1 Corinthians 15:20-23
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse powerfully declares Christ's resurrection not just as a historical event, but as the guarantee that all who are united with Him will also be raised. He is the "firstfruits," the initial, perfect harvest, meaning our own future resurrection is as certain as His present reality.
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. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is deeply invested in the Corinthians’ understanding of the resurrection, arguing against those who claim there is no resurrection of the dead. He’s building his case by showing how the resurrection of Christ is the undeniable proof and foundation for our own future resurrection. Without Christ’s rising, all Christian faith would be utterly in vain, leaving them without hope and still in their sins.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. But what does it truly mean for it to be a fact, and not just a hopeful wish?
Paul doesn't mince words here. He states, "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead." This isn't a gentle suggestion or a philosophical possibility; it's presented as a historical reality. For the early church, and for us today, this resurrection is the undeniable proof of Jesus' identity and the power of God. Without it, as Paul goes on to say in this chapter, our faith is useless. It's the ultimate "game changer."
The Crucial Difference
Jesus is called the 'firstfruits.' What does this ancient agricultural image tell us about our future hope and our connection to Him?
The term "firstfruits" comes from the Old Testament practice of offering the very first part of a harvest to God. This wasn't just a small sample; it was a guarantee and a promise of the full harvest to come.
Ask a follow-up
The Significance of Firstfruits:
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.
aparchē · Greek Noun
The initial portion of a harvest, offered to God as a token of the full harvest to come. Christ is the 'firstfruits' of resurrection, guaranteeing the bodily resurrection of all believers.
parousia · Greek Noun
The personal return of Jesus Christ to the earth in glory to judge the world and consummate His kingdom.
The profound truth of Christ's resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith, directly combats the despair of death and offers tangible hope for every believer's future resurrection.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified in Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecies and offering a sacrifice for sins.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus is raised from the dead by God's power, appearing to many disciples.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Church Growth
The message of Jesus' resurrection spreads rapidly throughout Judea and the wider Roman Empire, despite persecution.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels extensively, planting churches and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, including the resurrection. He likely writes 1 Corinthians during this period from Ephesus.
c. 55 AD
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses deep divisions and theological issues within the church in Corinth, including persistent doubts about the resurrection of believers.
This passage echoes the idea that believers are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ, linking Jesus' resurrection to the future resurrection of His followers.
Colossians 1:18It directly calls Christ 'the firstborn from the dead,' emphasizing His preeminence and His role as the beginning of a new creation, just as firstfruits represent the whole harvest.
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 illustrate the significance of Christ's resurrection for all believers.
John 11:25-26Jesus Himself declares that He is the resurrection and the life, and that whoever believes in Him will never die, underscoring His power over death and His promise of eternal life to those who follow Him.
This verse powerfully declares Christ's resurrection not just as a historical event, but as the guarantee that all who are united with Him will also be raised. He is the "firstfruits," the initial, perfect harvest, meaning our own future resurrection is as certain as His present reality.
Paul is deeply invested in the Corinthians’ understanding of the resurrection, arguing against those who claim there is no resurrection of the dead. He’s building his case by showing how the resurrection of Christ is the undeniable proof and foundation for our own future resurrection. Without Christ’s rising, all Christian faith would be utterly in vain, leaving them without hope and still in their sins.
Paul is deeply invested in the Corinthians’ understanding of the resurrection, arguing against those who claim there is no resurrection of the dead. He’s building his case by showing how the resurrection of Christ is the undeniable proof and foundation for our own future resurrection. Without Christ’s rising, all Christian faith would be utterly in vain, leaving them without hope and still in their sins.
"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 powerfully declares Christ's resurrection not just as a historical event, but as the guarantee that all who are united with Him will also be raised. He is the "firstfruits," the initial,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
