[Verginius Rufus]

The Mormon practice of baptism for the dead is based on First Corinthians 15:29 ("Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"). They claim to have revived a practice which the other churches have forgotten.

I haven't looked at any commentaries to see what the Biblical experts say about this verse, but Paul definitely seems to be speaking of an ongoing practice of people being baptized on behalf of dead persons.

[Elsie]

I haven't looked at any commentaries to see what the Biblical experts say about this verse.....

 

You don't NEED a commentary.... here is what PAUL said --

1 Corinthians 11:34
 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.   And when I come I will give further directions.

(this was instructions about the Lord's Supper, but no doubt gives clues as to Paul's not writing EVERYTHING down, but speaking face to face.)

[cherry]

"They claim to have revived a practice which the other churches have forgotten."

what, like polygamy?

[frgoff]

You should take a look at the commentaries. They are fun to read. This verse gives folks a lot of conniptions. Strong is the most honest about it. He basically says: Apparently early Christians were baptized on behalf of the dead, and Paul uses this practice as an example of the reality of the resurrection.

The kookiest commentaries are those which basically maintain that Paul was taking a heretical or pagan practice and using it to illustrate a Christian truth. Kind of like saying: Why do Wiccans celebrate Spring if there is no resurrection? If there is no resurrection, than why do Wiccans celebrate the Spring?