First Corinthians 15:29: Options for Baptism of the Dead

After further research, I have arrived at a few options for interpreting Paul's comments on baptism of the dead. These are not fully representative of all options, nor do they close an argument that has been debated for years.

1. Paul acknowledges that the Corinthian church practices baptism for the dead, and accepts it as Christian practice. This may be accurate, although it is nowhere mentioned in the Bible as an accepted practice. In fact, all things physically dead are usually shunned in the Old Testament, and the New Testament exhorts people to leave the dead in the hands of God and function among the living. Also, why baptize for the dead? Can it save them? Do they need to be a member of a certain church in order to get into heaven? If so, does this not go against what Paul preaches about salvation by faith? I don't see any value in baptism for the dead, regardless of who practices it. If they are dead, then they are in God's hands. If they need saving, it is too late--and my baptism for them couldn't make that happen anyway.

2. Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians practice baptism for the dead, and he simply uses it as an illustration, to their shame. The reasoning here is that Paul did not rebuke them, but he did not accept their practice either. There are no words of praise for this practice. His point is this: if you practice baptism for the dead (which I do not agree with--implied), then you should not question the resurrection of the dead (which I believe in).

3. Paul acknowledges an accepted practice by local pagan religions as an example of their belief in the resurrection, and rebuke the Corinthians for their lack of faith in the resurrection. This would mean that Paul sees baptism for the dead as a pagan activity that is not acceptable. Yet, even the pagan's believe in resurrection while believing Christians do not. The irony is thick, and his criticism would not be missed.

4. Paul is speaking metaphorically about baptism itself: what will we do about those baptized into death. Paul uses death as a metaphor in the next verse: I die everyday. A metaphor relieves the interpreter of any conflicts concerning the practice of a strange type of baptism. However, it does not do justice to the grammar and the context of Corinth pagan cults.

Of these four options, #1 seems to be the most direct reading of the passage and context. Yet, it has no other biblical support, and has little support in Christian practice (outside of Mormonism and some medieval Catholic teachings) and Christian doctrine (salvation by grace).

I prefer #3 because 1) of the lack of biblical support for the practice, 2) biblical support for personal baptism, and 3)Greek rhetorical grammar, which is explained in great detail at his website: http://www.tektonics.org/mordef/baptdead.html.

To put it simply, Paul does not use baptism of the dead to affirm the resurrection of Christ in v. 12-19. He does not mention it at all. Then in v. 29, when Paul mentions baptism for the dead, he does so to their shame, not as a compliment. Do you believe in the resurrection? Why not! Even pagans baptize for the dead because they believe. Why don't you?!! OR Do you believe in the resurrection? Why not! You baptize for the dead?!! What's the point if you don't believe?!!

Either way, he does not agree with the baptism for the dead, he simply uses the practice to assert that some believe in a resurrection, to the shame of the Corinthians who do not.

First Corinthians 15:1-34 The Heart of the Gospel

Paul moves on to a new set of questions from the Corinthians concerning the reality of the resurrection. He transitions from the discussion of prophecy (read "proclamation of the Gospel of Christ") to the Gospel message itself.

The heart of the Gospel is the death and resurrection of Christ, confirmed by the eyewitness testimony. Notice he does not go into detail concerning the teachings or miracles, only the death and resurrection of Christ.

It is always a good reminder to me that everything else in life is secondary to the heart of the Gospel, the power of God over death and the sacrifice of his Son for my sin.

I find it interesting that he basis his tireless work on the grace of Christ. In essence, Paul is saying his religious zeal and fire are based on the motivating grace of Christ (10).

Paul proceeds to chastise the Corinthians for compromising their belief in the Resurrection. It sounds as if the Greek philosophical crowd has influenced the Corinthian Christian's perspective on the Resurrection. It was in Acts 17:32 that Paul was laughed out of Athens because he preached the resurrection of the dead. Undoubtedly, some similar thinkers had invaded the Corinthian church. Paul's point it that we are lost, without hope, if there is no resurrection. (18-19)

The truth is, though, that Jesus is alive. Paul calls him "firstfruits," or the initial reward for a harvest well-planted and promising further crops.

He says that death is not completely overcome until Jesus returns again. Until then, sin and death are still allowed to exist, until the harvest is completed and the end of time begins. Why does death still exist? So that those who live may respond in faith under the same conditions that Jesus arrived in and worked under.

A couple of other phrases of interest. Paul mentions baptism for the dead, but he gives not further explanation, apparently because he readers knew exactly what he was talking about. Now, the Mormon church practices baptism for the dead, but no other church that I know of makes a big deal of this. Why did the Corinthian church do it? We do not know, other than it was a part of some pagan cults, and some suggest even Jewish baptism (not sure about that one). I guess the point would be to substitute your baptism for a loved one who previously did not believe in Christ. Since there is silence on this in the rest of Scripture, it is difficult to say. The best advice I can give: don't build a major doctrine for your church one controversial verse.

He also talks about fighting lion in Ephesus. He is either in jail and awaiting his turn in the arena with the gladiators (which did not come to fulfillment), or he is refering metaphorically to his battles in Ephesus with certain non-believers and troulbe makers (Acts 18-19). His conviction was that he would lay down his life for Jesus just as Jesus laid his life down for Paul. Shouldn't that be the way it is for every believer. I wish I understood grace like Paul does.