How does Matthew 22:28 connect with teachings on resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15? Context of Matthew 22:28 - The Sadducees, who deny bodily resurrection, fabricate a scenario of a woman widowed seven times. - Matthew 22:28: “In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be of the seven? For all of them were married to her.” - Their goal: expose what they believe is the logical absurdity of resurrection, hoping to trap Jesus. Jesus’ Immediate Answer (vv. 29-32) - He corrects two errors: ignorance of Scripture and unbelief in God’s power. - Matthew 22:30: “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.” - He cites Exodus 3:6 to prove that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still live, anchoring resurrection in God’s covenant faithfulness. Parallel Questions in 1 Corinthians 15 - Paul addresses similar skepticism in Corinth: • 1 Corinthians 15:35: “But someone will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?’” • Corinthian doubters echo the Sadducees’ spirit—questioning bodily resurrection by focusing on perceived impossibilities. - Paul’s answer, like Jesus’, insists on both Scripture and God’s power (vv. 3-4, 15-20). Shared Truths about the Resurrection Body - Continuity yet transformation • Jesus: same individuals (e.g., Abraham) still exist. • Paul: “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44). - God-given identity, not earthly institutions • Jesus: earthly marriage won’t define resurrected life. • Paul: “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50); our identity is re-clothed in immortality. - Power of God over death • Jesus bases resurrection on “I AM” (present tense) relationship with the patriarchs. • Paul climaxes: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Key Connections between the Two Passages - Both confront skepticism with confident affirmation that God raises the dead. - Both shift focus from hypothetical riddles to the reality of God’s covenant loyalty and power. - Both reveal that the resurrection life transcends current social structures while preserving personal identity. Supporting Scriptures - Daniel 12:2—promise of bodily awakening. - John 5:28-29—Christ’s voice will summon all from the graves. - Philippians 3:20-21—our lowly bodies transformed to be like His glorious body. - Luke 20:34-36—parallel to Matthew, adding “they cannot die anymore.” Implications for Believers - Speculative traps distract; Scripture and God’s omnipotence settle the matter. - Earthly status—marriage, prestige, even decay—will give way to imperishable life. - Confident hope fuels steadfast service: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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