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1 Corinthians 15:52
Verse
Context
Where, O Death, Is Your Victory?
51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In a moment - Εν ατομῳ· In an atom; that is, an indivisible point of time. In the twinkling of an eye; as soon as a man can wink; which expressions show that this mighty work is to be done by the almighty power of God, as he does all his works, He calls, and it is done. The resurrection of all the dead, from the foundation of the world to that time, and the change of all the living then upon earth, shall be the work of a single moment. At the last trump - This, as well as all the rest of the peculiar phraseology of this chapter, is merely Jewish, and we must go to the Jewish writers to know what is intended. On this subject, the rabbins use the very same expression. Thus Rabbi Akiba: "How shall the holy blessed God raise the dead? We are taught that God has a trumpet a thousand ells long, according to the ell of God: this trumpet he shall blow, so that the sound of it shall extend from one extremity of the earth to the other. At the first blast the earth shall be shaken; at the second, the dust shall be separated; at the third, the bones shall be gathered together; at the fourth, the members shall wax warm; at the fifth, the heads shall be covered with skin; at the sixth, the souls shall be rejoined to their bodies; at the seventh, all shall revive and stand clothed." See Wetstein. This tradition shows us what we are to understand by the last trump of the apostle; it is the seventh of Rab. Akiba, when the dead shall be all raised, and, being clothed upon with their eternal vehicles, they shall be ready to appear before the judgment seat of God. For the trumpet shall sound - By this the apostle confirms the substance of the tradition, there shall be the sound of a trumpet on this great day; and this other scriptures teach: see Zac 9:14; Mat 24:31; Joh 5:25; Th1 4:16, in which latter place, the apostle treats this subject among the Thessalonians, as he does here among the Corinthians. See the notes at Th1 4:16. Shall be raised incorruptible - Fully clothed with a new body, to die no more. We shall be changed - That is, those who shall then be found alive.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the last trump--at the sounding of the trumpet on the last day [VATABLUS] (Mat 24:31; Th1 4:16). Or the Spirit by Paul hints that the other trumpets mentioned subsequently in the Apocalypse shall precede, and that this shall be the last of all (compare Isa 27:13; Zac 9:14). As the law was given with the sound of a trumpet, so the final judgment according to it (Heb 12:19; compare Exo 19:16). As the Lord ascended "with the sound of a trumpet" (Psa 47:5), so He shall descend (Rev 11:15). The trumpet was sounded to convoke the people on solemn feasts, especially on the first day of the seventh month (the type of the completion of time; seven being the number for perfection; on the tenth of the same month was the atonement, and on the fifteenth the feast of tabernacles, commemorative of completed salvation out of the spiritual Egypt, compare Zac 14:18-19); compare Psa 50:1-7. Compare His calling forth of Lazarus from the grave "with a loud voice," Joh 11:43, with Joh 5:25, Joh 5:28. and--immediately, in consequence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
O death, where is thy sting?.... These words, with the following clause, are taken out of Hos 13:14 and that they belong to the times of the Messiah, the ancient Jews acknowledge; and the Chaldee paraphrase interprets them of the Logos, or Word of God, rendering them thus, "my Word shall be among them to kill, and my Word to destroy;'' wherefore the apostle is not to be charged with a misapplication of them, nor with a perversion of them, as he is by the Jew (s): in the prophet they are thus read, "O death, I will be thy plagues, O grave, I will be thy destruction"; between which, and the apostle's citation of them, there is some difference; the word which we render in both clauses, "I will be", the apostle translates "where", and that very rightly, and so it should be rendered there; and so it is by the Septuagint interpreters, who render the whole as he, with a little variation, "where is thy revenge, O death? where is thy sting, O grave?" and so the Arabic version of Hosea still nearer the apostle, "where is now thy victory, O death?" or "where is thy sting, O grave?" and even the Chaldee paraphrase on Hos 13:14 renders the same word "where"; for instead of, "I will be thy king", the Targum reads, , "where is thy king?" and Aben Ezra, a Jewish writer of great note, on Hos 13:14 observes, that there are some that say the word is to be inverted as if it was "where", and he adds, and it is right; a like observation he makes on those words in Co1 15:14 and that that is the true sense of the word in both verses, is attested by Ebn Jannahius Tanchuma (t); so that the apostle is thus far to be justified, in his citation of this passage: it is further to be observed, that instead of "thy plagues", he reads, "thy sting"; and I doubt not, but that among the many things which signifies, as it must be owned it does signify the plague, or pestilence, see Psa 90:6 and which perhaps is so called, from the venomous nature of it, and the poisonous sting that is in it, so likewise a sting, though there is no instance of it; certain it is, that bees are called and as Cocceius (u) observes, from their sting; and so in the Chaldee and Arabic languages, a bee, or a wasp, is called and it is to such sort of creatures, that the allusion is here made; who having lost their stings, can do no hurt; and which will be the case of death in the resurrection morn, when risen saints will insult over it in this triumphant manner; having nothing more to fear from it, any more than a man has to be afraid of any animal whatever, that has lost its sting: and in the following clause, O grave, where is thy victory? instead of "destruction", as it must be allowed the word signifies, see Psa 90:6 the apostle reads victory; but then there is no difference in the sense; for the grave gets its victory over its thousands, and ten thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousands, and millions of millions, by the destruction of them, which now it glories in, and boasts of; but in the resurrection morn, when its destruction will be at an end, the triumphant saints may reasonably ask, where is its boasted victory, since it can destroy no longer. (s) R. lsaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 87. p. 463. (t) Apud Pocock. Not. Miscellan. ad Port. Mosis, p. 69, 70. (u) Lex. Heb. in rad.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:52 Cp. 1 Thes 4:13-17.
1 Corinthians 15:52
Where, O Death, Is Your Victory?
51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 7): The Appearing of Jesus Christ
By A.W. Tozer11K43:36Second Coming Of ChristMAT 6:331CO 15:521TH 4:161TI 4:12TI 4:81PE 1:71JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of appearance and manifestation. He uses the example of a soldier returning home to his wife and children, emphasizing the anticipation and expectation of his appearance. The preacher then relates this to the reading of Scriptures, highlighting the importance of not trying too hard or being tense when approaching the Word of God. He emphasizes the need to relax and trust in the Lord. The sermon also touches on the idea of the trial of faith and the preciousness of faith compared to material possessions, with a focus on the appearing of Jesus Christ.
It’s Time to Get Right With God
By David Wilkerson4.4K36:43ConfessionISA 52:4HOS 11:7MAT 11:28LUK 12:371CO 15:521CO 15:58HEB 11:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a response to God's call to get out of despair and captivity. He uses the example of Israel being captivated by their unbelief and hardness of heart. God comes to Israel and tells them to wake up, put on strength, and shake off the dust. The preacher shares a personal story of being called to work with gangs and drug addicts in New York and how he used a trumpet to gather a crowd and deliver God's message. The sermon concludes with the message that God wants to redeem us without any cost and calls us to get up and get out of the pit of despair.
Bristol Conference 1964 (Apostasy) - Part 3
By William MacDonald2.5K1:06:16ApostasyJHN 14:21CO 15:521CO 15:551TH 4:131TH 4:16REV 21:4REV 22:20The video is a recording of a sermon where the congregation is singing a song called "Oh, What a Day You Are." The song praises God and expresses excitement for the day when Jesus, the King, will come and bring all believers to their eternal home. The congregation sings the song multiple times, with the ladies and gentlemen taking turns. The sermon also reminds the congregation about a meeting in the morning and emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus for everlasting life.
Promise of His Coming
By G.B. Duncan1.5K28:52Second ComingMAT 16:3MAT 24:27MAT 24:38MAT 24:42MAT 24:44MAT 24:501CO 15:52The sermon transcript discusses the promise of Jesus' second coming, emphasizing the suddenness and unexpectedness of his arrival. The speaker addresses three questions about the second coming: when will he come, how will he come, and why will he come. The answers are derived from biblical references, such as the parable of the wheat and the tares, and the idea that Jesus will come to gather his faithful servants and bring judgment upon the rejecters of Christ. The sermon concludes with the anticipation of Jesus' reign and the joy of seeing him vindicated and enthroned.
Why the Devil Hates You
By Dana Carpenter1.3K20:14DevilISA 14:12MAT 13:431CO 15:52In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of receiving a glorified body from God. He references 1 Corinthians 15:52, which states that in a moment, at the last trumpet, the dead will be raised incorruptible and believers will be changed. The preacher also highlights Matthew 13:43, which describes how the righteous will shine forth like the Son in the kingdom of their Father. The sermon emphasizes that despite our shortcomings, when we accept Christ, we receive not only salvation but also various gifts from God. The preacher then delves into the topic of Lucifer's fall, discussing his pride and the reasons behind it. The sermon concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out to the preacher and a reminder to continue studying God's Word.
Risen and Returning
By Jim Cymbala1.2K42:00Second ComingMAT 24:36MAT 24:421CO 15:521TH 4:16TIT 2:13HEB 11:7REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ rather than just going to church. He urges the audience to examine their faith and ensure that it is real and centered on Jesus. The preacher then discusses the concept of the second coming of Christ, comparing it to the days of Noah. He highlights the need for faith and obedience, using Noah's example of building the ark despite being mocked. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God will punish unrighteousness and sin.
Today – Therefore
By Basilea Schlink86604:35Radio ShowMAT 6:33MAT 24:36LUK 21:251CO 15:521TH 4:162PE 3:10REV 22:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the times we are living in, where destruction threatens the world. They argue that we can no longer live a comfortable Christian life, but must fully surrender ourselves to Jesus and be obedient to God's commandments. The sermon references 1 Corinthians 15, which speaks about the last trumpet and the Lord's return in glory. The speaker urges listeners to prepare for this day and be among those who will be called out of the destruction of this age.
Apostolic Foundations (3 of 12)
By Art Katz81359:16ApostolicMAT 6:33ACT 13:2ACT 17:23ACT 17:26ACT 17:301CO 15:521TH 1:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the gospel message and the imminent judgment of God. He challenges the idea that the gospel is simply a pleasant and soothing message, asserting that it is actually the apocalyptic heart of God's plan for restoration. The preacher encourages believers to embrace their responsibility to proclaim the truth, even if it means being labeled as dogmatic or intolerant. He draws inspiration from the apostle Paul's boldness in preaching the gospel, highlighting Paul's uncompromising message of repentance and the coming judgment of God. The sermon concludes with a call to eagerly anticipate the return of Christ and to endure persecution and suffering, knowing that it will be worth it all when the King establishes his kingdom.
Sunday Night Meditations 24 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler38815:49GEN 7:23MAT 24:37LUK 17:26JHN 3:161CO 15:521TH 4:16REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by singing a song called "And This I Know" which speaks about the belief in God's reign and the promise of transformation. The sermon then focuses on the topic of what lies ahead for the world, drawing parallels to the days of Noah mentioned by Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the impending judgment and the need for salvation, highlighting the price Christ paid on the cross. The sermon concludes by stating that those who neglect God's salvation will face judgment, while those who accept it will be received into heaven. The preacher references 1 Thessalonians 4:16 to support the belief in the resurrection of the dead in Christ.
Of the Second Coming of Christ, and His Personal Appearance.
By John Gill0Hope and VigilanceSecond Coming Of ChristZEC 14:4MAT 24:30JHN 14:2ACT 1:111CO 15:521TH 4:162TI 4:1TIT 2:13HEB 9:28REV 1:7John Gill emphasizes the certainty and significance of the Second Coming of Christ, detailing how it will precede the resurrection of the just and the establishment of His kingdom. He explains that Christ's return will be marked by great glory and will fulfill prophecies from the patriarchs and prophets, confirming its inevitability. Gill highlights the dual nature of Christ's coming, both in judgment and in the establishment of His reign, and encourages believers to remain vigilant and prepared for this event. He also discusses the signs that will precede His return and the ultimate purpose of His coming, which includes the full realization of salvation for the saints and the destruction of evil. The sermon serves as a reminder of the hope and expectation that believers should hold regarding Christ's return.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 39:51CO 8:21CO 15:181CO 15:521TH 4:141TH 5:1John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Resurrection to banish grief and sorrow, emphasizing that even those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will be brought by God. He addresses the disbelief in the Resurrection, highlighting the comfort and honor in glory that believers will experience. Chrysostom encourages faith in the Resurrection by pointing out the miraculous transformations in nature and the human body, urging believers to trust in God's power and wisdom beyond human understanding.
Day 97, 1 Corinthians 15
By David Servant0JHN 5:281CO 15:21CO 15:191CO 15:291CO 15:341CO 15:521CO 15:58REV 20:4David Servant emphasizes the importance of holding fast to Paul's gospel, which includes the foundational truths that humanity is sinful, God is wrathful, and Christ died for our sins. The resurrection of Christ is a crucial aspect of the gospel, highlighting the significance of the doctrine of resurrection in Christian belief. Denying Christ's resurrection would invalidate the core of Christianity and the sacrifices made by His followers. Belief in Christ's resurrection should lead to a life of obedience and holiness, as emphasized by Paul's exhortation to live righteously and abound in the work of the Lord.
Posttribulational Denial of Imminency and Wrath
By John F. Walvoord0JER 30:7MAT 24:21MAT 24:44JHN 14:31CO 15:521TH 5:92TH 2:1REV 6:9REV 7:14REV 12:12John F. Walvoord addresses Robert Gundry's attempt to deny the imminency of the rapture by redefining the term 'imminent,' emphasizing that the rapture could occur at any moment without necessary intervening events. Walvoord highlights the importance of understanding the concept of imminence in relation to the hope of the rapture before the tribulation, not survival through it, and refutes Gundry's redefinition of imminence to fit his posttribulational view. Additionally, Walvoord challenges Gundry's denial of divine wrath in the great tribulation, pointing out that the tribulation is a time of both satanic and divine wrath, and that the church cannot escape severe trials during this period. Lastly, Walvoord examines Gundry's exegetical premises of dispensational posttribulationism, focusing on key passages like the Olivet Discourse and the Upper Room Discourse to address the theological issues involved.
The Rise of Posttribulational Interpretation
By John F. Walvoord0DAN 9:27MAT 24:21ROM 11:251CO 15:521TH 4:161TI 4:162TI 3:162PE 3:10REV 20:1John F. Walvoord discusses the development of systematic theology in the history of the church, focusing on the controversies and major divisions that have shaped theological understanding. He highlights the early theological controversies related to the Scriptures, the doctrine of the Trinity, the Protestant Reformation's impact on soteriology and ecclesiology, and the ongoing debate surrounding eschatology. Walvoord delves into the different interpretations of eschatology throughout history, from premillennialism to postmillennialism, and the varying views on the millennium and the second coming of Christ.
The End of Time.
By Edward Payson0ECC 3:11MAT 24:36MAT 25:311CO 15:522CO 5:101TH 5:2HEB 9:272PE 3:10REV 10:5Edward Payson preaches on the vision of the mighty angel in Revelation 10, emphasizing the solemn declaration that there will be 'time no longer' when the mystery of God is finished. He delves into the end of time, the completion of God's design through Christ's mediatorial kingdom, the final subjugation of Christ's enemies, and the impending day of judgment. Payson urges listeners to reflect on the significance of the end of time, the separation from earthly possessions, the transition to eternity, and the necessity of being prepared to meet God in judgment.
Part 1: The Millennial Issue in Modern Theology
By John F. Walvoord0EXO 32:9NUM 14:11JHN 14:31CO 15:521TH 4:162TI 3:162PE 1:20REV 20:2REV 20:4John F. Walvoord delves into the contemporary discussion of the millennial issue in theology, highlighting the impact of recent events on scholarly thinking in philosophy, science, and theology, particularly in eschatology. The sermon explores the current trends in millennial literature, the resurgence of amillennialism, and the convergence of three main streams of theology leading to amillennialism becoming the majority view in the church. It also addresses the importance of the millennial doctrine in shaping Biblical interpretation and theology, emphasizing the significance of premillennialism as a system of interpretation that impacts the entire Bible and the present purpose of God.
(The Real Truth) 8. the Real Truth About Eternity
By Zac Poonen0MAT 25:46JHN 3:161CO 15:521TH 4:17HEB 9:271JN 1:9REV 20:6Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of valuing eternal things over temporary earthly possessions, highlighting the significance of Christ's promised Second Coming as the next great event in history. He stresses the need for believers to give an account of their lives to God on that day and to choose heavenly values like purity, love, and forgiveness. Poonen warns about the consequences of living for temporary pleasures and the necessity of repentance before facing God's judgment. He paints a vivid picture of the two resurrections - one for the righteous and one for the unrepentant sinners, underscoring the eternal destiny awaiting each individual based on their choices in this life.
The Second Coming of Christ
By Edward Payson0MAT 24:30MAT 25:311CO 15:521TH 4:161TH 5:21TH 5:62PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 1:7REV 20:12Edward Payson preaches about the certainty and significance of the second coming of Christ, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for this momentous event. He describes the awe-inspiring scene of Christ coming in the clouds of heaven, visible to all mankind, and the contrasting reactions different characters will have upon seeing Him. Payson highlights the joy and comfort that faithful servants of Christ will experience at His coming, as well as the terror and despair that will grip the hearts of the unprepared and wicked. He urges the congregation to consider the certainty of this event, to prioritize spiritual readiness over worldly distractions, and to reflect on how their own characters would respond to the imminent return of Christ.
The Cross Day by Day
By L.E. Maxwell0JHN 3:13ROM 6:4ROM 8:171CO 15:522CO 4:10GAL 2:20EPH 2:4PHP 3:10COL 3:11JN 3:2F B Meyer delves into the soul's quest for attaining the resurrection from the dead, emphasizing the importance of knowing Christ personally, experiencing the power of His resurrection, and sharing in His sufferings. Meyer highlights the conditions of the risen life, pointing out that deeper fellowship with Christ involves a deeper experience of His sufferings. He encourages believers to seek the attainment of the resurrection life, where they can utilize the spiritual forces available through union with the Risen Christ.
The Hallway to the Saints' Rest
By Richard Baxter0MAT 8:27MAT 25:23ROM 8:11CO 6:21CO 15:521TH 4:161TI 6:152PE 2:9REV 1:6REV 6:16Richard Baxter preaches about the pathway to Paradise, emphasizing the removal of barriers by Christ to enter Heaven. He discusses the significance of the Second Coming of Christ, the Resurrection of the Body, the Judgment, and the Coronation as key events leading to Paradise. Baxter highlights the assurance of triumph for believers, the resurrection of the body, the solemnity of judgment, and the royal coronation awaiting the faithful.
Part 6: Amillennialism as a System of Theology
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 25:31JHN 3:16ACT 5:3ROM 3:24ROM 8:381CO 7:51CO 12:271CO 15:522CO 4:32CO 11:142CO 12:7GAL 3:28EPH 1:7EPH 2:191TH 2:181TH 4:162TH 2:91TI 1:201PE 5:81JN 3:81JN 3:10REV 20:1REV 20:4John F. Walvoord preaches on 'The Growing Importance of Millennialism,' highlighting how millennialism now plays a crucial role in shaping theology as a whole, influencing systems like premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. The controversy between amillennialism and premillennialism has intensified, revealing significant theological implications. Amillennialism's impact on bibliology is explored, showcasing its figurative interpretation of Scripture and its potential dangers in undermining the inspiration of the Bible. The sermon delves into amillennial theology's influence on soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, emphasizing the differences between amillennial and premillennial views in these areas.
January 18. 1678. an Answer to an Objection Against the Translated State.
By Jane Lead0DAN 7:27MAT 25:1LUK 12:371CO 15:521CO 15:541TH 4:16HEB 11:52PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 20:4Jane Lead preaches about the deep and mysterious revelation she has received regarding the transformation and translation of believers before Christ's final coming and judgment. She emphasizes the need for a pure and spotless life, separated from the corrupt earthly ways, in preparation for the high coelestiality and communion with the sacred Trinity. Lead discusses the threefold coming of Christ, highlighting the importance of faith, purity, and readiness for the ultimate redemption and transmutation of believers into immortal beings. She urges believers to be vigilant, watchful, and fully prepared for the imminent return of the Lord, encouraging a life of introversion and separation from the worldly distractions.
2 Peter 3:8
By John Gill0God's TimingFaith in PromisesPSA 90:4ISA 43:13MAT 24:36ROM 8:281CO 15:522TH 3:3HEB 10:231PE 3:92PE 3:8REV 22:12John Gill emphasizes the importance of understanding God's perspective on time in his sermon on 2 Peter 3:8. He reassures believers that the delay in Christ's return should not cause doubt, as God's timing is vastly different from human understanding; a day for the Lord is like a thousand years and vice versa. This perspective encourages the faithful to maintain their hope and expectation for Christ's second coming, regardless of how much time passes. Gill draws on Jewish traditions and interpretations to illustrate that God's promises are not bound by human timelines. Ultimately, he calls the congregation to trust in God's faithfulness and timing.
The Second Coming of Christ.
By Edward Payson0JOB 19:26MAT 24:30LUK 21:271CO 15:521TH 4:161TH 5:22TI 4:82PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 1:7Edward Payson preaches about the second coming of Christ, emphasizing the certainty of this event as revealed in the Scriptures and the importance of being prepared for it. He describes the awe-inspiring scene of Christ coming in the clouds of heaven, where every eye shall see Him, and the contrasting reactions of different characters upon witnessing His return. Payson highlights the joy and comfort that faithful servants of Christ will experience, eagerly awaiting His appearing, while the unfaithful and wicked will be filled with terror, anguish, and despair. He urges the congregation to consider the impact of Christ's second coming on their own lives, emphasizing the need for readiness and faithful living in anticipation of that great day.
Life and Immortality Revealed in the Gospel
By Samuel Davies0JOB 19:26PSA 89:47MRK 9:24JHN 5:28JHN 14:11CO 15:522TI 1:9HEB 9:272PE 3:10Samuel Davies preaches about the revelation of life and immortality through the gospel, emphasizing the destruction of death by Jesus Christ and the eternal existence of the soul and body. He vividly describes the universal reality of death and the necessity of preparing for eternity, urging listeners to consider their own mortality and the importance of living a godly life. Davies highlights the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body, challenging individuals to prioritize their eternal destiny over temporary earthly pursuits. He warns against neglecting the soul's preparation for an everlasting existence and encourages a focus on securing a happy immortality through faith and righteous living.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In a moment - Εν ατομῳ· In an atom; that is, an indivisible point of time. In the twinkling of an eye; as soon as a man can wink; which expressions show that this mighty work is to be done by the almighty power of God, as he does all his works, He calls, and it is done. The resurrection of all the dead, from the foundation of the world to that time, and the change of all the living then upon earth, shall be the work of a single moment. At the last trump - This, as well as all the rest of the peculiar phraseology of this chapter, is merely Jewish, and we must go to the Jewish writers to know what is intended. On this subject, the rabbins use the very same expression. Thus Rabbi Akiba: "How shall the holy blessed God raise the dead? We are taught that God has a trumpet a thousand ells long, according to the ell of God: this trumpet he shall blow, so that the sound of it shall extend from one extremity of the earth to the other. At the first blast the earth shall be shaken; at the second, the dust shall be separated; at the third, the bones shall be gathered together; at the fourth, the members shall wax warm; at the fifth, the heads shall be covered with skin; at the sixth, the souls shall be rejoined to their bodies; at the seventh, all shall revive and stand clothed." See Wetstein. This tradition shows us what we are to understand by the last trump of the apostle; it is the seventh of Rab. Akiba, when the dead shall be all raised, and, being clothed upon with their eternal vehicles, they shall be ready to appear before the judgment seat of God. For the trumpet shall sound - By this the apostle confirms the substance of the tradition, there shall be the sound of a trumpet on this great day; and this other scriptures teach: see Zac 9:14; Mat 24:31; Joh 5:25; Th1 4:16, in which latter place, the apostle treats this subject among the Thessalonians, as he does here among the Corinthians. See the notes at Th1 4:16. Shall be raised incorruptible - Fully clothed with a new body, to die no more. We shall be changed - That is, those who shall then be found alive.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the last trump--at the sounding of the trumpet on the last day [VATABLUS] (Mat 24:31; Th1 4:16). Or the Spirit by Paul hints that the other trumpets mentioned subsequently in the Apocalypse shall precede, and that this shall be the last of all (compare Isa 27:13; Zac 9:14). As the law was given with the sound of a trumpet, so the final judgment according to it (Heb 12:19; compare Exo 19:16). As the Lord ascended "with the sound of a trumpet" (Psa 47:5), so He shall descend (Rev 11:15). The trumpet was sounded to convoke the people on solemn feasts, especially on the first day of the seventh month (the type of the completion of time; seven being the number for perfection; on the tenth of the same month was the atonement, and on the fifteenth the feast of tabernacles, commemorative of completed salvation out of the spiritual Egypt, compare Zac 14:18-19); compare Psa 50:1-7. Compare His calling forth of Lazarus from the grave "with a loud voice," Joh 11:43, with Joh 5:25, Joh 5:28. and--immediately, in consequence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
O death, where is thy sting?.... These words, with the following clause, are taken out of Hos 13:14 and that they belong to the times of the Messiah, the ancient Jews acknowledge; and the Chaldee paraphrase interprets them of the Logos, or Word of God, rendering them thus, "my Word shall be among them to kill, and my Word to destroy;'' wherefore the apostle is not to be charged with a misapplication of them, nor with a perversion of them, as he is by the Jew (s): in the prophet they are thus read, "O death, I will be thy plagues, O grave, I will be thy destruction"; between which, and the apostle's citation of them, there is some difference; the word which we render in both clauses, "I will be", the apostle translates "where", and that very rightly, and so it should be rendered there; and so it is by the Septuagint interpreters, who render the whole as he, with a little variation, "where is thy revenge, O death? where is thy sting, O grave?" and so the Arabic version of Hosea still nearer the apostle, "where is now thy victory, O death?" or "where is thy sting, O grave?" and even the Chaldee paraphrase on Hos 13:14 renders the same word "where"; for instead of, "I will be thy king", the Targum reads, , "where is thy king?" and Aben Ezra, a Jewish writer of great note, on Hos 13:14 observes, that there are some that say the word is to be inverted as if it was "where", and he adds, and it is right; a like observation he makes on those words in Co1 15:14 and that that is the true sense of the word in both verses, is attested by Ebn Jannahius Tanchuma (t); so that the apostle is thus far to be justified, in his citation of this passage: it is further to be observed, that instead of "thy plagues", he reads, "thy sting"; and I doubt not, but that among the many things which signifies, as it must be owned it does signify the plague, or pestilence, see Psa 90:6 and which perhaps is so called, from the venomous nature of it, and the poisonous sting that is in it, so likewise a sting, though there is no instance of it; certain it is, that bees are called and as Cocceius (u) observes, from their sting; and so in the Chaldee and Arabic languages, a bee, or a wasp, is called and it is to such sort of creatures, that the allusion is here made; who having lost their stings, can do no hurt; and which will be the case of death in the resurrection morn, when risen saints will insult over it in this triumphant manner; having nothing more to fear from it, any more than a man has to be afraid of any animal whatever, that has lost its sting: and in the following clause, O grave, where is thy victory? instead of "destruction", as it must be allowed the word signifies, see Psa 90:6 the apostle reads victory; but then there is no difference in the sense; for the grave gets its victory over its thousands, and ten thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousands, and millions of millions, by the destruction of them, which now it glories in, and boasts of; but in the resurrection morn, when its destruction will be at an end, the triumphant saints may reasonably ask, where is its boasted victory, since it can destroy no longer. (s) R. lsaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 87. p. 463. (t) Apud Pocock. Not. Miscellan. ad Port. Mosis, p. 69, 70. (u) Lex. Heb. in rad.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:52 Cp. 1 Thes 4:13-17.