Bible Question:
what does being baptized for the dead mean? |
Bible Answer: For 1 Corinthians 15:29.. The Nelson NKJV states, "15:29: It may be that some of the Corinthians had for some reason been baptized for others who had died without baptism. Paul did not approve or disapprove of the unusual practice, though he used they rather than “we” when speaking of it. if the dead do not rise Why then are they baptized: To deny the resurrection, as the Corinthians did, and yet be involved in such baptism activities made no sense." The Ryrie Expanded Edition NASB Study Bible states,"15:29: baptized for the dead. Various interpretations have been given for this difficult expression. (1) It sanctions being baptized vicariously for another in order to assure him a place in heaven—a view that is heretical. (2) It refers to those who were baptized because of the testimony of those who had died. (3) Most likely it means being baptized in the place of those who had died; i.e., new converts taking the place of older ones who had died. Paul’s point is, unless one believes in the resurrection of the dead (rather than the Greek idea of “immortality”), what’s the point of such a practice?" The Cambridge Annotated Study Bible with Apocrypha states, "15:29-34 Baptism on behalf of the dead (being baptized vicariously for the benefit of those who had died) would be foolish if there was no resurrection of the dead, and so would be risking one’s life for the sake of the gospel (fighting wild animals). Ephesus is where Paul was when he wrote. He quotes the declaration of the libertine about enjoying life while it lasts (Isa 22:13), and then quotes from a Greek play (Thais, by Menander) to warn against associating with the wrong people." "This difficult verse has numerous possible interpretations. Other Scripture passages, however, clarify certain things which it does not mean. It does not teach, for example, that a dead person can be saved by another person's being baptized on his behalf, because baptism never has a part in a person's salvation (Eph. 2:8; cf. Rom. 3:28; 4:3; 6:3,4). A reasonable view seems to be that "they ... who are baptized" refers to living believers who give outward testimony to their faith in baptism by water because they were first drawn to Christ by the exemplary lives, faithful influence, and witness of believers who had subsequently died. Paul's point is that if there is no resurrection and no life after death, then why are people coming to Christ to follow the hope of those who have died?" (The MacArthur NKJV Study Bible) |