Publisher's note

Robert Smith Candlish (1806-1873) produced two magnificent commentaries on Genesis and 1 John which have a richly deserved reputation. This work, a series of lectures on 1 Corinthians 15, deserves similar acclaim, and shows the centrality of the Resurrection to the Christian faith and the experience of the Christian. Candlish claims that he has not attempted to provide a complete analysis of the chapter, and this is its great strength. With technical and critical discussion avoided, the message of the chapter remains the principal focus together with its practical significance. Themes are constantly reinforced so that the reader feels that the overall message is grasped.

Contents:

Preface

Introduction
1. (1 Corinthians 15:1, 2) – The consistency of Paul’s preaching, and its acceptableness.
2. (1 Corinthians 15:3-11) – The substance of Paul’s preaching, and its evidence.

Part 1 – What is implied in the Denial of the Resurrection.
3. (1 Corinthians 15:12-17) – If there is no resurrection, Christ is not risen, and we are yet in our sins.
4. (1 Corinthians 15:18, 19) – The pious dead are lost, and we are miserable.
5. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) – But Christ is risen, and is become the first-fruits of them that sleep.
6. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) – The end; the delivering up of the kingdom to the Father.
7. (1 Corinthians 15:29-32) – Why baptism for the dead, and other hazards? Why not live for the passing day?

Practical Conclusion to Part 1.
8. (1 Corinthians 15:33, 34) – Danger of Antinomian license, as the fruit of dallying with “profane and vain babblings.” – (2 Timothy 2:16-18)

Part 2 – The Nature of the Future Body.
9. (1 Corinthians 15:35-38) – How are the dead raised? – Not as they die – Analogy of the bare grain yielding ripe fruit.
10. (1 Corinthians 15:39-42) – Varieties of bodies in nature – Terrestrial and celestial.
11. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) – Bodies changed from corruption, dishonour, and weakness, to incorruption, glory, and power.
12. (1 Corinthians 15:44) – The natural and the spiritual body.
13. (1 Corinthians 15:45-49) – The two Adams.
14. (1 Corinthians 15:50-53) – “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.”
15. (1 Corinthians 15:53, 54) – “Flesh and bones” – Kinsmanship, and community of nature.
16. (1 Corinthians 15:54) – Death swallowed up in victory.
17. (1 Corinthians 15:55, 56) – The sting of death – Sin – The strength of sin – The law – Victory the free gift of God in Christ.
18. (John 11:25, 26) – Christ the resurrection and the life.

Practical Conclusion to Part 2, and the Whole.
19. (1 Corinthians 15:58) – Steadfastness in the faith of the resurrection.
20. (1 Corinthians 15:58) – Abounding in the work of the Lord – Its reward – Resumption of it.

Supplementary Discourse.
21. (Isaiah 25:8) – The Church’s progress – Her final victory over all the earth – Her missionary character.