Note 5 at 1Co 15:23: This verse reveals to us that there are successive stages of the resurrection: (1) Christ was the "firstfruits," (2) some of the Old Testament saints were resurrected at the time of Christ's resurrection (Mt 27:50-53), (3) those who are Christ's will be resurrected at His coming (this verse and 1Th 4:13-18), and (4) the unbelievers will resurrected unto damnation (Joh 5:28-29 and Re 20:12-13).

Note 6 at 1Co 15:23: Paul's emphasis was on the bodily resurrection, yet he mentioned the second coming of the Lord Jesus twice in this chapter (here and 1Co 15:51-52). This is because that is the time when mankind's physical resurrection will take place.