1 Corinthians 15:20-22
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This verse isn't just stating a fact; it's a bold declaration that Christ's resurrection isn't isolated but establishes a pattern. By calling Him the "firstfruits," Paul shows that Jesus' rising is the guarantee and the first harvest of a coming, much larger resurrection for all who belong to Him. It means our future hope is already secured in His victory!
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: some believers were doubting or denying the resurrection of the dead. He's building a case for why Christ's resurrection is foundational to their faith, explaining that if Christ wasn't raised, their belief is useless. This verse is the turning point, asserting Christ's resurrection as a historical fact and the guarantee for all who believe.
Paul doesn't present Jesus' resurrection as a possibility or a wish. He states it as a historical, undeniable reality. What does this bold declaration mean for us?
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is tackling serious doubts within the Corinthian church about the resurrection of believers. He combats this by first establishing the resurrection of Jesus Himself.
A Foundational Truth
Paul calls the resurrection of Jesus a fact – "But in fact... Christ has been raised." This isn't a matter of debate for Paul; it's the cornerstone of the Christian faith. If Jesus didn't rise, Paul says elsewhere, our faith is useless (1 Cor. 15:14).
Why It Matters
This isn't just ancient history. Jesus' resurrection is proof that death is not the end. It shows that God's power can overcome even the grave. It validates everything Jesus taught and did. Without this historical event, our hope would be built on sand.
The verse calls Jesus the "firstfruits." What does this ancient agricultural term tell us about the resurrection and our future hope?
The term "firstfruits" comes from the Old Testament practice of offering the first part of a harvest to God.
A Guarantee of More
When the first ripe fruits were offered, it was a promise and a guarantee that the rest of the harvest would follow. Jesus' resurrection isn't an isolated event; it's the start of a much larger harvest of resurrected life.
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Our Future Hope
Because Jesus, the "firstfruits," has been raised, believers who "fall asleep" (a metaphor for death) can be confident that they too will be raised. His resurrection is the down payment on our future resurrection. It means that death, while real, is not the final word for those who belong to Christ. His victory is our victory.
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.
thanatos · Greek Noun
The physical and spiritual cessation of life, often viewed in Scripture as a consequence of sin and separation from God. It is viewed as an enemy that will eventually be defeated.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The act of being raised from the dead, referring specifically to the transformation of the body and the reversal of death. It is the central hope of the Christian faith, predicated on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Adam · Hebrew Proper Noun
The first human created by God, who represents the entire human race in his disobedience. His transgression introduced sin and death into the world.
Christos · Greek Proper Noun
A title meaning 'the Anointed One,' identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah and the second Adam. Through His obedience and death, He provides life and reconciliation to all who are in Him.
zōopoieō · Greek Verb
To be quickened or restored to life; in a theological sense, this refers to both the spiritual regeneration of a believer and the ultimate physical resurrection at the end of time.
The Corinthian believers Paul was writing to were grappling with doubts about the resurrection of the dead. Paul firmly establishes Christ's resurrection as the foundational proof and the 'firstfruits' – the initial harvest – guaranteeing the future resurrection of all believers.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, after a public ministry, is arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus
According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. This event is central to the Christian faith.
c. 30-33 AD
Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appeared to his disciples and many other followers over a period of about 40 days after his resurrection, strengthening their faith and commissioning them.
c. 33 AD
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of his disciples, fulfilling prophecies and returning to the Father.
c. 40s AD
Early Church Growth
The gospel message of Jesus' resurrection and salvation spreads rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, leading to the establishment of numerous Christian communities.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, planting churches and teaching the foundational doctrines of Christianity, including the significance of Christ's resurrection.
c. 55 AD
Writing of 1 Corinthians
The Apostle Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues including theological disputes, particularly the denial of the resurrection by some.
This passage directly parallels Christ being the 'firstborn' from the dead, emphasizing His supremacy and initiating role in the resurrection, just as 1 Corinthians 15:20 states He is the 'firstfruits'.
Romans 8:29It speaks of believers being conformed to the image of Christ, which is deeply connected to the idea of Christ's resurrection being the pattern and guarantee for our own future resurrection, making Him the 'firstfruits'.
Leviticus 23:10-11This Old Testament passage describes the offering of the 'firstfruits' of the harvest to God, providing the agricultural imagery that Paul uses to explain Christ's resurrection as the initial, guaranteed sign of a coming, abundant harvest of redeemed people.
John 11:25-26Jesus declares Himself to be 'the resurrection and the life,' and that whoever believes in Him will live even though they die. This highlights His authority over death and points to His own resurrection as the foundational proof of His claims and the hope for all believers.
This verse isn't just stating a fact; it's a bold declaration that Christ's resurrection isn't isolated but establishes a pattern. By calling Him the "firstfruits," Paul shows that Jesus' rising is the guarantee and the first harvest of a coming, much larger resurrection for all who belong to Him. It means our future hope is already secured in His victory!
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: some believers were doubting or denying the resurrection of the dead. He's building a case for why Christ's resurrection is foundational to their faith, explaining that if Christ wasn't raised, their belief is useless. This verse is the turning point, asserting Christ's resurrection as a historical fact and the guarantee for all who believe.
Paul is addressing a serious problem in the Corinthian church: some believers were doubting or denying the resurrection of the dead. He's building a case for why Christ's resurrection is foundational to their faith, explaining that if Christ wasn't raised, their belief is useless. This verse is the turning point, asserting Christ's resurrection as a historical fact and the guarantee for all who believe.
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made…" — This verse isn't just stating a fact; it's a bold declaration that Christ's resurrection isn't isolated but establishes a pattern. By calling Him the "firstfruits," Paul shows that Jesus' rising is…
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Last reviewed October 2026
