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THE APOSTLE OF THE RECONCILIATION
104
We are now ready for the fuller structure of 1 Corinthians 15:12-34. First of all it is important to realize that
after the introductory words of verses 1-11 which we have briefly considered, the remainder of the chapter is one
whole. Let us see this first:
1 Corinthians 15:12-58
A 15:12.
The fact of resurrection. `How?'
B 15:13-33. Adam and Christ. Death destroyed. `When?'
C 15:34.
Exhortation. `Awake'.
A 15:35.
The manner of resurrection. `How?' `With what?'
B 15:36-57. The first and last Adam. Death swallowed up.
`When?'
C 15:58.
Exhortation. `Be steadfast'.
It will be recognized that the pair of members denominated B, B contains the great theme of the passage, and the
doctrine is crystallized in the name Adam. We shall see this the more clearly as we proceed, but it is important to
realize the unity of the theme at the beginning of the study. We can now go back to the first half of this section and
give it closer attention.
1 Corinthians 15:13-33
A 15:13-18.
The fact of resurrection and its relation to doctrine.
B 15:19.
The fact of resurrection and the present life.
C 15:20-23.
The fact of resurrection and the purpose of the
ages from Adam to the parousia.
C 15:24-28.
The fact of resurrection and the purpose of the
ages from the second coming to the
end of the mediatorial kingdom.
B 15:29-32-.
The fact of resurrection and the present life.
A 15:-32,33.
The fact of resurrection and its relation to practice.
It will be seen that, just as in the preceding section, the apostle's first emphasis is upon the historic fact, and not
upon the doctrine that is based upon it. As a wise master builder indeed he lays the foundation. If Christ indeed
rose from the dead, then, whatever varieties of opinion may be held, that fact remains and necessitates the fulfilment
of the great plan of redemption. By comparing the corresponding members of the structure set out above, it will be
seen that the apostle brings the fact of resurrection to bear upon doctrine and practice, the trials and experiences of
this present life, and the great reconciliation toward which the purpose of the ages slowly but surely moves. Let us
examine each section. First we have the bearing of the resurrection upon doctrine.
1 Corinthians 15:13-18
a 15:13-.
If no resurrection.
b 15:-13.
Christ not raised.
c 15:14-.
If Christ not raised.
d 15.-14,15.
Preaching and faith vain. False witness.
a 15:16-.
If no resurrection.
b 15:-16.
Christ not raised.
c 15:17-.
If Christ not raised.
d 15:-17,18.
Faith vain, yet in sins. Sleepers in Christ
perished.
The section 13-34 is introduced by the question of verse 12: