Bible Commentaries
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
1 Corinthians 15
Moreover = Now.
declare = make known. Greek. gnorizo.
unto = to.
gospel. App-140.
preached. App-121.
also ye have received = ye received also.
and wherein, &c. = in (Greek. en. App-104.) which ye stand also.
By = Through. App-104. 1 Corinthians 15:1.
also, &c. = ye are saved also.
if. App-118.
keep in memory = hold fast. Greek. katecho. See 1 Corinthians 7:30.
what = with what word. Greek. logos. App-121. He refers to the substance of his preaching, based as it was on the facts of the Lord's death and resurrection, which last was challenged by some false teachers (1 Corinthians 15:12).
unless. See 1 Corinthians 14:5 (except).
have. Omit.
believed. App-150.
in vain = to no purpose. Greek. eike. See Romans 13:4.
delivered. Greek. paradidomi. See John 19:30. Compare 1 Corinthians 11:23.
first of all = among (Greek. en. App-104.) the first things.
also received = received also.
Christ. App-98.
sins. App-128.
according to. App-104.
rose again = has been raised. App-178.
scriptures. Psalms 16:10. Isaiah 53:9-11. Jonah 1:17. Compare Matthew 12:39. Luke 11:29.
seen. App-133. In 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 we have the Figure of speech Protimesis. App-6.
of = by. Dative case.
Cephas. Luke 24:34.
the twelve. John 20:19, John 20:24. The term is used officially.
After that. Greek. epeita.
at once. Greek. ephapax. See Romans 6:10. There is no mention of this in the Gospels, unless it be Matthew 28:16-20, where "some doubted" may imply that others than the eleven were present.
unto this present = until now.
some. Greek. tines. App-124.
are fallen asleep. App-171.
as = as if (it were). Greek. hosperei. Only here.
one born, &c. = an abortion. Greek. ektroma. Only here in NT., but used in Septuagint of Job 3:16. Ecclesiastes 1:6, Ecclesiastes 1:3.
grace. App-184.
which, &c. = Figure of speech Ellipsis. App-6.
upon. App-104.
was not = did not become, i.e. prove to be.
in vain. Greek. kenos, empty. Not the same word as in verses: 1 Corinthians 15:2, 1 Corinthians 15:17.
with. App-104.
from the dead. Greek. ek nekron. App-139.
among. App-104.
resurrection. Greek. anastasis. App-178.
the dead. No art. App-139.
Yea, and = Moreover.
false witnesses. Greek. pseudomartur. Only here and Matthew 26:60.
have. Omit.
testified. Greek. murtureo. See p. 1511.
of = against. Gr. kata. App-104.
if so be that = if (App-118.2. a) at least.
vain = to no purpose. Greek. mataios. See Acts 14:15. Not the same word as in verses: 1 Corinthians 15:2, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Corinthians 15:14, 1 Corinthians 15:58.
life. Greek. zoe. App-170.
have hope = are having our hope.
of all men, &c. = more to be pitied than all men.
men. Greek. anthropos. App-123. be
put down is death [Satan].
is, &c. = Christ has been raised. From 1 Corinthians 15:20 to 1 Corinthians 15:28 is a digression. Figure of speech Parembole. App-6.
and become. All the texts omit.
firstfruits. Greek. aparche. See Romans 8:23, and compare notes on John 20:1, John 20:17.
them, &c. = those who have fallen asleep. See 1 Corinthians 15:6.
Adam. Literally the Adam.
all die. By virtue of their relationship to Adam. See Romans 5:12-19.
even so, &c. = so in Christ also. Christ also has a relationship to the human race. It is that of Lordship (Romans 14:9). This is acknowledged by some now (John 13:13; John 20:28), and brings salvation (Romans 10:9). It is the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Hence Judas only said, "Master" (Matthew 26:25, Matthew 26:49). The natural man rebels against such acknowledgment (Exodus 5:2. Psalms 2:2, Psalms 2:3; Psalms 12:4. Luke 19:14). But this Lordship shall one day be asserted and acknowledged by all, including the arch-rebel himself (Psalms 2:6, Psalms 2:7. Philippians 1:2, Philippians 1:9-11. Revelation 19:16). To this end all must be raised.
made alive. Greek. zoopoiea. See Romans 4:17. Compare John 5:28, John 5:29.
every man = each one.
order. Greek. tagma. Only here in NT. It is used in the Septuagint of a body of soldiers. Numbers 2:2, &c. (rank). 2 Samuel 23:13 (army).
afterward. Greek. epeita. Same as verses: 1 Corinthians 15:6-7.
at = in. Greek. en. App-104.
coming. Greek. parousia. See Matthew 24:3.
end. Greek. telos. Not the same "end" as in 1 Corinthians 1:8. Christ's coming brings that "end", but this is the end of the millennial age.
shall, &c. The texts read, "delivers up".
kingdom. See App-112, App-113, App-114.
Father. App-98.
put down = brought to nought. Greek. katargeo. See Romans 3:3.
rule. Greek. arche. App-172.
authority. App-172.
power. App-172. Compare Ephesians 1:21. 1 Peter 3:22.
under. App-104. It is God Who puts all enemies under Christ's feet. The fifth quotation of Psalms 110:1. Compare Matthew 22:44.
The last enemy, &c. Literally, Death, the last enemy, is destroyed. Figure of speech Prolepsis 1. App-6.
destroyed. Same word as "put down", 1 Corinthians 15:24.
hath put = subjected. Greek. hupotasso. Contrast the first occurance: Luke 2:51.
put under Him = subjected. This quotation is from Psalms 8:6.
He is excepted = it is with the exception of Him.
subdued = subjected, as above.
also Himself = Himself also.
subject = subjected. It is the Father Who puts all enemies as a footstool for the feet of the Son. See Matthew 22:44. But when this is done, the Son rises up, takes His great power and reigns (Revelation 11:17), and putting His feet on the footstool, treads down the nations His enemies, and continues to put down all that exalts itself against God throughout His millennial reign. See Psalms 18:37-50; Psalms 60:12; Psalms 101:8 (Revised Version); 1 Corinthians 145:20. Isaiah 63:3, Isaiah 63:6. Revelation 19:15.
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
all in all. In verses: 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, panta Occurs six times, in five of them translated "all things". It must be the same here. There is an ellipsis, and it should read "over all things in all (places)", i.e. everywhere supreme.
baptized, &c. See 1 Corinthians 15:20. This question follows on from 1 Corinthians 15:19.
baptized = being baptized.
the dead. App-139.
why are they, &c. Read, why are they baptized also? (It is) for the dead. It is to remain dead, as Christ remains, if there be no resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:13. The argument is, What is the use of being baptized, if it is only to remain dead? No suggestion here of the vicarious baptism which sprang up later among the Marcionites and others.
I protest, &c. = I affirm (a Greek particle used in affirmations) by the boasting concerning you. The pronoun "your" corresponds to the genitive, not of possession, but of relation. App-17.
Christ Jesus. App-98.
Lord. App-98. For this full title see Romans 6:23. daily. Greek. kath" (App-104.) hemeran.
after the manner of men = according to (App-104) a man.
have. Omit.
fought with beasts. Greek. theriomacheo. Only here. Figure of speech Metaphor. App-6. Referring to the riot (Acts 19:28-31). Ignatius, in his epistle to the Romans, says, "From Syria even to Rome, I light with beasts . . . being bound to ten leopards, I mean, a band of soldiers, who, even when they receive benefits, show themselves the worse". Clark's Ante-Nicene Library. what, &c. = what is the profit? Greek. ophelos. Only here and James 2:14, James 2:16.
me = to me.
let us eat, &c. Many similar expressions of Epicureanism are found in heathen writers. But this is probably cited from Isaiah 22:13. Compare Wisdom 1 Corinthians 2:5-9.
deceived. See 1 Corinthians 6:9.
evil. App-128.
communications = associations. Greek. homilia. Only here. Compare the verb, Acts 20:11.
corrupt. See 1 Corinthians 3:17.
good. App-184.
manners. Greek. ethos. Only here. In plural = morals. A quotation from the Thais of Menander, an Athenian poet. App-107.
Awake. Literally Return to sobriety (of mind). Greek. eknepho. Only here in N.T., but in Septuagint Genesis 9:24. 1 Samuel 25:37; &c.
to righteousness = righteously, i.e. as is right. Greek. dikaios, adverb of dikaios. App-191.
sin. App-128.
have not, &c. Literally have ignorance. Greek. agnosia. Only here and 1 Peter 2:15.
to your shame. See 1 Corinthians 6:5.
fool. See Luke 11:40. The fourth occurance:
quickened. Same as "made alive", 1 Corinthians 15:22.
except. Greek. ean (App-118) me (App-105).
bare = naked. Greek. gumnos. Always translated "naked" elsewhere.
it may chance = if (App-118. b) it should happen.
of some other = of some one (Greek. tis) of the rest (Greek. loipos. App-124.)
as it hath, &c. = even as He purposed. App-102. Compare 1 Corinthians 12:18.
every seed = each of the seeds. In verses: 1 Corinthians 15:36-38 the apostle shows that as we know not how the seeds come to life and grow up (Mark 4:27), much less do we know how the resurrection change is effected.
his = its.
All flesh, ! &c. = Not all flesh is the same flesh.
one. App-124.
another. Same as "one". Greek. allos.
beasts. See Acts 23:24.
birds. Greek. ptenon. Only here.
celestial. Greek. epouranios. Occurs twenty times. Translated "heavenly" except in this verse, Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:10. See John 3:12.
terrestrial. Greek. epigeios. Occurs seven times. Translated "earthly" except here in this verse and Philippians 2:10. The same contrast is seen in John 3:12, Philippians 2:10.
one . . . another. Greek. heteros. App-124.
Longer Note on 1 Corinthians 15:40.
1. The subject of 1 Corinthians 15:35-54 is the manner of the resurrection. And the basis is, as the plant to the seed, so spiritual body to natural body, &c. : "thou sowest not the body that shall be (literally come into existence), but a naked grain, as the case may be, of wheat (John 12:24), or some one of the rest" (1 Corinthians 15:37).
2. But in 1 Corinthians 15:39 is set forth differentiation as to "flesh" of mundane organized beings; and in 1 Corinthians 15:41 differentiation in glory (beauty) of the heavenly luminaries. Between these two is 1 Corinthians 15:40, where the differentiation is commonly regarded as merely between "the resurrection body" and the body that now is. But is the contrast not rather between a. resurrection bodies fitted for life and activities "in the heavenlies", and b. resurrection bodies fitted for life and activities on earth? (e.g. Matthew 19:28; compare Ezekiel 34:23; Ezekiel 37:24, &c.)
3. The contrast (differentiation) in 1 Corinthians 15:39 concerns one thing only, i.e. "flesh". That in 1 Corinthians 15:41 also concerns one thing only. Therefore, it is suggested, the contrast in 1 Corinthians 15:40 is between resurrection bodies only, and not between resurrection (flesh and bones) bodies and natural (flesh and blood) bodies. If the glory (doxa) spoken of here is to be applied to the body that now is, where, alas! is the evidence of it?
4. As the resurrection is still future, the ellipses may be supplied and the verse rendered, thus: "And heavenly bodies (there will be) and earthly bodies; but of one kind indeed (will be) the glory of the heavenly, and another kind that of the earthly".
also, &c. = is the resurrection of the dead also, i.e. with a different body.
corruption. Greek. phthora. See Romans 8:21. The four contrasts in verses: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 give the Figure of speech Symploke. App-6.
incorruption. Greek. aphtharsia. See Romans 2:7.
natural. Greek. psuchikos. See 1 Corinthians 2:14.
spiritual. Greek. pneumatikos. See 1 Corinthians 12:1.
and there is = there is also.
And so, &c. = So it has been written also. We have the proofs from nature and analogy of the variety and resources in the Divine working, and the testimony of the Word besides.
was made. Literally became into. Greek. egeneto eis. The exact expression used in Genesis 2:7 (Septuagint)
soul. Greek. psuche. App-110.
a quickening spirit = into (eis) a quickening spirit. See John 5:21.
spirit. App-101.
Howbeit, &c. Read "But not first the spiritual, but the natural".
and. Omit.
that which is = the.
earth. App-129.
earthy. Greek. choikos. Only here and in verses: 1 Corinthians 15:48-49. The noun chous, dust, is found in the Septuagint Genesis 2:7. Psalms 22:15; Psalms 104:29. Ecclesiastes 3:20.
the Lord. All the texts omit.
from. App-104. Same as "of", previous line.
heaven. Singular. See Matthew 6:10.
flesh and blood. See Matthew 16:17.
cannot = are not (Greek. ou, as in 1 Corinthians 15:9) able to.
kingdom of God. App-114.
neither. Greek. oude.
Behold. App-133.:2.
shew = tell.
mystery = secret. App-193.
sleep = be sleeping. App-171.
be changed. Greek. allasao. See Acts 6:14.
moment. Greek. atomos, literally that which cannot be out or divided. Hence "atom". Only here.
twinkling. Greek. ripe. Only here.
incorruptible. Greek. aphthartos. See Romans 1:23.
corruptible. Greek. phthartos. See Romans 1:23.
mortal. Greek. thnetos. See Romans 6:12.
immortality. Greek. athanasia. Only here, 1 Corinthians 15:54, and 1 Timothy 6:16. In Romans 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:10 aphtharsia is translated immortality.
saying = word. App-121.
swallowed up. Greek. katapino. Elsewhere Matthew 23:24. 2 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 5:4. Hebrews 11:29. 1 Peter 5:8. Revelation 12:16.
in = unto. App-104.
victory. Greek. nikos. Only here, verses: 1 Corinthians 15:55, 1 Corinthians 15:57, and Matthew 12:20. The quotation is from Isaiah 25:8, and the following verse from Hosea 13:14. App-107.
sting. Greek. kentron. See Acts 26:14.
grave. Greek. hades. App-131. The texts read "death" (Greek. thanatos).
Therefore = So then.
beloved. App-135.
stedfast. Greek. hedraios. See 1 Corinthians 7:37.
unmoveable. Greek. ametakinetos. Only here.
forasmuch as ye know = knowing. App-132.
Lord. App-98.
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