What change does Paul make at 1 Corinthians 15:20?
At 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul shifts gears. Instead of speaking only of Christ's resurrection at His death and burial, he moves to the end of the age and presents resurrection as part of God's overall plan for the ages. This is a deliberate transition.
Les explains that Paul had been discussing the resurrection from the dead through chapter 15 up to verse 19. At verse 20, Paul again shifts gears. Rather than speaking only about the resurrection of Christ at the time of His death, burial, and resurrection, Paul now goes clear to the end of the age. There he brings up resurrection as part of the whole picture of God's plan of the ages. This shows the broader context of God's plan and purpose rather than limiting the discussion to Christ's resurrection alone.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
More Questions
Why does Paul shift gears at 1 Corinthians 15:20?
At 1 Corinthians 15:20 Paul shifts gears: instead of speaking only of Christ's resurrection at the time of His death, burial, and resurrection, he goes clear to the end of the age and presents resurrection as part of the whole picture of God's plan of the ages.
Who is the 'He' in 1 Corinthians 15:20 who wrought power in Christ?
The 'He' who wrought power in Christ and raised Him from the dead is God the Father, identified back in verse 17 (the triune God).
What does it mean that Christ is the firstfruits in 1 Corinthians 15:20?
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15 that Christ has become the firstfruits (plural), meaning that He is not the only resurrected one—because a firstfruits sheaf had to contain many stems gathered from the field, Christ was definitely the first but could not be the only one raised.