Baptism For The Dead

THE DAILY WORD
By Jim Seekamp

Monday June 29, 2009

I've received a question about the meaning of a verse in 1 Corinthians about baptism "for the dead":

1 Corinthians 15:29 (NIV)
29. Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?

1 Corinthians 15:29 (KJV)
29. 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?

At first glance, it appears that the early church believed in baptizing people for the dead!! But to get the real meaning, we have to take into account the full context.

In verses 1-19 of 1 Corinthians 15, Paul expounds on the resurrection of Christ. Starting at verse 20, through verse 23, Paul writes about the order of the resurrection. Christ was the first one raised in a glorified body, and those who are His at His return will be next. Verses 24-28 then mention Christ's reign and death's defeat. Then comes this verse shown above.

Just north of Corinth there was a city named Eleusis, which was the center for a pagan religion where baptism in the sea was practiced to guarantee a good afterlife. The Corinthians were known to be heavily influenced by outside customs. They were in a large economic area populated by a great many different people. It is more than likely that the Corinthians were being influenced by the religious practices found at Eleusis, where baptism for the dead was practiced.

Paul used this example from the pagans in 1 Cor. 15:29, when he said, "if the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?" In the literal translation, it is evident that Paul was talking about "them" as being people outside the church. The Christian church was not practicing baptism for the dead, the pagans were.

Literally, the verse is translated as "Since what will do the being immersed on behalf of the dead if wholly dead not are raised why also are they immersed on behalf of them."

The issue here is the word, "baptizontai" -- "they are baptized." It is the present, passive, indicative, 3rd person, plural. In other words, it is THEY ARE BEING BAPTIZED or, THEY ARE BAPTIZED.

It is the third person plural ("they" is third person plural) which the verb "baptizo" is in. Therefore, the best translation is "THEY are baptized." Paul would have said "WE" if he was referring to the Christian church!

Paul's point was simple. The resurrection is a reality. It is going to happen when Jesus returns. Even the pagans believe in the resurrection, otherwise, why would they baptize for the dead?

PRAYER
Thank You Father for Your life-giving Word. Help me to stick to Your Word and not go beyond what is written. Thank You for the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that anyone can be saved by confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and believing that You raised Him from the dead.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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