What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:35? But someone will ask Paul anticipates an objection. Even in his day, people scoffed at the idea of bodily resurrection. By voicing the challenge, he invites a clear, reasoned response, much like Jesus did when He addressed doubters (see John 20:27). Acts 17:32 shows Athenians ridiculing resurrection talk. Mockery is nothing new, yet Scripture remains unshaken. Jude 18 reminds us, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly desires.” Paul will not let the scoffer’s question go unanswered; instead, he turns the question into an opportunity to affirm God’s power. How are the dead raised? This asks about process. Paul answers later in the chapter, grounding everything in God’s omnipotence: • God’s power is limitless—He formed man from dust (Genesis 2:7), so raising dust to life again is no stretch. • The resurrection of Jesus is the prototype: “God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen” (Acts 10:40). If God raised Christ, He can raise us (Romans 8:11). • Jesus Himself promised, “A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice” (John 5:28). The voice that summoned Lazarus (John 11:43) will one day summon all. • The resurrection is bodily, not merely spiritual. Jesus ate fish after rising (Luke 24:42-43), proving tangible flesh can be glorified. With what kind of body will they come? Here the focus shifts from process to product. Paul’s later analogies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) provide the blueprint: • Incorruptible—no decay or aging (v. 42). • Glorious—radiating honor (v. 43; Daniel 12:3). • Powerful—no weakness, sickness, or disability (v. 43). • Spiritual—perfectly suited for eternal life, yet still truly physical (Philippians 3:20-21; Luke 24:39). • Conformed to Christ—“We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him” (1 John 3:2). His post-resurrection body could appear in locked rooms (John 20:19) yet could be touched (John 20:27). summary Paul frames the doubter’s questions so he can answer decisively: God both can and will raise the dead, and our future bodies will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and Christ-like. Far from speculative, this hope rests on the historical fact of Jesus’ own resurrection and the unchanging promise of Scripture. |
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