The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
Read it in contextThe resurrection body
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 15:35 (1 Corinthians 15:35 to 1 Corinthians 15:49).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul answers questions about the body through images of seed and differing glory, distinguishing present corruptibility from the resurrection life.
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.
15:39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
15:40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
15:41There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
15:42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
15:43It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
15:44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
15:46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
15:47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
15:48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
15:49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
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 topic of this reading unit? The resurrection body. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35 through 1 Corinthians 15:49 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul answers questions about the body through images of seed and differing glory, distinguishing present corruptibility from the resurrection life. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The resurrection body (1 Corinthians 15:35 to 1 Corinthians 15:49).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 15:35. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. 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.