You can read the text here.
Paul further expands on the hope that gives him strength to carry out his ministry. In a nutshell this hope is resurrection.[1] Paul knows that after death, the perishable human body will be no more, and the imperishable resurrection body will be gained, it's waiting for us, prepared by God. Life in the body was hard and full of suffering, but if we are approved by God,[2] then there will be more to the end than death; resurrection life will await.[3] Paul and his companions faced much opposition and persecution that broke their bodies, however their longing wasn't for death as an end to suffering, but a new mode of existence where suffering and weakness were no more. In fact, that is what God was preparing them for, little by little in this life, through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Those changes and victories that were alluded to earlier in the letter were God's guarantee of the fullness of life to come when the resurrection happens. Life overcomes mortality.[4]
The Spirit gives confidence, even though they are not experiencing the fullness of God's presence because they still live in mortal bodies. They trust God will give them the full outpouring of life, a resurrection body, like Jesus received, even if it's something that has to be taken on faith. Their faith is firm and strong and they long for the day when they have resurrected bodies, so they seek to live a life that is pleasing to God now and in the age to come.[5] Living a life that is pleasing to God is critical because of the coming judgment. God will judge all on the basis of their deeds, with the righteous receiving reward and the wicked punishment. Those who are filled with the Spirit, like Paul, strive to cooperate to receive that reward of resurrection and life.
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[1] There is much controversy surrounding the interpretation of this passage. I side with Matera against Thrall, seeing it as in full agreement with what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15.
[2] While not stated this point is surely implicit, especially given vs. 10.
[3] Matera argues, in my opinion forcefully, that nakedness refers to death.
[4] Thrall makes this last point effectively.
[5] Presumably all who live in the age to come with God will be pleasing to God, so one assumes that it implies again hope for resurrection life. However, it's not exactly what the text says. It sounds like one can continue to do right or wrong in the age to come. To discuss free will and choice in the new heavens and new earth would take us too far afield of Paul's main point, but this text is puzzling.
Paul further expands on the hope that gives him strength to carry out his ministry. In a nutshell this hope is resurrection.[1] Paul knows that after death, the perishable human body will be no more, and the imperishable resurrection body will be gained, it's waiting for us, prepared by God. Life in the body was hard and full of suffering, but if we are approved by God,[2] then there will be more to the end than death; resurrection life will await.[3] Paul and his companions faced much opposition and persecution that broke their bodies, however their longing wasn't for death as an end to suffering, but a new mode of existence where suffering and weakness were no more. In fact, that is what God was preparing them for, little by little in this life, through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Those changes and victories that were alluded to earlier in the letter were God's guarantee of the fullness of life to come when the resurrection happens. Life overcomes mortality.[4]
The Spirit gives confidence, even though they are not experiencing the fullness of God's presence because they still live in mortal bodies. They trust God will give them the full outpouring of life, a resurrection body, like Jesus received, even if it's something that has to be taken on faith. Their faith is firm and strong and they long for the day when they have resurrected bodies, so they seek to live a life that is pleasing to God now and in the age to come.[5] Living a life that is pleasing to God is critical because of the coming judgment. God will judge all on the basis of their deeds, with the righteous receiving reward and the wicked punishment. Those who are filled with the Spirit, like Paul, strive to cooperate to receive that reward of resurrection and life.
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[1] There is much controversy surrounding the interpretation of this passage. I side with Matera against Thrall, seeing it as in full agreement with what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15.
[2] While not stated this point is surely implicit, especially given vs. 10.
[3] Matera argues, in my opinion forcefully, that nakedness refers to death.
[4] Thrall makes this last point effectively.
[5] Presumably all who live in the age to come with God will be pleasing to God, so one assumes that it implies again hope for resurrection life. However, it's not exactly what the text says. It sounds like one can continue to do right or wrong in the age to come. To discuss free will and choice in the new heavens and new earth would take us too far afield of Paul's main point, but this text is puzzling.
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