Interpretation of the Bible / 1 Corinthians 15:56

This verse is part of chapter 15 of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In this letter, Paul writes about the resurrection of Christ and its implications for believers. In the previous verse, Paul states that “sin is the cause of death.” In this verse, he explains how sin has power through the Law.

The sting of death

The term “the sting of death” refers to the idea that death has a painful power that is associated with the sensation of a sting or thorn piercing a person. In Jewish culture, death was seen as the punishment for sin, as a result of disobedience to God in Eden (Genesis 2:17). Thus, Paul is alluding to the fact that death has power over humanity because of original sin.

The power of sin

Paul also emphasizes the power of sin through the Law. The Law refers to the commandments God gave to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:1-17). These commandments include prohibitions such as “You shall not kill” and “You shall not commit adultery.” Thus, the Law defines what is right and what is wrong, and when a person does not keep the Law, he sins.

The problem, however, is that the Law cannot save a person from sin. Instead, keeping the Law can lead to pride and arrogance, which opens the way for further sin. In other words, the power of sin lies in its ability to make a person feel righteous and therefore see no need to repent and receive God’s grace.