The argument in this verse and the previous one is rather difficult to see until one realizes that us is now used in place of “the body” in verse 13. Us also includes the readers. Paul is teaching that our bodies do have importance, because God will raise them (us) as he raised Christ. There is also an implied contrast with verse 12b: God will destroy the “stomach,” because it is only “a material organ that I use for a short time”; but he will raise us, that is, the body of believers. Good News Bible does not show this contrast clearly. The Greek is more strictly “God both raised the Lord from death, and will also raise us by his power.”

This verse may also be expressed as “God caused the Lord to come alive again, and he will use his power to cause us to come alive.”

In the first paragraph we assumed that the future tense will … raise us is correct (compare 2 Cor 4.14). However, there is important manuscript evidence also for the present tense “raises” and the past tense “raised.” All translations consulted choose the future tense as fitting in better with the argument; New Jerusalem Bible gives the past tense in a footnote. In chapter 15 the present tense is often used, but it is in the passive voice. Others may have changed to past tense to introduce a reference to baptism. However, it is also possible to argue that the past tense is more difficult, and therefore more likely to be what Paul originally wrote. Most people, however, agree with the UBS Greek text, Revised Standard Version, and Good News Bible in choosing the future tense will … raise. Will … raise … up translates a Greek compound (like the English “raise up”) of the verb raised used in the first clause of this verse. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch restructures and expands the second half of the verse, “so his power will also awaken us to new life.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .