Baptism for the Dead
1 Corinthians 15:12-34

1. What truth is Paul defending in 1 Corinthians when he speaks of baptism for the dead?




2. How do we know that Paul did not consider baptism for the dead a practice that was binding upon himself or others in the church to whom he was writing?




3. What kinds of interpretations must be rejected regarding the meaning of Paul’s words when he spoke of baptism for the dead?




4. What cardinal principle of interpretation must be followed to enable a proper interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15:29?




5. Why is the correct understanding of the biblical mode of applying water in cleansing rites (i.e. baptisms) the key to properly interpreting what Paul was speaking of when he referred to baptism for the dead?



6. Where do the Scriptures speak of baptism for (i.e. because of) the dead? Why did God require this cleansing rite, and how did Paul use it in his argument for the resurrection of the dead?