How does 1 Corinthians 15:23 connect to Christ's resurrection in the Gospels? 1 Corinthians 15:23 in Context “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at His coming, those who belong to Him.” • Paul is answering questions about resurrection order. • He anchors everything in the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus: first Him, then every believer. • The word “firstfruits” calls us to look back to the first-sheaf offering in Leviticus 23:9-14, presented the day after the Sabbath during Passover week—exactly when the Gospels place Jesus’ resurrection. Christ the Firstfruits—Echoed in the Gospels • Matthew 28:5-6: “He is not here; for He has risen, just as He said.” • Mark 16:9: “After Jesus had risen early on the first day of the week…” • Luke 24:5-6: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen!” • John 20:1: “Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed.” These united testimonies show the historical moment Paul calls “Christ the firstfruits.” He rose on the very feast that celebrated the first portion of the harvest—a preview guaranteeing the rest. Jesus Foretold His Own Place in the “Order” • Matthew 16:21; 20:18-19—He would be killed and “on the third day be raised.” • Mark 8:31—He “must rise after three days.” • Luke 9:22—He would “be raised on the third day.” • John 2:19-22—“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Paul’s “Christ the firstfruits” stands on Jesus’ repeated, literal promises, all fulfilled in the Gospel record. Witnesses Seal the Connection • Women at the tomb (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:11-18) • Two on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-35) • The Eleven and other disciples (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23) • Over 500 brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:6—Paul cites this to link his teaching directly to eyewitness testimony) The same eyewitnesses Luke, John, and the others record are those Paul names when building his case in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. “Then, at His Coming, Those Who Belong to Him”—Gospel Foundations Paul’s future phase matches promises Jesus Himself made: • John 5:28-29—“All who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come out.” • John 6:39-40, 44—He will “raise them up on the last day.” • Matthew 24:30-31—The Son of Man returns and gathers His elect. Just as the firstfruits sheaf guaranteed the full harvest, Christ’s resurrection guarantees ours. Old Testament Roots Underpin Both Paul and the Gospels • Leviticus 23:10-11—Firstfruits waved “on the day after the Sabbath.” • Psalm 16:10—God’s Holy One will not see decay; quoted of Jesus in Acts 2:27. • Isaiah 25:8—“He will swallow up death forever”; fulfilled in Christ, applied by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:54. Why the Connection Matters Today • Historical Certainty: Four Gospel accounts and hundreds of eyewitnesses confirm Paul’s claim. • Theological Certainty: Because He rose as firstfruits, every believer’s bodily resurrection is guaranteed. • Personal Hope: The same risen Lord who met Mary in the garden (John 20) will meet us “at His coming.” Christ’s empty tomb in the Gospels is the first sheaf waved before God; 1 Corinthians 15:23 shows the rest of the harvest is on its way, right on schedule. |
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