1 Corinthians 15:20

But now is Christ risen from the dead St Paul considers it needless to argue the point further. He appeals not so much to the reason on points like this (see ch. 1 Corinthians 2:14) it is likely to deceive us as to the moral instincts of every human being. Of course a man has power to stifle them, but they tell him plainly enough that love of purity and truth, desire of immortality, belief in the love and justice of God, are no vain dreams, as they would be if the -wise man died as the fool" (Ecclesiastes 2:16). Accordingly, the Apostle now (1 Corinthians 15:20) proceeds to unfold the laws of God's spiritual kingdom as facts which cannot be gainsaid. He may appeal (as in 1 Corinthians 15:29) to his own practice and that of others as a confirmation of what he says. But from henceforth he speaks with authority. He wastes no more time in discussion.

and become the firstfruits of them that slept The firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10) were the first ripe corn, under the Law, solemnly offered to God, a fit type of Him Who first presented our ripened humanity before the Throne of God, an earnest of the mighty harvest hereafter to be gathered.