How does Paul illustrate the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15?
Paul illustrates resurrection by using various allusions and allegories, showing that all through nature there is the concept of resurrection from one state to another. In 1 Corinthians 15:51 he reveals a mystery: a group of people alive will be suddenly taken off the scene, the rapture, a Church Age doctrine.
Les explains that 1 Corinthians chapter 15 deals with resurrection, where Paul uses various allusions, allegories, or whatever one wants to call them, to show how all through nature there is the whole concept of resurrection from one state to another. As Paul explains resurrection, he comes down to verse 51 and says, “behold I show you a mystery, and indeed it has been a secret.” Les points out that the casual reader does not catch this. He emphasizes that there is not a hint, not even the foggiest hint, anywhere up through the Old Testament, all through the Gospels, into the Book of Acts, of a group of people who will be alive and suddenly taken off the scene—the rapture. The reason is that it is a Church Age phenomenon, and only one writer in Scripture writes concerning the Church, the Apostle Paul. So from this man’s writing we get the teaching concerning the Church, which is the rapture. It is a Church Age doctrine.
More Questions
How is 1 Corinthians 15 different from other Bible passages about resurrection?
Unlike other portions of Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15 gives a detailed description of what resurrection will entail.
What is 1 Corinthians 15 about?
The chapter following 1 Corinthians 14 is chapter 15, which deals with the resurrection, and that is what will be emphasized next.