Back to Today
1 Corinthians 15:20Resurrection argument
But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruit of those who are asleep.
Permalink Verse page
Interpretation

Paul urges a firstfruits that is worked out in limits and longings in 1 Corinthians 15:20—look for "christ" and "has". Let firstfruits in conversations that test patience—steady the will with prayer.

Context

The setting is 1 Corinthians—epistle/letter, developing firstfruits. Read in 1 Corinthians 15, its force becomes clearer. Listen for “christ” alongside “has”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Long‑standing tradition credits 1 Corinthians to Paul. Many scholars judge 1 Corinthians as follows: widely regarded as Pauline.. Scholars commonly date 1 Corinthians AD 53–55. 1 Corinthians seems aimed at Church in Corinth.. The setting is the Resurrection argument (epistle/letter). Apostolic Community is especially relevant in this line. The cross reorders wisdom and power in community. Community issues in Corinth form the backdrop for instruction.

More details
Traditional:Paul
Modern scholarship:Authentic Pauline.
Date:AD 53–55
Audience:Church in Corinth.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not affect the core meaning.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46
Cross References3
  • John 12:24
    Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
    CuratedGrain dies to bear much fruit (John 12:24)
  • Revelation 1:18
    and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
    CuratedChrist lives, holding keys of death (Rev 1:18)
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:14
    For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
    CuratedGod brings with Jesus those who have fallen asleep (1 Thess 4:14)