What Does Paul Mean by “Baptism for the Dead”? | B. J. Oropeza on 1 Corinthians 15:29

In this episode of What in the Word?, we dive into one of the most puzzling verses in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15:29 and its reference to “baptism for the dead.” Host, Kirk E. Miller, is joined by biblical scholar, B. J. Oropeza, to explore various interpretations as well as key exegetical insights that unlock the meaning of this cryptic passage.

Tune in to gain practical insights for interpreting, applying, and teaching this verse that has sparked debate for centuries!

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Episode guest: B. J. Oropeza

B. J. Oropeza (PhD, Durham University, England) is Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Azusa Pacific University and Seminary. His current specialties include Romans, intertextuality, and perspectives on Paul.

His publications include Perspectives on Paul: Five Views (Baker Academic), Practicing Intertextuality (Cascade), contributions to the Scripture, Texts, and Tracings series (Fortress Academic), as well as commentaries on both 1 and 2 Corinthians. He’s participated on Bible translation teams for the NRSV (updated edition), Common English Bible (CEB), and Lexham English Septuagint (LES).

Episode synopsis

Introduction

Kirk E. Miller raises the peculiarity and difficulty surrounding this reference to baptism on behalf of the dead mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:29. Kirk mentions the unusual nature of 1 Corinthians 15:29 and the numerous interpretations it has elicited. Scholars have identified at least 40 different views, with some estimates going up to 200 different interpretations.

Substitutionary view

One of the traditional views is that people were being baptized on behalf of the deceased. B. J. and Kirk outline some of the arguments for and against this interpretation, including theological, exegetical, and historical observations. The conversation touches on issues with the Greek preposition ὑπέρ and explores how early church fathers viewed the practice.

The metaphorical option

Another interpretation suggests that Paul’s language of “baptism” and “the dead” is metaphorical, referencing martyrdom or apostolic sacrifice for spiritually dead individuals.

Martin Luther’s interpretation

Luther understood 1 Corinthians 15:29 to refer to baptisms taking place over graves, although no historical evidence exists to suggest this practice ever occurred.

In view of the hope of resurrection

Some perspectives emphasize Christian baptism’s connection to the hope of resurrection (see Romans 6). They take the phrase, “baptism for the dead,” to involve an ellipses or refer to the hope that baptism holds out: resurrection.

The influence of dead Christians

Finally, others interpret the verse as referring to now-deceased Christians whose influence led to the conversion of those now being baptized. The latter are thus baptized on account of the testimony of “the dead.”

Context and argument

After surveying these views, B. J. explains the larger context of 1 Corinthians 15. Its central themes are the resurrection of Jesus and the general resurrection. B. J. showcases Paul’s use of an ABA pattern in 1 Corinthians, including here in chapter 15, which helps inform our interpretation of his argument. Kirk mentions the use of reductio ad absurdum arguments throughout 1 Corinthians, both theologically with regards to Christ’s resurrection (1 Cor 15:12 ff) then later in regards to this practice of baptism for the dead (1 Cor 15:29).

Noting the shift in pronouns

B. J. notes the important shift to third person pronouns, linking the “some” of v. 29 with the “some” of v. 34. Paul’s language shifts from first person (“we,” “I”) to “they,” hinting at a possible distancing and implied rebuke of their practice. He connects the “some” in Corinth who deny resurrection (see 1 Cor 15:12) with the “some” who have no knowledge of God later in the passage. B.J., therefore, suggests that Paul does not endorse this practice of “baptism for the dead,” and might have planned to correct the Corinthians in person later (compare 1 Cor 11:34).

The use of ὑπέρ

B.J. notes how ὑπέρ is used throughout 1 Corinthians where it most commonly has the idea of substitution, which adds additional support to this reading.

Teaching tips

Kirk and B. J. encourage preachers to emphasize the resurrection of Jesus and avoid getting hung up on v. 29. Focus on the bodily resurrection as the significant theological point rather than controversial interpretations. Regardless of one’s interpretation, the contribution of v.29 to Paul’s overall argument will remain the same.

Select works from B. J. Oropeza