Baptism for the Dead 1 Corinthians 15:29

Introduction Pauls statement in 1 Corinthians 15:29 is difficult and much debated. Pauls statement in 1 Corinthians 15:29 is difficult and much debated. What is the significance of being baptized for the dead? What is the significance of being baptized for the dead?

Greek Text The Greek reads πε τί ποιήσουσιν ο βαπτιζόμενοι π ρ τ ν νεκρ ν; ε λως νεκρο ο κ γείρονται, τί κα βαπτίζονται π ρ α τ ν; (NA27). The Greek reads πε τί ποιήσουσιν ο βαπτιζόμενοι π ρ τ ν νεκρ ν; ε λως νεκρο ο κ γείρονται, τί κα βαπτίζονται π ρ α τ ν; (NA27). A literal translation is: Otherwise / what / will they do / the ones having been baptized / for / the dead? / If / all, actually / (the) dead / not / they are being raised up / why / even, also / are they being baptized / for / them? A literal translation is: Otherwise / what / will they do / the ones having been baptized / for / the dead? / If / all, actually / (the) dead / not / they are being raised up / why / even, also / are they being baptized / for / them?

Greek Preposition The difficulty centers upon the phrase for the dead. The preposition πέρ, here translated for, occurring in the genitive case, signifies The difficulty centers upon the phrase for the dead. The preposition πέρ, here translated for, occurring in the genitive case, signifies –(1) marker indicating that an activity or event is in some entitys interest, for, in behalf of, for the sake of someone/something; –(2) marker of the moving cause or reason, because of, for the sake of, for; –(3) marker of general content, whether of a discourse or mental activity, about, concerning.

Elliptical Construction Adding to the difficulty is the elliptical wording of this verse. Adding to the difficulty is the elliptical wording of this verse. In grammar, an ellipsis involves the omission of a word (or words) necessary for complete grammatical construction, yet the omitted words are implied in the context. In grammar, an ellipsis involves the omission of a word (or words) necessary for complete grammatical construction, yet the omitted words are implied in the context.

Elliptical Construction For example, we often say if possible in the place of if it is possible. For example, we often say if possible in the place of if it is possible. The elliptical wording of for the dead can actually signify baptism with view to the world of the dead, into which we are all going (Davis Dictionary of the Bible, [1983], s.v. Baptism, p. 80). The elliptical wording of for the dead can actually signify baptism with view to the world of the dead, into which we are all going (Davis Dictionary of the Bible, [1983], s.v. Baptism, p. 80).

English Translations Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? (KJV) Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? (KJV) Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? (NKJV) Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? (NKJV)

English Translations Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? (ASV) Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? (ASV) Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? (NASB95) Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? (NASB95)

Discussion In 1st Corinthians 15, Paul discusses the consequences of denying the resurrection. In 1st Corinthians 15, Paul discusses the consequences of denying the resurrection. Proper understanding of verse 29 requires an answer to the following questions: In this context, Proper understanding of verse 29 requires an answer to the following questions: In this context, –What is the meaning of baptism? –Who are the dead?

Principles of Bible Study Truth is harmonious, consistent, and without contradiction. When studying problematic passages, such as the present text, we must avoid any interpretation that would contradict plain teaching found elsewhere. Truth is harmonious, consistent, and without contradiction. When studying problematic passages, such as the present text, we must avoid any interpretation that would contradict plain teaching found elsewhere. Let us, therefore, approach this text as an exercise in proper Bible study, interpreting the difficult in light of the simple. Let us, therefore, approach this text as an exercise in proper Bible study, interpreting the difficult in light of the simple.

Several Possibilities Does the text refer to the practice of proxy baptism by the living on behalf of the dead? Does the text refer to the practice of proxy baptism by the living on behalf of the dead? Does it allude to fervent exhortation to obedience from saints who have already died? Does it allude to fervent exhortation to obedience from saints who have already died? Does baptism here symbolically describe suffering? Does baptism here symbolically describe suffering? Does it refer to the practice of Christian baptism? Does it refer to the practice of Christian baptism?

Baptism for the Dead Surrogate Obedience? – No! Surrogate Obedience? – No! Final Exhortations? – No! Final Exhortations? – No! Symbolic Suffering? – No! Symbolic Suffering? – No! Water Baptism? – Yes! Water Baptism? – Yes!

Conclusion Through Christ Jesus, we achieve victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Through Christ Jesus, we achieve victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Do you have hope of heaven? Are you willing to take those steps necessary to enjoy Gods grace? Do you have hope of heaven? Are you willing to take those steps necessary to enjoy Gods grace? Will you obey the gospel plan of salvation, dying to the old man of sin, being buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life? Will you obey the gospel plan of salvation, dying to the old man of sin, being buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life?

Invitation Those who are dead in sin, must die to sin if they hope to be victorious over death that entered the world because of sin. Those who are dead in sin, must die to sin if they hope to be victorious over death that entered the world because of sin. Therefore, have you been baptized for the dead? Therefore, have you been baptized for the dead? If not, obey the gospel while there is time and opportunity! If not, obey the gospel while there is time and opportunity!