1 Corinthians 15:20

But now (nuni de). Emphatic form of nun with -i added (cf. Matthew 12:18 ). It is the logical triumph of Paul after the reductio ad impossibile (Findlay) of the preceding argument. The first-fruits (aparch). Old word from aparcomai, to offer firstlings or first-fruits. In LXX for first-fruits. In papyri for legacy-duty, entrance-fee, and also first-fruits as here. See also verse Matthew 23 ; Matthew 16:15 ; Romans 8:23 , etc. Christ is "first-born from the dead" ( Colossians 1:18 ). Others raised from the dead died again, but not so Jesus. That sleep (twn kekoimhmenwn). Perfect middle participle as in Matthew 27:52 which see. Beautiful picture of death from which word (koimaomai) comes our cemetery.