Are the people in 1 Corinthians 15:23 the tribulation saints?
No. The people in 1 Corinthians 15:23 are not the tribulation saints. The context states this company is not Israel, not from the Old Testament economy, and not in reference to the tribulation that is still ahead.
Les explains that 1 Corinthians 15 is the great resurrection chapter, and he has been spending time on verse 23, not just the verse itself but what builds up to it. The key question is where this particular company of people comes from. He states they are certainly not Israel, not out of the Old Testament economy, and not in reference to that which is still ahead, the tribulation. Therefore, the people in 1 Corinthians 15:23 are not tribulation saints, but a distinct resurrection company.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
More Questions
Does 1 Corinthians 15:23 refer to the tribulation saints?
The company of people in view in 1 Corinthians 15:23 are not in reference to the still-future tribulation.
Is the tribulation still in the future?
Les explains that in 1 Corinthians 15, the great resurrection chapter, Paul is discussing a specific company of people. He notes they are not Israel, not out of the Old Testament economy, and not in reference to the tribulation, which he says is 'still ahead.' This indicates the tribulation has not yet happened and is therefore future. The contrast in the text places the tribulation after the present age, reinforcing that it remains a future event.