1 Corinthians 15:35-58

II. The Mode of the Resurrection of the Body. 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.

After demonstrating the essential part played by the resurrection in the Christian salvation, the apostle sets himself to answer the objections which this doctrine might raise. These objections were probably uttered ironically by certain members of the Church of Corinth who wished to parade their wisdom. It was not difficult, indeed, to turn the doctrine into ridicule, especially if it was understood in the gross way in which it was taught by the Rabbins, who regarded the resurrection as a restoration pure and simple of the present body by the reunion of the material elements of which it was composed. This is proved by numerous sayings in the Talmud; and it was probably this point of view at which the Sadducees placed themselves to ridicule this belief; as it is also by representing the resurrection in this way that scoffers of our own day give point to their sarcasms.

The apostle begins by answering two objections which human wisdom raises against the resurrection of the body: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49; then he explains what will happen to the bodies of those who do not pass through death: 1 Corinthians 15:50-53; finally, he closes with a triumphant conclusion: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58.