Studies in 1 Corinthians

What about baptism for the dead?

1 Cor. 15:29-34

Baptized for the Dead (29)

• A difficult text.

• Some believe:• Associated with suffering?cf. Mark 10:38

Baptized for the Dead (29)• Vicarious baptism? Mormonism

and others• Contradicts many principles:• Obedience while living – Ac. 2:38, 17:30-31

• No 2nd chance at death – Heb. 9:27, Lk. 16:25-31, 2 Cor. 5:10

Baptized for the Dead (29)• Baptism because we are

spiritually dead? • Because baptism raises us to

walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4, Col. 2:11-12)

• While principle is true, there are contextual difficulties, especially his dealing with the literal resurrection.

Baptized for the Dead (29)• Baptism because of dead saints or

martyrs? • The premise is that seeing the

faithful die for the cause of Christ would provoke some to obey. IF such were the case Paul is asking, WHY? If there is no resurrection. (cf. Ac. 7:57-60)

• Plausible.

Baptized for the Dead (29)• Baptism with realization that one

day we too will die? • A reason to obey. But if there is

no resurrection, why? (cf. Ac. 7:57-60)

• Plausible. My leanings, because of context. Paul begins to address his jeopardy. Why if there is no resurrection?

Baptized for the Dead (29)• There are many other theories,

most with difficulties. • WHATEVER our understanding,

it ought to be with the one TRUE baptism in mind (cf. 1 Cor. 1:14-17, Acts 18:8) and a conclusion: Why be baptized if there is no resurrection?

Why do we stand in jeopardy? (30-32)

• IF there is nothing beyond this life, why suffer as he did?

• He was in jeopardy! Daily risk of peril. (2 Cor. 11:22-29, 4:7-12)

• I die daily Dangers – 1 Cor. 4:9-13, Rom. 8:36, Luke 9:25

Why do we stand in jeopardy? (30-32)

• If I have fought wild beasts in Ephesus, what advantage is it?

• No reference to this specifically, but it is possible! (cf. 2 Tim. 4:17)

• It could also be reference to false teachers – cf. Acts 20:29, Matt. 10:16, Phil. 3:2

Do we believe in the resurrection? If so, what are we willing to endure to attain

eternal life? Suffer? Sacrifice? Jeopardy?

Eat, drink and be merry (32)

•Isaiah 22:13• A true statement IF there is

no resurrection. Live for the now!

• Far too many do!• BUT consider Luke 12:16-20, cf. Eccl. 11:9

Do not be deceived (33-34)

• A warning about false teachers. Error being taught and considered!

• Evil company corrupts good habits! Choose your friends wisely!

• False teachers – 2 Pet. 2:1-3, 2 Tim.3:6-7

• Applies to immorality as well! Prov. 1:10, 1 Cor. 6:18

Do not be deceived (33-34)

• Awake to righteousness!• We need to WAKE UP! Rom. 13:11-12, Eph. 5:14, 1 Thess. 5:6-20

• Do NOT sin! An obvious statement, but here could it include entertaining “evil company”? 2 John 9-11

Do not be deceived (33-34)

• Some do not have the knowledge of God!

• Always a tragedy! Hosea 4:6

•1 Cor. 12:1, 2 Cor. 1:8, etc. “I do not want you to be ignorant…”

Do not be deceived (33-34)

• I speak this to your shame!

• They ought to have known better! Cf. Heb. 5:11-14

Jesus arose!So will we!

How will we respond?