We go on to 1 Cor 15: 20-28

v20: Messiah is risen: This is written in the passive voice, not in the active. This means that Yeshua did not do His own raising up (active), but it was done to Him (and we know it was G-d the Father who raised Him up). The Father raised up Yeshua to show His approval, or His acceptance, of Yeshuas’ work when He laid down His life as a perfect sacrifice for ALL sin. 

• Firstfruits: The firstfruits were offered up once a year (at the beginning of the wheat or barley harvest), the day after the Sabbath (Lev 23:10-11). Yeshua rose from the dead on this exact day -when the firstfruits were brought before G-d, the day after the Sabbath (Luke 23:56 – Luke 24:1-6). When the priest received the fruitfruits he would wave it before G-d as a wave offering. This is an offering that speaks of acceptability and victory before G-d (Pentecost begins 50 days after this day of firstfruits – that was when the Holy Spirit was poured out, 50 days after Yeshua’s resurrection). 

v21-22: By man came death: Talking of Adam. Through Adam, sin, and therefore death, entered into this world.

• By Man (the Son of Man) also came the resurrection of the dead: Paul is teaching us a spiritual law – death came through one man, but life (resurrection from death – for those who believe) also came through one Man, Messiah Yeshua. 

v23: Each one in his own order: When Yeshua rose from the dead he had a different body. He could just appear in a room, at times He looked very different (Luke 24:15-16). When we are resurrected, we too are going to have a body like Messiahs. 

• At His coming: When He returns (not talking about the rapture here, but about His second coming in its fullness). 

v24: The end: Paul is speaking about the end of this age. 

Note: When Messiah comes again (at the end of this age) there is a process that is going to play out. It begins with the blessed hope or rapture. After the believers are raptured, G-d is going to pour out His wrath on this earth – destroying all earthly principalities, authorities and powers. Yeshua is going to deliver this earthly kingdom to His Father. 

v25: He must reign: It is necessary for Him (Yeshua) to rule, to be King. He’s going to be the One who brings all things into subjection to the purpose, authority and rule of G-d.

• Enemies: Those who do not have a covenantal relationship with Messiah – by faith. Those who reject the gospel message, and reject G-d’s plan for salvation.

v26: Death: In this context ‘death’ is referring to sin. 

v27: He has put all things under His feet: Quoted from Psalm 8:6

• He (G-d) who put all things under Him (Yeshua) is excepted: Paul is clarifying something for us. All things will be under Yeshua – except for G-d the Father who is excluded from “all things”. 

v28: All things are made subject to Him: G-d the Father put all things under Yeshua. Yeshua is then going to bring all things into subjection under G-d the Father. And Yeshua Himself is going to be subject or in submission to G-d the Father. 

• That G-d may be all in all: This simply means that G-d the Father has superiority. He has absolute rule. Everything is under His authority. And the One who ensures that this is so is His Son – Messiah Yeshua. Messiah Yeshua laid down His life so that G-d the Father’s purposes could be fulfilled. When Yeshua brings all things under G-d’s authority, He continues to show submission by also bringing Himself under His Father’s authority.