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Ciampa, Roy and Brian Rosner, The First Letter to the Corinthians. Eerdmans, 2010.

V. The Resurrection and Consummation 15:1-58

Did Paul believe that Jesus was literally, bodily raised from the dead and that his follows will be

as well? Absolutely. Theres no question about that. None.

Do Ciampa and Rosner? Youll search in vain for either a no or a yes in this chapter of their

contribution to Corinthian Correspondence study. They tell readers what Paul thought but there

isnt so much as a hint as to what they think.

This is, in some respects, proper for a commentary. Commentaries are expositions rather than

impositions. Still, its very helpful to know where authors are coming from. Knowing their

presuppositions helps readers understand aright.

In their view,

chapter 15 looks forward to and relates all of that earlier

material about what it means to be Gods holy people in this

present age to Gods ultimate plans for the complete

transformation of our bodies (p. 737).

Their exposition of this theme continues through the entire chapter. In particular, in connection

with 15:12-19, R. and C. suggest

Pauls enumeration of such drastic consequences is intended to

show the untenability of the negative position [i.e., of those who

deny the bodily resurrection] (p. 754).

And then a series of citations of the work of N.T. Wright begins, and continues throughout the

rest of the section. Wrights views are inserted at nearly every turn as though the authors weresimply concerned to support their position by means of Wright. Wright draws (p. 756).

Wright points out (p. 760). As Wright puts it (p. 763). As Wright points out (p.

768). Wright notes (p. 771). Wright sees clearly (p. 775). And etc.

One is almost led to the opinion that C. and R. think readers should put down the present volume

and go buy Wrights book. But that would be a mistake, especially in light of their excellent

exposition of the entire baptism for the dead problem (of 15:29).

After examining the various theories as to what this bizarre passage means, C. and R. offer their

own sage reading:

We think that the best approach is to understand the reference to

the dead in light of the usage of the word throughout this chapter

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[so that] the reader should expect that a reference to the dead

would be a reference to the dead who will be raised in theresurrection (p. 783).

So

We would paraphrase the verse as follows: Now, if there is no

resurrection, what will be accomplished by those who get baptized

because of what they have heard about how our dead will beraised? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people undergoing

baptism on account of them (p. 784-5).

As is their custom, R. and C. offer quality exposition in the entire chapter. Next, the conclusion.

Jim West

Quartz Hill School of Theology