Expert: Jim Miller - 7/28/2009

Question
Hi Jim. Please tell me what is meant in this cited verse? Max Lucado's translation of scripture  said 'Christ was the 1st raised from the dead'. That's when I looked at my NIV. It says 'He is the firstborn from among the dead'. Lucado's seems wrong since Lazarus was raised before Christ. The NIV is not clear in its meaning. So with those two I need some discernment, please. Thank you.

Answer
   It is usually assumed that Lazarus died again -- from old age or as a martyr.  The resurrection that Paul is describing here is the eternal life resurrection, where we do not age and cannot die.  Presumably Moses had this resurrection, for his death and burial are described in Deuteronomy 34:1-8, but for some reason Michael and Satan disputed over his body (Jude 9), and Moses with Elijah (who never died) met with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8).  So the problem remains.
   By calling Jesus the firstborn of the dead, the meaning is not that he was the very first, but rather that all other resurrections are dependant on his resurrection (1 Cor 15), including the resurrection of Moses, and even the no-need-for-resurrection eternal life of Enoch and Elijah.  As those who died before Jesus are still dependant on his atoning death for their forgiveness, so also those who attained eternal life before Jesus are still dependant on his resurrection.  
I hope this is helpful,
Jim Miller