5 - Hoping in God, the “all in all”

Summary

If there is any place in 1 Corinthians where doctrinal instruction seems to be Paul's primary aim it is chapter 15, in which his topic is the resurrection of the dead. Two earlier sections of extended theological exposition have supported appeals for a change in conduct; in the case of 1.18–2.16 those appeals are for congregational unity, and in the case of 12.12–13.13 they concern the exercise of spiritual gifts. In chapter 15, however, Paul turns his attention to a matter of belief, expressing astonishment that there are “some” in his congregation who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead (v. 12). He does not indicate who or how many were denying this hope, although the extent of his discussion and the evident care with which he has developed his counter arguments suggest that it was probably the majority. It is unclear exactly why the resurrection of the dead was being denied, whether any kind of post-mortem existence was affirmed, and why baptism on behalf of the dead (v. 29) was nonetheless a congregational practice. But uncertainty about these questions does not preclude us from following at least the main lines of the apostle's argument, and thereby enlarging our understanding of the theological orientation of this letter.

However, we must not expect too much. Paul's doctrinal instruction in chapter 15 does not amount to a comprehensive statement of his eschatological views. He is not responding to a request for information about what will happen at the end, or what the consummation of God's purposes will involve, but to a specific doctrinal position that he regards as erroneous.