Which Old Testament passages connect with the concept of "firstfruits" in this verse? Our Verse in Focus “ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:20 Firstfruits—A Snapshot from the Old Testament • A first portion of the harvest, offered to the LORD, consecrated the entire crop. • By giving God the “first and best,” Israel trusted Him for the rest. • That pattern becomes a prophetic picture: Christ rises first, guaranteeing a full harvest of resurrected saints. Key Old Testament Passages Tied to Firstfruits • Leviticus 23:9-14 — Feast of Firstfruits “Bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. … The priest is to wave it before the LORD on the day after the Sabbath.” (vv. 10-11) ‑ Barley sheaf waved on the first Sunday after Passover—exactly when Jesus rose. “Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of your produce… Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” ‑ Emphasizes quality (“best”) and joyful expectation of more to come. “Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest.” ‑ Links firstfruits to Pentecost, the day the Spirit inaugurated the church—another “first” installment. “From the first of your dough you shall offer a loaf as a contribution.” ‑ Even daily bread carried the firstfruits principle. Israelites brought a basket of firstfruits, recited their redemption story, and rejoiced before God—mirroring our praise for Christ’s redeeming resurrection. “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty.” ‑ Promise that the first portion secures the whole, just as Jesus’ rising secures ours. “Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest.” ‑ The nation itself pictured a broader, future harvest among the nations—fulfilled through the risen Messiah. • 2 Chronicles 31:5; Nehemiah 10:35-37 Records of renewed obedience in bringing firstfruits during revivals—each a reminder that returning to God begins with giving Him the first share. “The best of all firstfruits of every kind… will belong to the priests.” ‑ Points forward to the priestly ministry of Christ, our risen High Priest. How These Passages Illuminate 1 Corinthians 15:20 • Timing—The wave-sheaf offering on “the day after the Sabbath” prefigures Resurrection Sunday. • Pledge—Just as the first sheaf guaranteed the rest of the harvest, Christ’s resurrection guarantees the bodily resurrection of every believer. • Consecration—The firstfruits made the entire crop holy; Christ’s victory over death consecrates all who are in Him. • Celebration—Old Testament feasts were joyous; so the resurrection is the church’s unceasing joy. • Provision—Firstfruits taught dependence on God for the full harvest; believers rest in Christ’s finished work for their future resurrection. Bringing It Together When Paul calls Jesus “the firstfruits,” he taps into a rich tapestry woven through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, the Prophets, and the Writings. Every sheaf lifted, every loaf offered, every feast celebrated pointed ahead to the dawn of resurrection morning. Because the firstfruits has been accepted, the full harvest is certain—“so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). |
    |