and power.” The aorist participle (“after He has destroyed”) places the eradication of every rebellious power squarely before the transfer of the kingdom. This fulfills Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:14, 27. 2. Handover of the Kingdom to the Father Once the insurgent powers are neutralized, the Son delivers the kingdom to the Father. This is not abdication but functional submission within the Trinity, paralleling Jesus’ earthly mission (John 5:19, 30). 3. Arrival of “the End” “The end” denotes the culminating act in redemptive history—final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), destruction of death itself (1 Corinthians 15:26), and the inauguration of the eternal order (Revelation 21 – 22). Broader Canonical Corroboration • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — resurrection and gathering precede final wrath. • Revelation 19-22 — Christ conquers, rules, judges, then ushers in the new creation. • Daniel 2:44; 7:26-27 — the Messiah’s kingdom crushes all others and is given “to the saints of the Most High.” Chronological Map 1. Present Church Age: gospel proclamation (Matthew 24:14). 2. Parousia: bodily return of Christ, resurrection of believers (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). 3. Messianic Reign: destruction/abolition of hostile powers (Revelation 19:19-20; 20:3). 4. Final Judgment: death, Hades, and all evil consigned to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). 5. Kingdom Handover: Son presents a purified realm to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24). 6. Eternal State: God “all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28), new heavens and earth (Revelation 21:1). Historical-Archaeological Support • The Dead Sea Scrolls validate the transmission accuracy of Daniel, whose eschatology Paul echoes. • The Nazareth Inscription (1st century edict against grave-robbery) evidences official recognition of resurrection claims within decades of Jesus’ empty tomb—a foundation of Paul’s argument (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Theological Significance The verse showcases the unity of the Godhead: distinct roles, one sovereign plan. Christ’s mediatorial kingship has a terminus; His divine reign does not. The Father receives the kingdom in its perfected state, demonstrating the success of redemption. Practical Implications for the Believer • Assurance: Every hostile force, including death, is scheduled for elimination. • Purpose: Life now participates in a kingdom destined for presentation to the Father—motivating holiness (2 Peter 3:11-14). • Hope: The “end” is not extinction but consummation; believers inherit an imperishable realm (1 Peter 1:3-4). Answer to the Question 1 Corinthians 15:24 states that after the resurrection of believers, Christ will eradicate every rebellious authority, then ceremonially deliver the fully subdued kingdom to God the Father. This transfer marks “the end,” launching final judgment and the everlasting reign of God unhindered by opposition or death. |
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