Want some clarity.

[Lovesherald]

I Cornithians 15:29

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"


I know the context that this verse belongs but I always thought baptizing the dead was a Mormon belief. This is the only inclusion of this that I've read in the Bible. Can anyone explain this? Are people being baptized for those who were believers but died before baptism?

Help is appreciated.

 

[paulnoel]

I Cornithians 15:29

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"


I know the context that this verse belongs but I always thought baptizing the dead was a Mormon belief. This is the only inclusion of this that I've read in the Bible. Can anyone explain this? Are people being baptized for those who were believers but died before baptism?

Help is appreciated.

Some believers were baptised on behalf of others who had died unbaptised. Nothing more is known about this practice, but it affirms a belief in resurrection. Paul is not promoting baptisim for the dead; he is illustrating his argument that the resurrection is a reality.

 

[Macca]

I Cornithians 15:29

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"


I know the context that this verse belongs but I always thought baptizing the dead was a Mormon belief. This is the only inclusion of this that I've read in the Bible. Can anyone explain this? Are people being baptized for those who were believers but died before baptism?

Help is appreciated.

The passage deals with whether Jesus rose from the dead or not. If He didn't, as some were saying at this time, then why were people being baptised for dead people if Jesus had not risen; but He has.
Macca.

 

[JohnJones]

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

Doesn't the word "they" indicate he is refering not to Christians but heretics? His point then would be "even the heretics that you disdain, believe in the resurrection."

 

[Dmckay]

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

Doesn't the word "they" indicate he is refering not to Christians but heretics? His point then would be "even the heretics that you disdain, believe in the resurrection."

Although the practice is heretical, that doesn't necessarily mean that the ones doing this weren't Christians. Remember, that they didn't have the Bible to consult available to them at this time. These could have been sincere believers who were legitimately concerned that some loved ones who had died before being baptized might lose their salvation, or not be raised in the resurrection.

Paul was using this as an example to those who were denying the possibility of the Resurrection. That is to say, If there isn't going to be a resurrection in the future then why is this group baptizing for the dead. If it isn't going to happen then they are wasting their time.

 

[filosofer]

An interesting text, and perhaps one of the more obscure passages in the entire New Testament. What do we do with a passage that seems to be only a passing comment by Paul, without explanation or even indicating whether he endorses it or refutes it? No wonder it has baffled translators and interpreters for centuries! It might be wise to approach with humility and even a little trembling.

The key depends on how one translates the Greek word "hyper" and the accompanying genitive. There have been four major positions advocated. "They ... who are baptized for the dead" refers to:

1. converts (new Christians) were being baptized "in place of" (hyper) of those Christians who had died.

2. Christians who were being baptized a second time, this time "in behalf of/for the sake of" Christians who had died before being baptized. (This is the view that has been used by the Mormons to support their practice.)

3. converts who were being baptized "over" (hyper) the graves of other Christians who had already died. Problem with this view? Nowhere else in the New Testament is hyper with a genitive translated "over" in a local sense (i.e. graves).

4. converts who were being baptized "for the benefit of" (hyper) of themselves, since they knew the reality of their own ultimate deaths. This would be seen as a testimonial to their being united in Christ's resurrection.

Caution would indicate that we can't be dogmatic about anyone. The fourth one seems more consistent with the context of what Paul has already written and continues to write.