In following Paul’s teaching on the resurrection of Jesus we are clearly stepping into the application of that which is our own bodily resurrection. The fact that we too are raised is the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. The fact that Jesus was raised is the evidence that we will be also. Paul reveals two more evidences; the first is regarding the Corinthians and the second refers to Paul himself.
“Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15 v 29-34)
So it appears that the Corinthians were believing that it was possible to be baptised on behalf of someone who had died. Paul is highlighting that if those who are doing so also do not believe in the resurrection of believers then what is the point of baptising the dead? If the Christian dead are just dead then there is no reason to be baptised for them. It is a nonsense. Not only is the practice nonsense. The reason for doing so is also a nonsense.
Now let’s see the evidence around Paul. He is in danger every hour; he faces death daily; he has fought severe opposition (wild beasts); why would he do all that with only a simple hope that there just may be a resurrection? More than that, if there is no resurrection then we are not going to get judged so we might as well do whatever we want to do on earth, right? No!
Paul closes this particular argument by calling for them to not be corrupted by the company they keep. Wherever the Corinthians got the idea about no resurrection from it had impacted them negatively and Paul calls for them not be misled anymore.
Missions Paul 