¹⁹ If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

²⁰ But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.^{[a](A) 21} For since death came through a human, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human,^{(B) 22} for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. ²³ But each in its own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. ²⁴ Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power.^{(C) 25} For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.^{(D) 26} The last enemy to be destroyed is death.^(E)