In this episode of the Thinking Theologically podcast, Spencer and Jack discuss Paul’s new creation language in 1 Corinthians 15. Lots of discussion about the resurrection of Jesus, our resurrection, and why it’s important that Jesus is described as the new Adam.

Music:
“Kid Kodi”
Blue Dot Sessions
http://www.sessions.blue

Show Notes

Episode #40 – New Creation in Paul – 1 Corinthians 15

Introduction (vv. 1–11)

• Paul opens up chapter 15 by introducing the topic of the resurrection. 
• Paul’s purpose is to remind the Corinthians of the Gospel he taught them, which they have believed, and “through which” they are “being saved.” The center of the Gospel, Paul claims, is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 
  • This statement connects with much of what Paul has already dealt with in the letter, and specifically to the issue he is about to take on. 
    • The cross is central to Paul’s plea for humility and love among the Corinthians. 
    • The resurrection is central to Paul’s exhortation regarding life and treatment of our physical bodies. 
    • The fact that Christ appeared to Paul helps reinforce is authority and apostleship, which is under attack within the Corinthian church. 

Problem: No Resurrection (vv. 12–34)

• Some of the Corinthians believe that there is no resurrection. However the Gospel, a central tenet of which is Christ’s resurrection, necessitates the resurrection of Christians. If Christians will not be resurrected, then Christ was not raised, we are still in our sins, our faith is pointless, and we have lied about God. 
• However, if Christ has been raised, then the Christians have certain hope in our own resurrection. 
• Note how Paul describes the relationship between Christ’s resurrection and our own: Jesus as the New Adam. Through a human being (i.e., Adam) death came into the world. Through another human being (i.e., Christ) life or resurrection has come into the world. The resurrection of Christians is the final victory of the kingdom of God over death. The final restoration of humanity back to the way we were before Adam brought death into the world. 

What Will Our Resurrection Bodies Look Like? (vv. 35–58)

• Paul says that naturally some want to know what these resurrection bodies will be like. 
• He says that our resurrection body will be similar to our current body, but different. He illustrates this point by referring to plants, animal vs. human bodies, and stars. Every plant looks different, every living thing has a different kind of body, different stars look different. There are similarities, a plant is still a plant, an animal is still an animal, and stars are still stars, but there are differences between different types. The same is true regarding our current bodies vs our resurrection bodies. They will be similar, they will still be human bodies, but the resurrection body will be different. 
• The difference, Paul says, is that our current bodies are “perishable,” dishonorable, weak, and “physical.” They die, get sick, sin, and are under the power and control of sin. However, our resurrection body will be “imperishable,” glorified, powerful, and “spiritual.” That is, it will no longer be controlled by sin and death, but by the Holy Spirit. It will be a body that will never die again. A body that will no longer sin. A body, reminiscent of the original Adam prior to sin. 
  • The word for “physical” is derived from ψυχή, psychē, which Paul uses to refer to life or a living being. 
• Paul summarizes this point by saying “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable” (v. 50). Remember, Paul uses the word “flesh,” not to refer to our physical bodies, but to our bodies under the power of sin and death. Again, his point is not that our physical bodies will not be raised and be a part of heaven, but that a change must occur. Our bodies will be similar, but different. Our new existence will be one no longer controlled by sin and death but by the Holy Spirit and eternal life. 
• It is important to note that Paul’s entire argument is based on the reality that Christians have certain hope to be resurrected just as Christ was resurrected. The implication is that our resurrected bodies will be like Christ’s. Christ’s body was physical. He walked and talked with people. Others could recognize his body. He showed Thomas the holes in his hands and feet. He ate and drank. However, his body was different than before. He appeared and disappeared. He walked through walls into locked rooms. 
• You cannot resurrect something that has not died! 

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Looking for further study? Check out our study of Paul and new creation theology: