But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 15:20
What does 1 Corinthians 15:20 mean?
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1 Corinthians 15:20
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This verse subtly highlights Christ not just as a resurrection, but as the very first of a coming harvest. He’s the initial, perfect sample that guarantees the full crop of believers will also be raised, showing His resurrection isn't just an event, but the foundational proof for all future hope.
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is right in the middle of a passionate defense of the resurrection of believers, a truth some in the Corinthian church were questioning. He's just spent time showing how the resurrection of Christ is the absolute cornerstone of the Christian faith. This verse, therefore, declares the good news that Christ's resurrection isn't an isolated event; it's the guaranteed precursor and promise for all who belong to him.
Some things in life are debatable, but the resurrection of Jesus isn't one of them. Paul confronts the idea that the resurrection is just a nice thought.
The Certainty of Christ's Rising
Paul doesn't hesitate here. He declares, "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead." This wasn't a mere hope or a spiritual metaphor for Paul; it was a historical, undeniable event.
Why This Matters:
The imagery of 'firstfruits' is powerful. It means Jesus' resurrection isn't just about Him; it's a promise and a down payment for us.
The Promise of Our Future
Paul calls Christ the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." What does this mean?
Understanding 'Firstfruits':
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Understand the original words
aparchē · Greek Noun
An agricultural term referring to the first portion of the harvest given to God as a pledge or guarantee that the full harvest will follow. Theologically, it identifies Christ’s resurrection as the prototype and assurance that all believers will eventually be raised in like manner.
This passage describes the offering of the 'firstfruits' of the harvest to God, which Paul directly connects to Christ's resurrection, signifying the start of a new spiritual harvest.
Romans 8:29Paul explains that believers are predestined to be 'conformed to the image of his Son,' directly linking our future resurrection and glorification to Christ's completed work, starting with His resurrection as the 'firstfruits.'
Colossians 1:18This verse calls Christ the 'beginning, the firstborn from the dead,' echoing the 'firstfruits' imagery and emphasizing His supremacy and role as the originator of new life for the church.
1 Peter 1:3Peter speaks of believers being born again to a living hope 'through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,' highlighting how Christ's resurrection is the very source and guarantee of our future hope and resurrection.
This verse subtly highlights Christ not just as a resurrection, but as the very first of a coming harvest. He’s the initial, perfect sample that guarantees the full crop of believers will also be raised, showing His resurrection isn't just an event, but the foundational proof for all future hope.
Paul is right in the middle of a passionate defense of the resurrection of believers, a truth some in the Corinthian church were questioning. He's just spent time showing how the resurrection of Christ is the absolute cornerstone of the Christian faith. This verse, therefore, declares the good news that Christ's resurrection isn't an isolated event; it's the guaranteed precursor and promise for all who belong to him.
Paul is right in the middle of a passionate defense of the resurrection of believers, a truth some in the Corinthian church were questioning. He's just spent time showing how the resurrection of Christ is the absolute cornerstone of the Christian faith. This verse, therefore, declares the good news that Christ's resurrection isn't an isolated event; it's the guaranteed precursor and promise for all who belong to him.
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." — This verse subtly highlights Christ not just as a resurrection, but as the very first of a coming harvest. He’s the initial, perfect sample that guarantees the full crop of believers will also be…
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Last reviewed October 2026