Who are baptized for the dead? If we knew the exact wording of the Corinthians' question, it would be easy to know exactly what Paul means. But we do know this is part of his logic in proving the dead will be raised. MacKnight translates this: "who are baptized for THE RESURRECTION of the dead." Then, we take this as Paul continuing his reasoning of 1 Corinthians 15:16-19. (1) All the Corinthians were baptized (Acts 18:8). (2) They were baptized into union with Christ and shared his death (Romans 6:3-5). (3) Their baptism was in hope of being raised from death through Christ's resurrection (1 Peter 3:21). Shepherd sees 2 Corinthians 4:11 as an added element, and says: "What is to become of those who on being baptized do so knowing that it may prove their death warrant, if the dead rise not?" Compare 1 Corinthians 15:30.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament