1 Corinthians 15:25–34 (ESV) —
25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
NOTE: No commentator has a good answer for the practice of being baptized for the dead. It is not mentioned anywhere else in scripture and may have been something that originated in Corinth. Paul's point about the practice has to do with the resurrection, and it makes no sense if the dead are not raised -- in essence, who cares? The argument that would make more sense to Christians today is why did Paul risk his life if the resurrection is not true? Paul bet everything in his life on a living savior, risen from the dead. Why do that? Paul had a great life back in Jerusalem. He was well on his way toward becoming a very influential religious person, demanding great respect. He was starting a very prosperous and rich life, and he gave it all up when he met the risen savior. Afterwards, he was certainly never materially rich, often having a side job to pay expenses. He did not marry or have children. His own people sought to kill him. But in his mind, it was worth it. He knew and believed the truth of the gospel as an eyewitness.
A lot of people have given their lives for an idea. I don't give those types of martyrs much credit because they could have deceived themselves. But Paul saw the savior. He tells the story of meeting him and being transported in the spirit to the third heaven. God spoke to him on one of his trips to expunge Christians, and blinded him. The resurrection and encounter with Jesus changed everything about Paul.
PONDER:
- How does the resurrection affect my everyday life?
- What have I given up in order to progress the gospel?
PRAYER: Father, thank you for the life you have given me. Thank you for the men I have had the chance to disciple. Thank you for the missionaries we have been able to support. Thank you for the opportunity to teach for 40 years, and the things I have learned as I have studied the scriptures. But I am not like Paul, I have not given up everything. And you don't ask every person to be like Paul. But, I do pray, if there is something I am not doing
No comments:
Post a Comment