But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Ver. 20. The firstfruits, &c.] As in the firstfruits offered to God, the Jews were assured of God's blessing on the whole harvest; so by the resurrection of Christ, our resurrection is insured.
Christ is risen] This was wont to be the form of salutation among Christians of old, Christus resurrexit, Christ is risen from the dead.