1. “But now Christ is risen from the dead”

a) This was written with firm faith.

b) The phrase “is risen” needs to be carefully understood.

c) This is the translation of the Perfect Passive idea.

d) Two thoughts may be noted:

i) Actual meaning – There are “Christ has been raised” from the dead

ii) And He is indeed risen from the dead.

2. The significance of the resurrection of Christ from the dead

a) He has become the first-fruits of the dead.

b) The phrase “those who have fallen asleep” was used euphemistically to describe the dead.

3. Theological importance

a) By man, that is, Adam.

i) Through him came sin.

ii) And because of sin, death came.

b) By Man, that is, Christ

i) Through Christ came salvation.

ii) Through salvation came sanctification.

iii) Through Him came the hope of the resurrection.

iv) This hope of the resurrection is based on the resurrection of Christ.

4. The idea of “first-fruits”

a) This is an agricultural term.

b) It is a reference to the first set of ripened fruit.

c) The full harvest would be like the first-ripened fruit (as Christ rose so will all believers in Him).