NEW TESTAMENT

1 Corinthians 15:51–58

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51

Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 51. We shall all indeed rise again, but we shall not all be changed. [3] This is the reading of the Latin Vulgate, and of some Greek MSS. and the sense is, that all both good and bad shall rise, but only the elect to the happy change of a glorified body. The reading in most Greek copies at present is, we shall not all sleep, (that is die) be we shall be all changed: so also read S. Chrysostom: and S. Jerom found it in many MSS. from which divers, especially of the Greek interpreters, thought that such as should be found living at the day of judgment should not die, but the bodies of the elect (of whom Saint Paul here speaks) should be changed to a happy state of immortality. This opinion, if it deserve not to be censured, is at least against the common persuasion of the faithful, who look upon it certain that all shall die before they come to judgment. Some expound the Greek only to signify, that all shall not sleep, that is shall not remain for any time in the grave, as others who die are accustomed to do. Witham.

EXPLANATION

“Behold”, from “ἰδοὺ”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.

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52

in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 52. In a moment, and so forth By the power of the Almighty all shall rise again in their bodies, either to a happy or a miserable resurrection. Witham.

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53

For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54

But when this perishable body will have become imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 54. Death is swallowed up in victory, in regard of the saints and the elect, so that it may be said, O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? over which the saints shall triumph, and also over sin and hell. Witham.

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55

“Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?”

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

or, Hell

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56

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

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