Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Read it in contextThe Resurrection of Christ and Believers
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 15:1 (1 Corinthians 15:1 to 1 Corinthians 15:38).
The passage begins a major discourse on the resurrection, starting from the first verse of the chapter.
15:1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
15:2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
15:3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
15:4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
15:5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
15:6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
15:7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
15:8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
15:9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
15:11Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
15:12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
15:13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
15:14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15:15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
15:16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
15:17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
15:18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
15:19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
15:20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
15:21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
15:22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
15:23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
15:24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
15:25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
15:26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
15:27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
15:28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
15:29Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
15:30And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
15:31I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our LORD, I die daily.
15:32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
15:34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
15:35But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
15:36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
15:37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
15:38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 15:1–15:58): Paul addresses Corinthians among whom some deny resurrection, recalling witnesses to Jesus' resurrection and explaining its significance. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the dire consequence of denying the resurrection of the dead: if there is no resurrection, then those who have died in Christ are perished.
What is God revealing? God is revealing through Paul the absolute necessity of Christ's resurrection and the subsequent resurrection of believers for salvation and eternal hope. Without the resurrection, faith is vain, and those who have died in Christ would be lost.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by an argumentative and didactic tone as Paul addresses a theological error concerning the resurrection.
When
When was it written? The epistle was written around A.D. 55. book background
When does the event take place? The passage discusses past events such as Christ's death and resurrection, and the death of believers ('fallen asleep'). It also addresses the future event of the resurrection of the dead and its implications.
Where
Where did it happen? The theological discussion itself is not tied to a specific physical location within the passage, but the letter is addressed to the church in Corinth.
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Ephesus when he wrote this letter. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Resurrection of Christ and Believers (1 Corinthians 15:1 to 1 Corinthians 15:38).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 15:1. The passage begins a major discourse on the resurrection, starting from the first verse of the chapter.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse is a crucial part of Paul's extended argument in 1 Corinthians 15 for the resurrection of the dead. He builds a logical case: if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen (1 Corinthians 15:13, 16). If Christ is not risen, then the apostles' preaching is vain, the Corinthians' faith is vain, and they are still in their sins (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17). This verse then presents the ultimate tragic conclusion of that premise: if there is no resurrection, then those who have died believing in Christ have perished, meaning their hope was false and they are lost. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? This verse powerfully points to Christ by demonstrating that His resurrection is the indispensable foundation for the hope of resurrection for all who believe in Him. Without Christ's resurrection, the faith of those who have died in Him is meaningless, and their hope is vain. Christ's resurrection is presented as the guarantee and firstfruits of the resurrection of all believers. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage reminds believers today of the vital importance of the resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of the dead. It underscores that our hope is not merely for this life but extends beyond death, secured by Christ's victory over death. It encourages steadfastness in faith, knowing that those who have 'fallen asleep in Christ' have not perished but await resurrection. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 15
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the gospel the Corinthians received and the witnesses to Jesus' resurrection, establishing the basis of his argument.
Connection to the wholePaul exposes what denial of resurrection would do to the gospel and hope, then relates Christ's resurrection to the future of those who are His.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about the body through images of seed and differing glory, distinguishing present corruptibility from the resurrection life.
Connection to the wholeThe final transformation and victory over death lead directly to the call to remain steadfast in the Lord's work.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.