Baptism for the Dead: An Exegetical Investigation of 1 Corinthians 15:29 and its Theological Significance for Contemporary Christians
Solomon Kwadwo Osei 
& Joseph Danquah
Issue: Vol.6 No.6 2024 Article 1 pp. 94-109
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024661 | Published online 28th November, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This study presents an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 15:29, a passage that has long intrigued scholars due to its reference to “baptism for the dead.” The purpose of the paper is to elucidate the historical, linguistic, and theological contexts surrounding this verse, with the goal of clarifying its meaning and significance within early Christian thought and its implications for modern Christian theology. The research uses a historical-grammatical methodology to examine several interpretations, including the notion of vicarious baptism, metaphorical interpretations, and the potential correlation of these interpretations with early Christian practices. The discussion focuses on the broader theological implications of the passage, particularly in relation to Pauline teachings on resurrection and the Christian hope in eternal life. This analysis ultimately suggests that Paul’s allusion to baptism for the dead in 1 Cor 15:29 does not endorse or imply a vicarious or proxy baptism, a notion that certain contemporary scholars generally acknowledge, rather it is a metaphorical construction that resonates with the eschatological resurrection of the dead in Christ. The study concludes with recommendations for interpreting ambiguous texts in light of historical and contextual factors. This research contributes to Pauline scholarship by offering a refined interpretation of a complex passage, promoting a deeper understanding of early Christian eschatology, and inviting contemporary theological reflection on the themes of resurrection and Christian hope.
Keywords: Baptism, Dead, Exegesis, Theology, Contemporary.
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Solomon Kwadwo Osei is a Ghanaian theologian and the Executive Secretary of the Mountain View Ghana Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Agona – Ashanti. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Biblical and Theological Studies with a focus on Systematic Theology at the Adventist University of Africa, Kenya. His academic interests encompass Anthropology, Christology, Eschatology, Pneumatology, and Biblical exegesis. Solomon is passionate about deepening the understanding of human nature, the person and work of Christ, the end times, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Through his work in biblical interpretation, he seeks to bridge the gap between scholarly discourse and practical ministry, making theological insights accessible and impactful.
Pastor Joseph Danquah, a Seventh-day Adventist minister in Ghana, serves as the Personal Ministries Director for the Mid-North Ghana Conference. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Theological Studies at the Adventist University of Africa, specializing in Systematic Theology with a focus on topics like anthropology, eschatology, and evangelism. His commitment to faith and education has significantly influenced theological discussions within and beyond his church community.
Osei, Solomon Kwadwo & Joseph Danquah. “Baptism for the Dead: An Exegetical Investigation of 1 Corinthians 15:29 and its Theological Significance for Contemporary Christians,” Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology 6, no.6 (2024):94-109. https://doi.org/10.38159/motbit.2024661
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
