But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
1 Corinthians 15:23
What does 1 Corinthians 15:23 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
1 Corinthians 15:23
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It’s easy to skim over "in his own order," but this phrase is crucial! It means Christ's resurrection isn't just a singular event, but the foundational step in a divinely orchestrated sequence that guarantees our own future resurrection, bringing it about in a specific, God-ordained progression.
But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is tackling a serious misunderstanding among believers in Corinth: they were doubting the resurrection of the dead. He’s methodically building his case, showing how Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of their faith and the guarantee of their own future resurrection. This verse is part of that argument, clarifying the divine timeline for who gets raised when, starting with Jesus himself.
The resurrection isn't a chaotic event, but a divinely orchestrated victory. This verse highlights Jesus' unique position in that grand plan.
The concept of 'firstfruits' (Greek: aparchē) in the Old Testament referred to the very first part of the harvest offered to God. It was a guarantee and a pledge of the full harvest to come.
In 1 Corinthians 15:23, Christ is explicitly called the 'firstfruits' of those who have fallen asleep in death. His resurrection is not an isolated miracle; it’s the definitive sign and the essential precursor to the resurrection of all believers. His victory over the grave secures our future hope and confirms the reality of the resurrection life.
The resurrection of believers isn't a random event but part of a divine timeline. What does this 'order' mean for us?
The verse clearly states there's an 'order' to the resurrection. While Christ is the absolute first, the next stage involves 'those who belong to Christ.' This signifies that all who have faith in Him will be resurrected when He returns.
This isn't about a competition or who gets resurrected first among believers. It's about a divinely appointed time when all who are united with Christ through faith will share in His resurrection victory. This future hope is what gives meaning and endurance to our present walk with God.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
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 understanding of resurrection in 1 Corinthians is deeply rooted in the actual resurrection of Jesus, which served as the 'firstfruits' – the undeniable guarantee and pattern for all who would follow.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is crucified and then resurrected, appearing to many followers. This event is the foundational belief of early Christianity and the ultimate victory over death.
c. 33-60 AD
Rapid Spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles and early believers spread the message of the resurrection throughout the Roman Empire, establishing communities and facing persecution.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes a church in the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Corinth. During his time there or shortly after, he addresses numerous issues within the community.
c. 55 AD
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus to the church in Corinth, responding to reports of division, immorality, and doctrinal confusion, including questions about the resurrection of believers.
This passage introduces the concept of the 'firstfruits' offering, a sheaf of the early harvest presented to God before the rest of the crops could be used, directly paralleling Christ's resurrection as the first to rise from the dead.
John 11:25-26Jesus declares, 'I am the resurrection and the life.' This reinforces the idea that He is the source and assurance of the resurrection for all who believe in Him, the 'firstfruits' of the coming harvest of believers.
Colossians 1:18Paul calls Christ 'the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.' This highlights Christ's preeminence and His role as the pioneer of resurrection, ensuring that believers will follow Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17This passage describes the Lord's return with a loud command and the resurrection of believers who are 'in Christ.' It paints a picture of the event that follows Christ's role as the firstfruits, when His people will join Him.
It’s easy to skim over "in his own order," but this phrase is crucial! It means Christ's resurrection isn't just a singular event, but the foundational step in a divinely orchestrated sequence that guarantees our own future resurrection, bringing it about in a specific, God-ordained progression.
Paul is tackling a serious misunderstanding among believers in Corinth: they were doubting the resurrection of the dead. He’s methodically building his case, showing how Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of their faith and the guarantee of their own future resurrection. This verse is part of that argument, clarifying the divine timeline for who gets raised when, starting with Jesus himself.
Paul is tackling a serious misunderstanding among believers in Corinth: they were doubting the resurrection of the dead. He’s methodically building his case, showing how Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of their faith and the guarantee of their own future resurrection. This verse is part of that argument, clarifying the divine timeline for who gets raised when, starting with Jesus himself.
"But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ." — It’s easy to skim over "in his own order," but this phrase is crucial! It means Christ's resurrection isn't just a singular event, but the foundational step in a divinely orchestrated sequence that g…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026