Paul turns from a negative argument (1 Corinthians 15:13–19) to a positive one. This change in direction is signified with the words but in fact
(or, but now
).
Christ’s resurrection is a historical fact. After stating this fact, Paul immediately draws a connection between Christ’s resurrection and that of Christ’s deceased followers. He does this by calling Christ the firstfruits.
In the Mosaic law the firstfruits are the first part of a harvest. The firstfruits represent the whole harvest and are therefore offered to God, from whom the whole harvest comes (Leviticus 23:9–11; Deuteronomy 26:1–4). The firstfruits are also a sign that the rest of the harvest will follow. In the same way, Christ’s resurrection is a guarantee that his followers too will be raised to new life.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.