Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; Ver. 1. _And wherein ye stand_] εστηκατε, a military term, as Martyr noteth. Satan overthroweth the faith of some, 2 Timothy 2:18, and by this very engine wherewith he ass... [ Continue Reading ]
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. Ver. 2. _By which also ye are saved_] Eternal life is potentially in the word, as the harvest is potentially in the seed, or as the tree is in the kernel or scion,James 1:21 . _ If ye keep i... [ Continue Reading ]
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; Ver. 3. _First of all_] Christ is to be preached with the first, as being the _prora et puppis_ of man's happiness, John 16:14. It is the office of the Holy Ghost to take... [ Continue Reading ]
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Ver. 4. _According to the Scriptures_] Which both foreshowed and foreshadowed it in Adam's waking, Isaac's reviving, as it were from the dead, Joseph's abasement and advancement, Samson's breaking the bars and... [ Continue Reading ]
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: Ver. 5. _Seen of Cephas_] Adam died, and we hear no more of him. But Christ showed himself after death in six several apparitions for our confirmation. _ Then of the twelve_] So they are called for the rotundity of the number, _utcunque unus vel... [ Continue Reading ]
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. Ver. 6. _Above five hundred_] The number of believers were then greater than some would gather out of Acts 1:15. Those 120 may seem to have been chieftains,... [ Continue Reading ]
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. Ver. 7. _Seen of James_] This is not mentioned in the Gospel, as neither that of Peter, 1 Corinthians 15:5 .... [ Continue Reading ]
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. Ver. 8. _One born out of due time_] _Quasi malo astro abortus, et adversante natura coactus._ One that deserved to be rejected, as that forlorn infant, Ezekiel 16:4,5 .... [ Continue Reading ]
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. Ver. 9. _I am the least of the apostles_] Not come to my just size, as one born out of due time, and not without violence. _Paulus quasi Paululus, _ saith one, because he was least... [ Continue Reading ]
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which _was bestowed_ upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Ver. 10. _I laboured more abundantly_] See 2 Corinthians 11:23; Romans 15:19. George Eagles, martyr in... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore whether _it were_ I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. Ver. 11. _So we preach, and so ye believed_] A happy compliance, when the hearers' affections and endeavours do answer the affections and endeavours of the preacher, as here, and at Ephesus, Acts 20:31,37; when people deliver... [ Continue Reading ]
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? Ver. 12. _No resurrection_] More than that of regeneration, Matthew 19:28, that estate of the gospel called a new heaven and a new earth, 2 Peter 3:13, the world to come, Hebrews... [ Continue Reading ]
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: Ver. 13. _Then is not Christ risen_] But of Christ's resurrection there were many both living and dead witnesses, as the earthquake, empty grave, stone rolled away, clothes wrapt up, &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
And if Christ be not risen, then _is_ our preaching vain, and your faith _is_ also vain. Ver. 14. _Then is our preaching vain_] Never was there any imposture put upon the world as Christianity, if Christ be yet in the grave.... [ Continue Reading ]
Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. Ver. 15. _False witnesses of God_] For they might safely say with Jeremiah, Lord, if we be deceived, thou hast deceived us.... [ Continue Reading ]
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: Ver. 16. _Then is not Christ raised_] And so God's decree is cassated, Acts 13:33; cf. Psalms 50:7 .... [ Continue Reading ]
And if Christ be not raised, your faith _is_ vain; ye are yet in your sins. Ver. 17. _Ye are yet in your sins_] Romans 4:25. If he had not been let out of prison, our debt had remained upon us. But God sent his angel to roll away the stone, as the judge sends an officer to fetch one out of prison,... [ Continue Reading ]
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. Ver. 18. _Asleep in Christ_] The Germans call the churchyard God's Acre, because the bodies are sowed therein, to be raised again. The Greeks call them κοιμητηρια, sleeping houses. The Hebrews call the grave _Becbajim, _ the house of th... [ Continue Reading ]
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Ver. 19. _Most miserable_] Because none out of hell ever suffered more than the saints have done.... [ Continue Reading ]
But now is Christ risen from the dead, _and_ become the firstfruits of them that slept. Ver. 20. _The firstfruits, &c._] As in the firstfruits offered to God, the Jews were assured of God's blessing on the whole harvest; so by the resurrection of Christ, our resurrection is insured. _ Christ is ri... [ Continue Reading ]
For since by man _came_ death, by man _came_ also the resurrection of the dead. Ver. 21. _By man came also, &c._] God's justice would be satisfied in the same nature that had sinned.... [ Continue Reading ]
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Ver. 22. _Shall all be made alive_] The saints shall be raised by virtue of the union with Christ to glory, the wicked shall be dragged to his tribunal by his Almighty power as a judge, to be tumbled thence into hell's torment.... [ Continue Reading ]
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Ver. 23. _At his coming_] As in the meantime their very dust is precious; the dead bodies consumed are not so destroyed, but that there is a substance preserved by a secret influence proceeding f... [ Continue Reading ]
Then _cometh_ the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. Ver. 24. _Delivered up the kingdom_] Not his essential kingdom, as God, by his economical, as Mediator.... [ Continue Reading ]
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. Ver. 25. _Till he hath put_] And after too, but, 1. Without adversaries; 2. Without any outward means and ordinances.... [ Continue Reading ]
The last enemy _that_ shall be destroyed _is_ death. Ver. 26. _That shall be destroyed_] It is already to the saints swallowed up in victory, so that they may say to it, as Jacob did to Esau, "Surely I have seen thy face as the face of God." This Esau, death, meets a member of Christ with kisses in... [ Continue Reading ]
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under _him, it is_ manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. Ver. 27. _All things under his feet_] This,Psalms 8:7,8, spoken of man in general, is properly applied to the man Christ Jesus; in who... [ Continue Reading ]
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Ver. 28. _That God may be all in all_] Till sin and death be abolished we have no access to God but by Christ. But after that all enemies be... [ Continue Reading ]
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? Ver. 29. _Which are baptized_] The several senses that are set upon this text, see in Beza, Piscator, but especially our new annotations upon the Bible.... [ Continue Reading ]
And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? Ver. 30. _In jeopardy every hour_] Carrying our lives in our hands, as both the Hebrews and Greeks phrase it, εν τη χειρι την ψυχην εχειν. (Athenseus.)... [ Continue Reading ]
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. Ver. 31. _By our rejoicing_] _i.e._ By our infirmities, afflictions, wherein he so much glorieth, 2Co 11:23-33; 2 Corinthians 12:1,10, as an old soldier doth of his scars. As if the apostle should say, I appeal to all t... [ Continue Reading ]
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Ver. 32. _If after the manner, &c._] Paul fought with beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men, that is, say some, the men of Ephesus fought wi... [ Continue Reading ]
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Ver. 33. _Evil communication_] Evil words are not wind, as most imagine, but the devil's drivel, that leaves a foul stain upon the speaker, and often sets the like upon the hearer. Shun obscene borborology (filthy talk) (saith one) and unsa... [ Continue Reading ]
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak _this_ to your shame. Ver. 34. _Awake to righteousness_] Go forth and shake yourselves (as Samson did) out of that dead lethargy whereinto sin hath cast you; your enemies are upon you, and you fast asleep the while... [ Continue Reading ]
But some _man_ will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Ver. 35. _But some man will say_] Some epicure will object, and say, How can these things be? _A privatione ad habitum non datur regressus._ _See Trapp on "_ Act 17:18 _"_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou_ fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: Ver. 36. _Thou fool_] A hard knot must have a hard wedge, a dead heart a rousing reproof. He confutes atheists from the course of nature, which they ascribe so much unto.... [ Continue Reading ]
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other _grain_ : Ver. 37. _And that which thou sowest_] This is an answer to the epicure's second demand, 1 Corinthians 15:35, with what body do they come? with a dead, diseased, r... [ Continue Reading ]
But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. Ver. 38. _But God giveth it a body_] _Deus naturae vires et vices ita moderatur, &c., _ saith one. God so orders all, that nothing is done without him. The same Hebrew word מליוה that signifieth an ear of grain, doth a... [ Continue Reading ]
All flesh _is_ not the same flesh: but _there is_ one _kind of_ flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, _and_ another of birds. Ver. 39. _All flesh is not the same_] This is another answer to the epicure, who might haply reply, and say, If man's flesh, when rotted, shall revive, w... [ Continue Reading ]
_There are_ also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial _is_ one, and the _glory_ of the terrestrial _is_ another. Ver. 40. _There are also celestial_] Stars and spirits (the inhabitants of that other heaven) I find, saith a divine, like one another. Meteors and fo... [ Continue Reading ]
_There is_ one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for _one_ star differeth from _another_ star in glory. Ver. 41. _One star differeth, &c._] The morning star is said to cast a shadow with its shine. "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the seven sta... [ Continue Reading ]
So also _is_ the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: Ver. 42. _So also is the resurrection_] Whether there are degrees of glory, as it seems probable, so we shall certainly know, when we come to heaven. Three glimpses of the body's glory were seen, in M... [ Continue Reading ]
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: Ver. 43. _It is raised in power_] The resurrection will cure all infirmities. At Stratford-le-Bow were burned in Queen Mary's days, at one stake, a lame man and a blind man. The lame man after he was chai... [ Continue Reading ]
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. Ver. 44. _A spiritual body_] Luther saith the body shall move up and down like thought. Augustine saith, they shall move to any place they will, as soon as they will. As birds (saith Za... [ Continue Reading ]
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam _was made_ a quickening spirit. Ver. 45. _A quickening spirit_] Christ is called a spirit from his Deity, as Hebrews 9:14, and a quickening spirit, because he is the principle of life to all believers.... [ Continue Reading ]
Howbeit that _was_ not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. Ver. 46. _And afterward, that is spiritual_] Nature, art, grace, proceed from less perfect or more perfect. Let us advance forward, and ripen apace, that we "may be accounted worthy to... [ Continue Reading ]
The first man _is_ of the earth, earthy: the second man _is_ the Lord from heaven. Ver. 47. _Of the earth, earthy_] Gr. dusty, slimy, _ex terra friabili._ Let this pull down proud flesh. Let us throw this proud Jezebel out of the windows of our hearts, and lay her honour in the dust, by remembering... [ Continue Reading ]
As _is_ the earthy, such _are_ they also that are earthy: and as _is_ the heavenly, such _are_ they also that are heavenly. Ver. 48. _They that are earthy_] κερυμος ο ανθρωπος, _Vulgus fictilis._ Man is but an earthen pot, Isaiah 64:8 .... [ Continue Reading ]
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Ver. 49. _The image of the heavenly_] SeePhilippians 3:21. Our bodies shall be fashioned like to Christ's glorious body in beauty, brightness, incorruption, immortality, grace, favour, agility, strength, and... [ Continue Reading ]
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Ver. 50. _Flesh and blood_] The body as it is corruptible, cannot enter heaven, but must be changed; we shall appear with him in glory. The vile body of Moses, that was hi... [ Continue Reading ]
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, Ver. 51. _I show you a mystery_] Not known till now to any man living. This, likely, was one of those wordless words, ρηματα αρρητα, that Paul heard in his rapture, 2 Corinthians 12:4 .... [ Continue Reading ]
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Ver. 52. _The trumpet shall sound_] As at the giving of the law it did, Exodus 19:16. If the law were thus given (saith a divine), how shall... [ Continue Reading ]
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal _must_ put on immortality. Ver. 53. _For this corruptible_] Pointing to his body, he speaketh, as Psalms 34:6; "This poor man cried, the Lord heard him." So the old believers, when they rehearsed the creed, and came to that article, I b... [ Continue Reading ]
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Ver. 54. _Death is swallowed up_] As the fuel is swallowed up by the fire; as the sorcerers' serpents w... [ Continue Reading ]
O death, where _is_ thy sting? O grave, where _is_ thy victory? Ver. 55. _Death, where is thy sting?_] This is the sharpest and the shrillest note, the boldest and the bravest challenge, that ever man rang in the ears of death. _Sarcasmo constat et hostili derisione, qua mors ridenda propinatur, _... [ Continue Reading ]
The sting of death _is_ sin; and the strength of sin _is_ the law. Ver. 56. _The sting of death is sin_] Christ having unstinged death, and as it were disarmed it, we may safely now put it into our bosoms, as we may a snake whose sting is pulled out. If it shoot forth now a sting at us, it is but a... [ Continue Reading ]
But thanks _be_ to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Ver. 57. _But thanks be to God, &c._] Here St Paul, Christ's chief herald, proclaims his victory with a world of solemnity and triumph.... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Ver. 58. _Always abounding, &c._] This will strengthen faith, as the often knocking upon a stake fastens it. When faith bears fruit... [ Continue Reading ]