1 Corinthians 15:20

Νυνὶ δέ (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18) marks the logical point P. has reached by the reductio ad impossibile of the negative proposition attacked in 1 Corinthians 15:12. Christ has been raised; therefore there is a resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-18): “now” the ground is cleared and the foundation laid for the declaration that the Christian dead shall rise in Him “Christ has been raised from the dead, a firstfruit of them that have fallen asleep ”; He has risen in this character and purpose, “not to remain alone in his estate of glory”(Gd [2335]). ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων (pf. of abiding state: cf. John 11:11 f., Matthew 27:52) = ἀρχή, πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν and πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5). Cm [2336] and Bg [2337] are surely right in seeing here an allusion to the first harvest-sheaf (ἀπαρχὴν του θερισμοῦ ὑμῶν, Leviticus 23:10 : cf. in this connexion Matthew 13:39 ff. with John 5:28 f. and Revelation 14:14 ff.) of the Passover, which was presented in the Sanctuary on the 16th Nisan, probably the day of the resurrection of Jesus; this allusion is in the Easter strain of 1 Corinthians 5:6 ff. (see notes). The first ripe sheaf is an earnest and sample of the harvest, consecrated to God and laid up With Him (cf. Romans 6:10 f.) in anticipation of the rest. The Resurrection has begun.

[2335] F. Godet's Commentaire sur la prem. Ép. aux Corinthiens (Eng. Trans.).

[2336] John Chrysostom's Homiliœ († 407).

[2337] Bengel's Gnomon Novi Testamenti.