Daily Devotional for Thursday, June 05, 2025

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Each in His Own Order: A Devotional on 1 Corinthians 15:23

The Resurrection Will Occur in a Divinely Appointed Sequence

“But each one in his own rank: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who belong to the Christ during his presence.” — 1 Corinthians 15:23

This verse stands within one of the most extensive and essential discussions of resurrection in the New Testament. The apostle Paul, writing by inspiration around 55 C.E. to the Corinthian congregation, refutes the false teaching that there is no resurrection of the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15, he firmly defends the bodily resurrection of Christ, and the guarantee of future resurrection for those who belong to him. Verse 23 is a linchpin in that argument, showing that the resurrection does not happen all at once, but according to a divinely established sequence, with Christ as the forerunner and pattern.

The resurrection is not a symbolic idea or spiritual concept—it is a future, bodily event promised by God and guaranteed through Christ’s own resurrection. This promise will be fulfilled literally, just as the Scriptures declare.

“But each one in his own rank…”

The phrase translated here as “each one in his own rank” is from the Greek ἕκαστος δὲ ἐν τῷ ἰδίῳ τάγματι (hekastos de en tō idiō tagmati). The word τάγμα (tagma) refers to a fixed order, rank, or group within a military or organizational structure. Paul is emphasizing that the resurrection of the dead will not be simultaneous for all, but will occur in distinct phases or divisions, each appointed by God.

This is a crucial point. Paul is not arguing for one general resurrection of all people at the same time, nor is he portraying resurrection as a vague hope. Rather, resurrection will unfold in a deliberate, sequenced process. God is orderly, and His plan of redemption includes a specific timetable for raising the dead.

This verse undermines the idea that all people—righteous and unrighteous—are resurrected in the same moment. As Scripture affirms elsewhere, “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous” (Acts 24:15), but not necessarily simultaneously. Each group, according to 1 Corinthians 15:23, is raised in God’s determined sequence, beginning with Christ and extending to those who belong to him.

“Christ the firstfruits…”

Paul identifies Jesus as the beginning of the resurrection process. The term “firstfruits” is significant and literal. In the Mosaic Law, the firstfruits offering (Leviticus 23:10–11) was a physical sheaf of grain, the initial portion of the harvest that was given to Jehovah. It symbolized the promise of more to come. Paul applies that term to Christ’s resurrection: it is not isolated or unique—it is the first of many.

Christ’s resurrection is not merely a miraculous event—it is the guarantee of a future harvest. His bodily resurrection, accomplished three days after his death around 33 C.E., proves that death is not final for the faithful. Jesus is the first to be raised to immortal life, never to die again. The Greek word for “firstfruits” here is ἀπαρχή (aparchē), a term used repeatedly in the Septuagint to denote the first portion offered to God.

By calling Christ the firstfruits, Paul is not suggesting that Jesus was the first ever to be raised from the dead—others had been revived temporarily (e.g., Lazarus in John 11). But Christ is the first to rise with immortality, with a glorified, incorruptible body (Romans 6:9; Revelation 1:18). His resurrection is qualitatively different, and it inaugurates the resurrection age for those who will follow.

“…afterward those who belong to the Christ during his presence.”

The next phase of resurrection concerns “those who belong to the Christ”—that is, all faithful believers who are in covenant relationship with him. This includes all obedient disciples, living or dead, who have put faith in him, repented of sin, and been baptized into him for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–5).

These individuals will be raised “during his presence” (Greek: ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ αὐτοῦ, en tē parousia autou). The term parousia literally means “presence” or “arrival,” and it refers to Christ’s future, literal return to the earth, which initiates his reign and signals the resurrection of his people.

The resurrection of the faithful will not happen at the moment of individual death, nor has it already occurred spiritually—it will occur when Christ comes again in power and presence. Paul affirms this elsewhere:

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16
“We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment… and the dead will be raised incorruptible.” — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52
“When Christ our life is made manifest, then you also will be made manifest with him in glory.” — Colossians 3:4

Thus, 1 Corinthians 15:23 teaches that the resurrection of faithful believers awaits a definite, future moment: the return (presence) of Christ. This resurrection will be bodily, glorious, and incorruptible, just like his own.

The Order: Christ First, Then the Faithful, Later the Judgment

Although verse 23 does not address the resurrection of the unrighteous, later verses (e.g., verse 24) proceed to outline what follows: “then the end.” That stage includes Christ’s reign, the final destruction of death, and the handing over of the Kingdom to God the Father (verses 24–28).

Revelation 20 provides further clarification by describing a first resurrection—of those who reign with Christ for a thousand years—and a second resurrection, following that millennial reign, involving judgment for all others (Revelation 20:4–6, 11–15). These passages, read together with 1 Corinthians 15:23, demonstrate the same truth: resurrection is staggered, not simultaneous, and it is directly tied to the return of Christ.

Application: The Resurrection Shapes the Christian Life

Place your hope in the literal resurrection
Your future does not end in death. If you belong to Christ, you await a real resurrection, not a vague afterlife. This truth shapes how you endure hardship, resist sin, and persevere in faith.
Reject spiritualized or symbolic interpretations
Resurrection is not a metaphor. Jesus rose bodily, and you will too—if you remain faithful. Let Scripture speak plainly, without philosophical or modern distortions.
Live in anticipation of Christ’s return
The resurrection of the faithful will occur at his presence. Be spiritually prepared for that day. As Jesus taught, “Be ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not think.” (Luke 12:40)
Proclaim the resurrection boldly
In a world that denies life after death or redefines eternity, hold fast to the truth of 1 Corinthians 15. The gospel is incomplete without the resurrection (verse 17). Preach it fully.
Honor Christ as the firstfruits
Let the reality of his resurrection strengthen your confidence in the promise of your own. If Christ is raised, then your hope is secure—because he is the pattern and proof of what is to come.

Conclusion: Awaiting Our Turn in the Resurrection Order

1 Corinthians 15:23 is a declaration of sequence, promise, and hope. Christ has already risen, never to die again. That part of God’s plan is complete. The next step is fixed: the resurrection of those who belong to Christ, when he returns.

This is no abstract theology. It is the believer’s future. You are not destined for the grave. You are destined for resurrection—if you belong to Christ. But it will come only in the time and order God has appointed. There is no shortcut, no substitute, no alternate plan.

“But each one in his own rank: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who belong to the Christ during his presence.”

May you hold fast to this promise. And may you be found ready when your turn comes.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).