Shocking as it may sound, it was during my freshman year of college that I first learned how to read. Well, maybe I should clarify by adding, "It was during my freshman year in college when I first learned to read 1 Corinthians chapter 15 in context." My roommate was from a religious background, which differed from mine. He was older, had spent the two years prior in Canada actively sharing his faith with others, and felt it was his obligation to share with me also.

I had never heard of baptizing for the dead until my roommate, Bob, introduced me to the subject. Members of his church religiously practice this type of baptism, which seemed weird and strange to me. I was skeptical to say the least when I was challenged to read 1 Corinthians 15:29, which reads, "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?" I was shocked to learn this subject was in the Bible. But, could my roommate be right?

I was intrigued, but was still not convinced that Christ would encourage or promote baptism for dead people. Inquiring minds want to know the truth and now that I was a college man, I too wanted to know the truth. So, I scheduled an appointment with one of the local pastors who often visited the university campus. When I first decided to solicit the pastor's help, I expected him to share his years of wisdom with me and to answer my question. However, instead of adding his words of commentary or explanation this campus pastor asked me instead to read the passage from 1 Corinthians 15:29 aloud to him. I quickly read the verse as I was asked to do so, but was still confused.

The pastor continued by asking me a really hard question. He asked, "Tell me, what punctuation mark does verse 29 end with?" Being a college man, I readily answered, "A question mark!" He affirmed my brilliance and intelligence and reassured me that I was indeed ready for college. I had answered correctly. He then explained that reading, studying, and correctly interpreting Bible scriptures can only be successfully accomplished if the passage is read in context. My pastor friend explained that members of Bob's church took this isolated verse and interpreted it to be a command or ordinance. Thus they changed the meaning and original intent of the verse. The apostle Paul was not giving a command, but rather was only asking a question.

The Bible is its own best commentary. Reading in context is still good advice and the 20/20 rule is another good technique when faced with a potentially confusing verse. The 20/20 rule suggests reading 20 verses before and 20 verses after the text in question to get the full context and meaning.

Paul was writing to members of the church in Corinth who many were involved in practicing various corrupt rituals taken from pagan religions. A careful reading of verse 29 in the context of chapter 15 reveals the passage to be a question, which was asked in a discussion regarding the subject of resurrection of the dead. Paul was not admonishing or encouraging the practice of baptism for the dead.

May we be encouraged by reading 1 Corinthians 15:12-14, "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."

The fundamental truth is that God's plan was for Jesus to die, be buried, arise from the grave, and then ascend into heaven. The good news we should be sharing with others is that He will one day return again. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 we read, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

God, by His Holy Spirit, is still teaching me how to read, understand, and apply to my life His Holy and living word. As a college graduate, I would like to offer the following advice, "Read scripture passages in context, and always remember to pay attention to punctuation marks!" May we be encouraged as we stand upon the teachings that Christ was raised from the dead and thus taught resurrection of the dead. We too, as believers in Christ, can experience this resurrection power and will never have to experience separation from the love of the Father who we shall abide with in heaven forever. Amen.