{But now} (
uni de). Emphatic form of 
un with -i
added (cf.  12:18 ). It is the logical triumph of Paul after the
_reductio ad impossibile_ (Findlay) of the preceding argument.
{The first-fruits} (aparch(885c)). Old word from aparchomai, to
offer firstlings or first-fruits. In LXX for first-fruits. In
papyri for legacy-duty, entrance-fee, and also first-fruits as
here. See also verse  23  16:15  Ro 8:23 , etc. Christ is
"first-born from the dead" ( Col 1:18 ). Others raised from the
dead died again, but not so Jesus. {That sleep} (	(936e)
kekoim(886d)en(936e)). Perfect middle participle as in  Mt 27:52  which
see. Beautiful picture of death from which word (koimaomai)
comes our cemetery.