Baptized for the dead ?

I like the explanation in the RSV concerning this scripture. Appears to me Paul s speaking of the unrighteous.

29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?

Just a closer walk with thee.----George Jones

Members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints do that in their temples.

In verses 29-34 Paul argues the futility believing there is no resurrection, 29-34.

“Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!’”

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then why......

A. The practice of a proxy baptism – “what will they do who are baptized for the dead…? Why then are they baptized for the dead?”

1. The first thing that has to be acknowledged here is that Paul affirms the existence of the practice at Corinth.

2. The second thing is that the existence of this practice testifies to the enormous importance that the early Church placed on baptism, even though this practice represents a perversion of it.

3. The third thing is that Paul does not ask, “why do you or we” but, why do “they,” whoever the ‘they' were. Paul is clearly separating himself and others at those at Corinth who did not practice this ritual for dead, from those who did. It must also be noted that Paul is not giving credence to the practice. He simply acknowledges that some, whom he does not identify, were practicing this, and it would appear that it was from among some of those who were claiming there was no resurrection.

This reveals the existence of yet another faction that existed among those at Corinth just like those who were forbidding to marry, and like those who had divided into factions over baptism, etc…. Some were teaching that there was no resurrection from the dead while at the same time, practicing this proxy ritual of baptism for the dead. Paul is not offering a defense for this practice. Rather, he is stressing the obvious absurdity of denying the resurrection and then baptizing for those who had died. How would they propose to defend the logic of this? Paul is not legitimizing the practice; he is showing the absurdity of it.

It seems there was a practice in early Christianity of being baptized for the dead. Does anyone know anything other than this passage about this subject ? I have no clue but it does seem that Paul is mentioning it as a practice in Christianity

“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?”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

any thoughts and especially any relevant scripture is appreciated

Gotta look at the context of this.

People were baptized in reference to Chrost being risen.. not dead. But there was a belief that the dead do not rise.

Paul was saying, when he was baptizing in reference to the risen Christ.. not dead.. why are we doing this baptism if the dead are not raised? If Christ is not risen?


Thereby declaring that Christ is risen and does raise the dead.

An important point is Paul says "they" that are baptized for the dead, and not we. If it was a normal practice there would be confirming scriptures.

One can easily conclude from the NT accounts that people were familiar with the concept that upon obedience to water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus that one's sins were remitted. (Acts 2:38, 22:16) It may be that individuals began the unbiblical practice due to their concern that loved ones died lost.

Paul pointed out that even though some said they did not believe in the resurrection their actions in regards to proxy baptisms said otherwise.


"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?" 1 Cor 15:29

yes I’m not insisting we take to being baptized for the dead at all , ot was just an inquiry as to others thoughts and even more so is there any other scripture regarding it in the Bible ? I myself haven’t found any but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

I do agree doctrine is always repetitive and clear

I do think Paul writing to the church is saying some of them among the church we’re doing it , but that’s only how I myself take what’s written there. I think he’s saying that because it’s a practice they in Corinth we’re familiar with and some were practicing and I don’t read Paul condemning e practice or even belittling it but using it as an example like your saying there “ why do that if there’s no resurrection ?”

but again it’s just how I’m reading what’s there and it could be as you are saying either way I really appreciate the input and good spirit it’s given in thanks for taking the time and participating and giving me some things to consider

I did not think you were in support of the practice. And, I, too, am not aware of any other scriptures on the topic.