The Last Man from Heaven. The Logic of Paul’s Argument in 1Cor 15,45–49

Abstract This article challenges an interpretative trend since the 20 th century regarding 1Cor 15,47, arguing that a Christology of pre-existence better clarifies 1Cor 15,45–49. It contends that Paul draws extensively from Genesis, reading creation and new creation through each other. Within this paradigm, the phrase “life-giving spirit” in 15,45 is read as an allusion to the “breath” in Gen 2,7, founded in Christ’s mediation of both creation and new creation (cf. 1Cor 8,6). The article also revives the older interpretation of 15,47, reading the “second man from heaven” as a descending-ascending redeemer. The essay diverges from recent scholarly approaches by arguing Christ’s pre-existence is logically integral to Paul’s contrast between the two Adams.