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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

The doctrine of the resurrection. This chapter, and the thirteenth, on Christian love, stand out, even among the writings of St. Paul, as pre-eminently beautiful and important. No human words ever written have brought such comfort to millions of mourners as the words of this chapter, which form a part of the Burial Service of almost every Christian community. It is the more deeply imprinted on the memory of men because it comes to us in the most solemn hours of bereavement, when we have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

The exposition and defence of the resurrection. This chapter stands, as it were, by itself in the Epistle, and indeed in the Scripture. The Gospels relate the fact of our Saviour's rising from the dead; but St. Paul in this passage, remarkable alike for closeness of reasoning, for fervent of eloquence, and for elevation of spiritual treatment, writes as the theologian of the resurrection. In opposition to false teachers who had arisen in the Corinthian Church, the apostle maintains the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:35-41

The resurrection of the body. This doctrine has presented the greatest difficulties to many minds. Here faith has frequently found one of its severest tests. I. BUT WE OUGHT NOT TO BE STAGGERED BY ANY FACT WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF DIVINE REVELATION . God will assuredly justify himself and fulfil all his promises. Though we do not see how he will do so, he does. He sits higher than we do. When Ezekiel was asked, "Can these bones live?" he did not reply,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:35-44

The resurrection body. "With what body do they come?" The question which Paul puts into the mouth of the ancient sceptic assumes the fact of a general resurrection of mankind. And why should we not assume this fact? "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead?" Incredible! Has not he who has engaged to do it all sufficient power? Scepticism parades the difficulties connected with the work of the resurrection. Let them be a million times more than... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:35-50

Objections to the resurrection; replies thereto; conclusions involved. How far has St. Paul come on the path he has been treading? Beginning with the "many infallible proofs" of the forty days, and adding the appearance of the Lord Jesus to him, he had convicted those of an absurdity who denied a general resurrection. On various grounds, the view they held was incredible. The moral consequences of their belief were set forth. True logic and pure morality condemned their departure from that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:41

There is one glory of the sun. "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" ( Matthew 13:43 ). The point of the illustration is the difference between the earthly and the resurrection body; not the supposed differences between the saints themselves in glory. This is not a question under consideration, and St. Paul, as we have seen, is not in the habit of mixing up half a dozen different questions in the same immediate argument. St. Augustine says of the saints, "Their splendour is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:41

Diversity in the heavenly inhabitants. "One star differeth from another star in glory." The idea of Paul unquestionably is that there is as great a variety amongst redeemed men in the celestial world as there is in the orbs of heaven, that saint differs from saint as star from star in the midnight vault. We offer three remarks on this subject. Such a variety is— I. A FACT WELL SUSTAINED . 1. It is sustained by all analogy. Variety reigns through every part of nature, not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:42

So also is the resurrection of the dead. In like manner the dead, when raised, shall have bodies which differ from their body of humiliation ( Philippians 3:21 ). It is sown in corruption. "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" ( Genesis 3:19 ). It is raised in incorruption. The word means strictly, "incorruptibility." The resurrection body will not be subjected to earthly conditions ( Luke 20:35 , Luke 20:36 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 15:43

It is sown in dishonour. "The awful and intolerable indignity of dust to dust." In glory. "Though ye have lieu among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove, that is covered with silver wings, and her feathers like gold" ( Psalms 68:13 ). The expression shows that, throughout, St. Paul is thinking exclusively of the resurrection of the saints. read more

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