Bible Study 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

1 Corinthians 15:20–28 NKJV

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Prayer

Message

In the first half of 1 Corinthians 15, last week we studied that Paul confronted a troubling theological error among some in the Corinthian church who were denying the future bodily resurrection of believers. He began by reaffirming the core of the gospel—Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day—as truths validated by eyewitnesses and in accordance with the Scriptures (vv. 1–11). Paul then launched into a series of logical consequences in vv. 12–19, arguing that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. If Christ were not raised from the dead, then Christian preaching is useless, faith is futile, and believers then and now are still in their sins. Paul’s tone became increasingly impassioned as he underscored the catastrophic implications of denying the resurrection—both for doctrine and for our hope.

Tonight as we study verse 20, however, the entire tone of the passage shifts from hypothetical despair to triumphant assurance.

Paul moved from the "if not" scenario to a glorious "but now" reality: Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Drawing on Old Testament imagery of harvest offerings, Paul presents Christ’s resurrection as the beginning of a much greater resurrection to come.

Verses 20–28 offer a sweeping eschatological vision, connecting Christ’s resurrection to the ultimate subjugation of all enemies—including death—and the final handing over of the kingdom to God the Father. This section marks the heart of Paul’s resurrection theology: Christ’s resurrection is not an isolated miracle, but the initiating act in God's cosmic plan to redeem and restore all things.

Doors in our Future (vv. 20-23)

1 Corinthians 15:20–23 “20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

How many of you have gardens at your home?Daughter Lacey puts videos about her garden and greenhouse on TikTok and Instagram. She will exploit harvesting her first growth of a fruit or vegetable. I think yesterday was broccoli.

Imagine a farmer walks out to his fields in early spring. After months of preparation, he sees the very first ripe strawberry of the season. It’s small, red, and perfect. He picks it, tastes it—and it’s sweet. That one strawberry is not the whole harvest, but it guarantees something: the rest of the crop is coming. It provides celebration and assurance of what’s ahead

Meaning of "Firstfruits"

In the Old Testament (e.g., Leviticus 23:10–11)

Leviticus 23:10–11 “10 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 ‘He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord for you to be accepted; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.”

The firstfruits referred to the initial portion of the harvest that was offered to God as a sign of gratitude and trust. It symbolized both the beginning of the harvest and a guarantee that more was to follow. The firstfruits were consecrated and holy, and they anticipated the full harvest yet to come.

1 Corinthians 16:1–2 “1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”

Paul’s Application to Jesus

Paul applied this imagery to Christ’s resurrection:

Jesus is the first to rise from the dead with a glorified, incorruptible body—never to die again. (Unlike Lazarus, who was raised but later died again.)

His resurrection is not isolated but is the beginning of the full harvest of believers who will also be raised.

The phrase “those who have fallen asleep” refers to believers who have died—Paul uses the term “asleep” as a hopeful metaphor, emphasizing resurrection (see also 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14).

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 “13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”

Key Implications

Jesus' resurrection is a pledge—what happened to Him will happen to all who are in Him (Romans 8:11, Colossians 1:18).

Romans 8:11 “11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

Colossians 1:18 “18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”

It ties individual resurrection hope to Christ’s historical resurrection, anchoring our future to a past event.

It affirms that resurrection is bodily and real, not merely spiritual or symbolic.

Summary

Paul’s use of “firstfruits” emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection is both prototype and promise—the assurance that believers, though now dead (“asleep”), will be raised just as He was.

Notice verse 21 closely with me:

Federal Headship

"Two Men, Two Destinies: The Doctrine of Federal Headship" – Through Adam, death reigns. Through Christ, life reigns.

"Ruined in Adam, Rescued in Christ"

This doctrine teaches that both Adam and Christ serve as representative heads of humanity—Adam for the natural, fallen humanity, and Christ for the redeemed, spiritual humanity. What each man did had consequences for all who are “in” him.

You may be one that think it so unfair that you were born to sin simply because you were born of the adamic nature.

But just as unfair is the notion that Jesus paid the price for your sin and mine.

Genesis 3:19 “19 By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.””

Romans 5:12 “12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—”

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Hebrews 9:27 “27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,”

Romans 5:12–21 NKJV

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Details of the Finality (vv. 24-26)

1 Corinthians 15:24–26 “24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”

These verses describe the final phase of Christ’s redemptive reign. Paul outlines a timeline in which Jesus, having been raised from the dead (v. 20), will reign until all enemies are subdued (v. 25), culminating in the destruction of death itself (v. 26). This is not merely personal resurrection—it’s a cosmic restoration.

“Then comes the end...” (v. 24)

“The end” (telos) refers to the completion or consummation of God’s plan. It’s not just a point in time—it’s the purpose being fulfilled.

Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father, having completed His mediatorial mission. He is not relinquishing deity or authority, but rather submitting the fully redeemed creation to the Father (cf. v. 28).

“After destroying every rule and every authority and power...”

This speaks of spiritual forces of evil (cf. Ephesians 6:12), as well as worldly systems that oppose God's rule.

Ephesians 6:12 “12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Christ’s victory is not partial—it is total and triumphant, involving the overthrow of all rebellious forces (cf. Colossians 2:15).

Colossians 2:15 “15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

“For He must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet...” (v. 25)

Echoes Psalm 110:1, a messianic psalm quoted throughout the New Testament: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

Christ is reigning now (present tense), but His reign moves toward a goal—the final defeat of every enemy.

“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (v. 26)

Death, introduced through the first Adam (v. 22), is the final obstacle to complete redemption.

Christ’s resurrection ensures death’s defeat—but the full removal of death awaits the final resurrection of all believers (cf. Rev. 20:14, Rev. 21:4).

Revelation 20:14 “14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

Revelation 21:4 “4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.””

What Is Happening Here?

1. Death and Hades are “thrown into the lake of fire”

This means death (as a power) and Hades (as the temporary realm of the dead) are abolished, no longer having any dominion

It fulfills 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

It signals the end of the curse—no more dying, no more grave, no more waiting.

This is not saying that hell is being done away with—rather, it is being finalized.

2. Hades ≠ Hell in a technical sense:

Hades in the Bible (Greek: ᾅδης) is the temporary holding place for the dead—especially the unsaved—before final judgment.

(Think: the “waiting room” before the courtroom.)

See Luke 16:23 – the rich man was in Hades in torment, awaiting judgment.

Luke 16:23 “23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

The Lake of Fire (Greek: λίμνη τοῦ πυρός) is what we commonly call hell—the final, eternal place of punishment.

Rev. 20:10 – “The devil... was thrown into the lake of fire... and will be tormented forever and ever.”

❌ What Revelation 20:14 Is Not Saying:

It is not saying that Jesus will do away with hell (i.e., the Lake of Fire)

Rather, Jesus will:

Abolish death — so it no longer affects believers.

Abolish Hades — so there's no more temporary separation after death.

Finalize judgment — consigning Satan, his demons, and all unredeemed souls to hell (the Lake of Fire).

Biblical Sequence in Revelation 20–21:

Satan is judged and cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:10).

The Great White Throne Judgment takes place (Rev. 20:11–13).

Death and Hades are cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:14).

Anyone not in the Book of Life is cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:15).

New Heaven and New Earth are revealed—no more death (Rev. 21:1–4).

Application:

Our hope is not just in personal salvation, but in the total renewal of all things—where sin, Satan, and death are fully eradicated.

In a world where death still seems victorious, these verses remind us that death is not final—it is doomed.

Believers live between resurrection and finality, trusting that Christ is still reigning and will bring everything under His righteous rule.

Cross-References:

Hebrews 2:14–15 – Christ came to “destroy him who holds the power of death.”

Revelation 20:14 – “Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 21:4 – “There shall be no more death...”

Psalm 110:1 – Christ seated at the Father’s right hand until all enemies are under His feet.

Illustration:

Imagine a victorious general reclaiming occupied territory, city by city, until finally the enemy’s capital falls. Christ is that greater Conqueror. He has won the decisive victory at the cross and resurrection, and now reigns until even death surrenders. That’s “the end”—when the war is over, the Kingdom is complete, and God is all in all.

Divine Dominion Forever (vv. 27-28)

1 Corinthians 15:27–28 “27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.”

Paul concludes his eschatological vision by anchoring the final victory in the absolute reign of God. These verses can be a bit complex at first glance, but they reveal God’s perfect order, divine unity, and eternal sovereignty.

“God has put all things under His feet” (v. 27)

A direct quote from Psalm 8:6, a messianic psalm celebrating human dignity and dominion—fulfilled ultimately in Christ’s reign

Christ, the resurrected and reigning King, has received all authority (cf. Matthew 28:18), and every opposing power (vv. 24–26) is being placed under His dominion.

“It is clear that this does not include God Himself...”

Paul clarifies a potential theological misunderstanding: God the Father is the one who gave all authority to the Son; therefore, He is not subject to the Son.

This reflects functional subordination, not inferiority. The Son and the Father are equal in essence (John 1:1; Col. 1:15–20), but distinct in role and mission in redemption.

John 1:1 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Colossians 1:15–20 “15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

“The Son himself will be subjected to Him... that God may be all in all.” (v. 28)

After Christ completes His redemptive reign—having subdued every enemy and raised the dead—He will “hand the kingdom” back to the Father (v. 24).

This is the restoration of divine order—the eternal reign of the triune God, unified and complete.

“God all in all” means that nothing will remain outside His reign. God’s presence, power, and purpose will fill every corner of the cosmos—perfect harmony restored.

Application:

These verses call us to marvel at the majesty of God’s plan—one that begins with creation, is broken by sin, and ends in perfect, eternal order.

It reminds us that Jesus' mission was never about personal power, but divine purpose. Even in glory, He glorifies the Father.

As believers, we live now under the reign of Christ, but we await the day when every knee will bow and God will reign without rival or rebellion.

Cross-References:

Psalm 8:6 – “You have put all things under his feet.”

Ephesians 1:20–22 – Christ seated at God’s right hand with all things under His feet.

Philippians 2:9–11 – Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 1:19–20 – God’s fullness dwelt in Christ to reconcile all things to Himself.

Illustration:

Think of a mission accomplished: a military general conquers the enemy, restores peace, and salutes the Commander-in-Chief, turning the nation back over to him. It’s not surrender—it’s fulfillment. That’s what Christ does: having conquered sin, death, and all powers, He hands the restored kingdom to the Father, and the universe resounds with the glory of God all in all.