What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:18? Then “Then” connects Paul’s thought to the conditional argument he began in verse 13: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.” • Paul is tracing the logical consequences of denying bodily resurrection. (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:13, 16) • The word signals a domino effect—if one truth topples (Christ’s resurrection), every related hope falls with it. those also Paul moves from himself and the apostles (v. 14–17) to “those also,” widening the circle to every believer who has died. • No Christian community is exempt; loved ones, patriarchs, martyrs, ordinary saints are all included. • Hebrews 11:13 notes “all these died in faith,” showing the unity of believers across generations. who have fallen asleep “Fallen asleep” is a tender idiom for physical death, used by Jesus for Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:39) and by Paul elsewhere (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14). • The image affirms death’s temporary nature for the believer—sleep anticipates awakening. • Yet Paul insists that if Christ is not raised, even this comforting metaphor collapses. in Christ Their entire identity and hope were “in Christ”—joined to Him by faith (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1). • Union with Christ promises that what is true of Him becomes true of us: His death counts for ours, His resurrection guarantees ours (Romans 6:5). • Remove His resurrection, and the bond seems powerless to save. have perished If the resurrection is false, the dead in Christ are not merely unconscious; they are lost—cut off forever. • “Perished” is the same strong word used of eternal ruin apart from salvation (John 3:16). • Without the risen Christ, the grave is final, heaven is closed, and every gospel promise unravels (1 Corinthians 15:19, 32). summary Paul’s single sentence drives home a sober logic: deny Christ’s bodily resurrection, and you doom every believer who ever trusted Him. The word “then” launches a fatal chain reaction; “those also” sweeps all saints into its scope; the tender phrase “fallen asleep” loses its hopefulness; union “in Christ” appears powerless; and the stark verdict “have perished” exposes the horror of a resurrection-less gospel. By showing what is at stake, Paul magnifies the certainty and glory of Jesus’ actual, physical resurrection—our unshakable anchor of life beyond the grave. |
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