Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 5/12/2005

Question
Ref 1 Cor 15:51, "we shall all be changed"
Q. Does "all" refer to everyone, all christians, all corinthians, or something else?  Thank you

Answer
Hello Elliot,
Thank you for your question. The whole of 1 Corinthians 15 deals with the issue of the resurrection of the body. First the believers are reminded that Jesus rose from the dead and then we are told that this resurrection was the firstfruit. There would be many more. Paul then goes on to tell us what the resurrection body will be like. It is then he tantalsingly gives us a glimpse of what it will be like when Jesus returns, for some will not die but still be alive then. He is making the point that when this happens it is not just those who have died that will have this glorious spiritual body but also those who are left will be changed in the same way.
Paul is clearly referring to Christian believers (the letter is written to believers). In 1 Corinthians 15:23 he explains that the firstfruits are 'those who belong to him'. The context is clear therefore that all who share this new glorious body will be those who belong to him.
Certainly we are also told that those not in Christ will be raised to face judgement but this is not linked to the glory of the resurrection body.
Paul makes a similar point in 2 Thessalonians 4:13-18 where he contrasts the hope awaiting those to whom he is writing with others who have no hope.
I hope these comments are of some help to you and wish you God's blessing.
Stuart Woodward.