1 Corinthians 15:29-32

Actions Which Cannot Be Explained Without a Resurrection

If there was no life after death, why were people baptized for the dead. In view of Paul's use of pronouns in this chapter, it appears there were false teachers in Corinth who baptized the living in behalf of some who had already died. In verse 1, Paul plainly used "I" to refer to himself. In verse 2, he spoke of the Corinthians as "you." Yet, in verse 29, he spoke of "they." Clearly, Paul had someone other than himself or the Corinthian brethren in mind when he wrote these words about baptism for the dead (1 Corinthians 15:29).

Of course, it can also be said that Christian baptism points to a hope of something better beyond the grave. By baptism, one dies unto sin and begins to live for Jesus (Romans 6:3-11). Baptism is powerful because Jesus died and was raised again. Those who submit to baptism live in hope of the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).

If there was no resurrection, why did Paul place himself in danger to preach the gospel? Paul was happy to face such danger, even death, because of those who believed his preaching. Yet, without a resurrection, Paul's facing of peril and fight with beasts (daily danger) was futile (1 Corinthians 15:30-32).