BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD?

1 Cor 15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? (NIV)

1 Cor 15:29 Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? (ASV)

1 Cor 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? (KJV)

Strong's # 1893 epei (ep-i'); from 1909 and 1487; thereupon, i.e. since (of time or cause): KJV-- because, else, for that (then, -asmuch as), otherwise, seeing that, since, when. (DIC)

ELSE

epei ^1893^, a conjunction, when used of cause, meaning "since," "otherwise," "for then," "because"; in an ellipsis, "else," as in <1 Cor. 7:14>, where the ellipsis would be "if the unbelieving husband were not sanctified in the wife, your children would be unclean"; cf. <Rom. 11:6,22; 1 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 9:26>. Sometimes it introduces a question, as in <Rom. 3:6; 1. Cor. 14:16; 15:29; Heb. 10:2>. It is translated "else" in <1 Cor. 14:16> and in the RV in <Heb. 9:26> and <10:2>, for KJV, "for then." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)

Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead?

In context of the preceding and following verses, this seems to be an argument for one of the greatest doctrines of the Christian faith, the resurrection from the dead. Paul may be speaking in reference to some baptismal rite of the Corinthian culture, although there is no historical or archaeological evidence to support this being a custom during Paul's time. It was during Tertullians time, much later. There is another possibility.

The Apocrypha (psuedo-scripture) in II Maccabees 12:43-45 does offer the likelihood of a belief of certain ideas about the dead that may have spread to the Corinth from some Jewish faction. "And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand drachmas of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection: for if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead. And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin."

There also seems to be an implication of the absurdity of baptizing the living for the dead in that which follows the first elements of the verse. To say "What will the position of those who are baptized for the dead be?" would likely be another way of stating Paul's question.

If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?

This question more than likely is referenced by the following verses and not the preceding verse. Again, in context of the portions of Scripture surrounding these two questions, Paul seems to be defending the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead and the absurdity of baptizing for the dead if there is no resurrection. There were obviously those in Corinth and even in the Jewish culture who did not believe in a resurrection, i.e.; the Sadducees. To do anything for the dead other than bury them, is useless.

All told, there are many interpretations of this verse of Scripture, close to 50, but this explanation seems to be one of the most accurate in relation to the original Greek. The most important thing to realize in all this is that, in the Christian faith, there is no room for "baptism of the dead". During Turtullians time, it was practised more in the heretic circles than in any other. It is a doctrine that as far as I can tell is something that Paul was refuting and in that, there was a defense of the true Gospel of Christ.

Craig Roberts

References include:

1. The Septuagint with the Apocrypha.

2. The Amplified Bible

3. The International Critical Commentary on I Corinthians (Robertson and Plummer)