Chapter 24: Baptism for the Dead1 Corinthians 15:29 and Christ’s Mission to the Spirits

In brief

What did Paul mean by “baptized for the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:29)? Seaich gathers evidence from the Shepherd of Hermas, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Epiphanius, John Chrysostom, and medieval writers showing that early Christians performed baptisms for the dead, based on Christ’s preaching “to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:6). Modern non-LDS scholars increasingly agree. Restored in the Latter-day Saint temple, the ordinance is a “first chance” for the uninformed, and it is the “welding link” between generations (D&C 128:18).

This page summarizes Chapter 24 of Understanding Mormonism: The Restored Gospel of Christ and Its Biblical Foundations in Latter-day Saint Belief by Eugene Seaich (2026 Annotated Edition, edited by Eric Hendrickson). The summary is quoted from the book’s “In brief” and is editorial material, not the author’s words. The full chapter, with its notes and argument, is in the book.

Independent scholarship by Eugene Seaich. Not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.